How To Make A Dog Bandana At Home

My favorite thing in the whole world is pets in clothing. I can’t get enough of dog jackets, booties, hats, sunglasses, and sweaters. They bring me so much joy as I am walking down the street. Unfortunately, some pets don’t get that same kind of joy from being forced into fun outfits. So bandanas are a great compromise! They aren’t uncomfortable for your dog to wear, but you still get to squeal in delight at how cute and fashionable your pup looks.

Hot tip: bandanas work great for dogs, cats, ferrets, lizards, birds, or any other pet who you want to dress up!

So now that you are totally sold on the idea of dressing your dog up in bandanas with bold prints and fun colors that brighten up everyone’s day, where do you start? There are really four approaches that you can take here.

1. You can find a scrap of fabric or a regular bandana and just tie that around your dog’s neck. This is the easiest and cheapest solution, but can lead to bunched up fabric or fall off of your pup midday.

2. You can buy an already made dog bandana from Etsy, Amazon, or your local pet supply store. If you don’t have the time or creative energy to make your own bandana, this can be a great solution.

3. If you are ready to get those creative juices flowing and want to personalize your pet’s fashion, but you don’t have a sewing machine, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our no-sew instructions for a dog bandana.

4. If you’re a sewing pro or just recently found your old sewing machine in your closet and you’re ready to dust it off, we’ve got easy sewing instructions just for you!

No-Sew instructions

What you need:

• Fabric of your choosing: at least 12.5″ square
• Scissors
• Hem tape
• Iron
• Your pet’s collar
• Measuring tape

1. Measure your pet’s collar, not including the plastic buckles. If you are making a bandana for a large dog, add 2.5″ to this measurement. For a medium dog add 2″ and for a small dog or cat add 1.5″.
2. Cut your fabric into a square equal to that new number.
3. Fold your square of fabric into a triangle (pattern side up) and iron it to get a visible, sharp crease and then open it back up. The pattern should now be face down on the table.
4. Laying the fabric in front of you so that it looks like a diamond, fold the two side corners in towards the middle along the crease 2.5″, 2″, or 1.5″ depending on your earlier measurement.
5. Place a piece of hem tape beneath those folded corners and iron them down to seal.
6. Next, place hem tape along the half of the diamond closest to you, leaving the folded corners free of tape.
7. Place hem tape across the bandana horizontally, from edge to edge, starting and ending just below the two folded corners
8. Fold the fabric back into a triangle and iron the edges to seal.
9. You should now have a bandana with a rectangular casing at the top.
10. Simply slip your pet’s collar through the holes, buckle, and enjoy!

Sewing instructions

What you need:

• Fabric of your choosing: at least 12.5″ square
• Scissors
• Hem tape
• Iron
• Your pet’s collar
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine (or needle, thread, and a lot of patience)

1. Measure your pet’s collar, not including the plastic buckles. If you are making a bandana for a large dog, add 2.5″ to this measurement. For a medium dog add 2″ and for a small dog or cat add 1.5″.
2. Cut your fabric into a square equal to that new number.
3. Fold your square of fabric into a triangle (pattern side up) and iron it to get a visible, sharp crease and then open it back up. The pattern should now be face down on the table.
4. Laying the fabric in front of you so that it looks like a diamond, fold the two side corners in towards the middle along the crease 2.5″, 2″, or 1.5″ depending on your earlier measurement.
5. Sew the corners down.
6. Fold the fabric back into a triangle, but this time with the patterned sides together so it is inside out.
7. Sew the straight, raw edges together. Make sure to leave start and end at the folded edges so that you don’t accidentally sew your casing closed.
8. Turn your bandana right side out by pulling it carefully through one of the holes at the top of your bandana.
9. You should now have a bandana with a rectangular casing at the top.
10. Simply slip your pet’s collar through the holes, buckle, and enjoy!