How to Make a Pet Collar with a Matching Leash

Measure Your Pet

With a measuring tape, measure around your pet’s neck where the collar will sit. Take this number and multiply it by two.

For example, Rufus (my smaller dog) has an 11″ (28 cm) neck, so my final measurement will be 22″ (56 cm). Camila (my bigger dog) has a 16″ (40.5 cm) neck so I will need 32″ (81 cm) for her.

Cut the Fabric

Camila will need a 1” (2.5 cm) collar width and Rufus’ will be 3/4″ (1.9 cm). I’m cutting a strip of fabric as long as the neck measurement, but four times my desired width because we’re going to fold the fabric a few times before sewing.

For example, Rufus needs a cut of fabric 22” (56 cm) long and 3” (7.6 cm) wide. Camila, being a bit bigger, will need a 32” (81 cm) long strip that is 4” (10 cm) wide.

Cut and Burn the Webbing

Cut the webbing at the same length as your fabric strip from step two, except trim 1/2″ (1 cm) from each end. Then, take a lighter and burn the cut ends to make sure they don’t unravel inside the collar. My webbing is 1″ (2.5 cm) wide to match the intended width of my collar.

Encase the Webbing

With the right side of your fabric facing down, fold the short edges in by 1/4″ (1/2 cm) and iron flat. Tuck the ends of your webbing into each side and make sure the bottom edges align.

Fold the bottom long edge of the fabric, with the webbing inside, to the center and iron flat. Clip in place and sew along the raw edge (the middle) so all fabric and webbing is stitched together.

Do the same folding with the top side (the one without the webbing encased) until both edges meet in the middle. This process is almost like making bias tape!

Fold this piece in half a final time, tucking the raw edges inside, and clip it down. Sew with a 1/4″ (1/2 cm) seam allowance down all four edges of the fabric.

Add the Adjuster and First Buckle

Using the photo below as a guide, attach the adjuster and first buckle piece:

1. Stick one end through one slot of the adjuster then feed it back out the other.
2. Take the male end (pointy end) of the buckle and continue feeding the fabric through one slot and out the other (just like the adjuster).
3. Grab the end that’s still sticking out from the buckle, loop it back under and feed it through the first slot of the adjuster. You will most likely need to pull up the part that’s already wrapped inside the adjuster to make room.
4. Pull the end through the second slot and secure it with a clip on the inside of the loop. Test adjusting the collar with the clip in place to make sure everything works.
5. Sew in place– I like to use straight stitches to form a little box with an “X” through it for extra durability.

Add the D-ring and Second Buckle

Take the other end of the collar strap and feed the D-ring through, stopping a few inches in. Make sure the rounded edge of the D-ring is facing out.

Slide the loose end through the female (non-pointy) piece of the buckle. Clip it down on the inside side of the collar and sew in place, making sure the D-ring is on the inside of said loop. Sew another stitch line on the other side of the D-ring so it has only a little bit of wiggle room. This is where a leash hook will go, so it needs to be secure but not too tight.

Now you have a finished pet collar! Hook your pup’s tags or some extra bling around the D-ring and you’re ready to go.

Make the Matching Leash

For a matching leash, you’ll follow the collar steps 1 through 4. This time, however, use 1 yard/meter of Lightweight Cotton Twill rather than a fat quarter. I want Camila’s leash strap to be about 5 feet in length, so I cut my fabric to match. Remember, you can piece the fabric strips together like you would for a large sized collar– that’s what I’m doing!

After your leash strap is complete, feed it through the slot of your leash hook about 2″ (5 cm) and sew in place.

Finally, take the other end of the leash strap and create a loop comfortable enough for your hand to hold. Sew the end down and you now have a leash!