- Measure the circumference of your dog's neck, then add 4 inches to that number and write it down. This is the length you'll need to cut your fabric. Cut the hardware off an old dog collar, or purchase a new clip and "D" ring at a crafts or notions shop. Measure the width of the clip from top to bottom. Multiply the width by 4, and cut a piece of firm fabric using the two numbers you came up with--the length plus 4 and the width multiplied by 4.
- Cut a piece of iron-on interfacing a bit smaller than the cut piece of fabric, and iron it onto the back of the cut fabric. Fold the fabric and interfacing lengthwise in half to create a crease. Open it back up and fold each of the sides toward the center crease line. Then fold it in half once more, clipping the edges with a tension clip.
Use a top stitch to sew the edges of the folded fabric, and use a zig zag stitch on the ends. - Thread sewn fabric through the male end of the buckle clip, leaving an extra 1 1/2 inches sticking out of the end. Create a loop with the fabric tag and sew it across the collar, as close to the end of the fabric as possible. Then sew across the collar as close to the buckle as possible.
- Slide the "D" ring onto the open end of the collar, and slip it all the way to the male clip for now. Thread the female end of the clip onto the opposite end of the collar material, with the buckle facing up. Check the size by holding the collar around your dog's neck. When satisfied with the fit, sew the buckle into place. (Remove stitching and redo if you find that the collar is too tight or too loose after you've finished.)
Stitch the "D" ring into place by sewing across the fabric on either side of the ring. Trim any loose threads and fit the collar to your dog. You should be able to put two fingers comfortably inside of the collar.
previous post