A dog bandana is a triangular or square piece of cloth you can attach or tie on your dog’s neck for special occasions. That way, you will enhance its physical appearance and underline its unique personality.
Luckily, you can choose among numerous different models that fit your sewing skills. The best part is that you can use material you have already had at home to make your own dog bandana without spending too much time and money. The result will be the DIY dog bandana that no other pet wears. Let’s see.
When deciding to make a DIY dog bandana for your furry friend, the first thing to do is choose between a few sizes for dog bandanas according to your pet’s size. Typical dog bandana dimensions include:
- XS – For the dog with neck size of 11 inches (28 cm)
- S – For the dog with neck size of 15 inches (38 cm)
- M – For the dog with neck size of 19 inches (48 cm)
- L – For the dog with neck size of 23 inches (58.5 cm)
The next step is to determine how to make a dog bandana out of fabric. First, you need to follow the dog bandana size chart and precisely measure and cut chosen cloth, depending on your preferred model size.
- XS – 17 inches (43 cm) wide by 7 inches (18 cm) long
- S – 23 inches (58.5 cm) wide by 9.5 inches (24 cm) long
- M – 28 inches (71 cm) wide by 12.5 inches (32 cm) long
- L – 34 inches (86 cm) wide by 14 inches (35.5 cm) long
- XL – 40 inches (1 m) wide by 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) long
Keep in mind that some models require precise measuring. On the other hand, making dog bandanas of adjustable size is practical when you have a puppy and want to use the same product for a long.
1. Dog Bandana With Pom-Poms
You need to be moderately experienced with a sewing machine and know exactly how to cut dog bandanas. Only that way, pom-poms will stay in line and look beautiful.
Skill level
- Intermediate sewing skills
Tool
- Sewing machine
- Tailor’s scissors
Material
- Cotton canvas or baby bandana bib
- 1 yard (0.9 m) long pom-pom trim
- Clover’s patch
Instructions
Don’t be afraid even though this dog bandana template looks complicated since you can make this fancy model without much trouble. If you chose a suitable material, you don’t even need to sew it.
Cut pom-pom trim to fit the bandana edges, but take care to leave extra ends just in case. Then, sew it along the canvas edge and attach the patch. You can choose to sew or glue it, depending on your skills and desires.
2. Velcro Bandana
It is a pretty effortless way to design your own dog bandana. The only complication is to shape it appropriately since this model is a bit different from classical ones.
Skill level
- Intermediate sewing skills
Tool
- Sewing machine
- Tailor’s scissors
Material
- Cotton canvas
- Velcro
Instructions
Shape this lovely bandana for dogs to look like a boomerang, with curved ends that are much longer than in other models. The best option is to draw the scheme on the paper first, cut it, and place it over the material. It will help you effortlessly create the desired shape.
Cut two identical pieces and take care to leave at least 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) for the margin. Sew them together and then turn them outside. In the end, stick the two Velcro pieces on both ends. That will allow you to adjust the dog bandana’s sizes when needed.
3. Dress Shirt Bandana
Find old boy dress shirts of S/M/L size, depending on your buddy’s neck circumference. Find the one with a button if you don’t want to sew the new one. That way, you won’t have a problem with how to tie a dog bandana.
Skill level
- Beginner sewing skills
Tool
- Measuring tape
- Tailor’s scissors
Material
- Collared shirt
Instructions
You should be careful and pick out the model with a collar stand to get the model to stay firm. Cut off the shirt collar alongside the seam under the top button and collar stand. Believe it or not, that’s it!
4. Scarf Bandana
If you wonder how to make a dog scarf without any sewing skills, this is the model you should choose. The only thing you need is a large old square cotton scarf you should put around your buddy’s neck.
Skill level
- Beginner sewing skills
Tool
- Sewing machine
- Tailor’s scissors
- Marker
Material
- Big square cotton scarf
Instructions
First, you need to fold the scarf in half to get a double triangle. Then, tie it in a knot at the back of the pet’s neck, and you will get an elegant no sewing dog bandana.
Another option is to make a homemade dog bandana of a big dog bandana fabric piece for a special occasion. For example, you can choose a thematic DIY dog bandana pattern and create a Christmas scarf for a dog or a stylish dog’s Thanksgiving bandana like no one else has. In such a case, you will need to hem the material edge, bend it to make a scarf that you should tie around your buddy’s neck.
5. Collared Bandana
Bandana dog collar is an excellent idea to transform the ordinary collar into a stylish and trendy piece. It won’t require any particular skills since you can use a glue gun and quickly glue cloth edges instead of time-consuming sewing.
Skill level
- Intermediate sewing skills.
Tool
- Sewing machine
- Tailor’s scissors
- Glue and glue gun
Material
- Organic cotton sateen, lightweight cotton twill, or cotton poplin
- Collar
Instructions
Pick out a desirable pattern for a dog bandana over the collar, cut it into a pentagonal shape, and glue the edges. Precisely follow the dog bandana size guide or simply measure the current collar’s length and double it. Wrap the cloth over the collar until making a pocket and sew or glue the edge.
It is not complicated to make dog bandanas on your own. Yes, it is quicker to buy one, but a DIY pet bandana is always something special and represents a connection between you and your four-legged friend. You will need only half an hour to create one of these lovely accessories, but the satisfaction of designing something personal will last for a long.
