How-To: Sew an Easy Dog Bandanna

Now that the weather is actually warm enough to spend more time outside with our furry friends, how about we make something special for them?

I was browsing through my local pet supply shop recently and was amazed at how much they were charging for dog bandannas. $25 for less than a half-yard of cheap broadcloth? Yikes! I know that we can make better quality ones for a whole lot less.

To begin, measure the neck of your dog. The dog I’m making this bandanna for has a 16 inch neck. Now multiply that measurement by one and a half times. That makes 24 inches for my dog. I need to make a bandanna with a neck length of 24 inches – but that’s just one side of the triangle… So how do we figure out how to cut the fabric?

Lay your fabric out on your cutting table (I’d recommend using one of those inexpensive cardboard cutting mats with different angles marked on them). Fold one corner of the fabric over, making sure it’s straight and even. Measure the folded edge and keep adjusting until you’ve got the length you need (the sample is shown with a 24″ length)

Cut along the folded edge, cut off the selvedge and sew along all three sides using a rolled hem. You can also embellish with embroidery stitches or paint at this point too.
Here’s the finished bandanna – is that cute or what?

Just a reminder, all photos & tutorials are copyright and are not to be reused or copied in any manner.  And remember to not leave bandannas on an unattended dog – they can be a safety hazard!

images: copyright C Findlay-Harder

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