How to Sew a Bandana for a Dog Collar

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 Approved

Are you looking for a way to "dress up" a dog or make your dog noticeable in a crowd? A dog collar bandanna may be just the thing you are looking for. It is simple to sew and infinitely customizable.

Steps

1
Obtain fabric. If you sew, you probably already have plenty of material available in your scrap pile, but you could purchase fabric specifically for this project if you wish. You will need a square of fabric approximately 14 inches (35.6 cm) square for a large dog and as small as 8 inches (20.3 cm) square for a bandanna for a smaller dog.
2
Cut the fabric into a square. The diagonal of the square will be two times the length of the bandana, so if you want a 5 inch (12.7 cm) long bandana, cut a square with a diagonal length of 11 inches (27.9 cm). (two x five inches + one inch to allow for the sewing seams)

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3
Place the square with printed side down on a flat surface.
4
Fold two opposite corners in approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in toward the center. This should leave a folded edge of approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) long at the corner. Pin in place.
5
Stitch the folded corners down close to their raw edges.
6
Fold the bandana diagonally with printed sides facing each other and unsewn corners together. This should line up your raw edges and leave the previously folded and sewn corners opposite each other. Pin and sew the raw edges together to form the point of the bandana. DO NOT sew the folded corners closed.
7
Trim the seam and miter the point of the bandana to make turning the point "right side out" easier.
8
Turn the printed side of the bandana to the outside and iron flat if needed.
9
Top stitch the edges of the bandana down and around the point.
10
Stitch the long edge (hypotenuse) approximately an inch and a half from the folded edge, leaving a tube or "casing" to slide your dog's collar through.
11
Trim away threads as needed.
12
Decorate as you please.
13
Slide your dog's collar through the casing and then reattach the collar to your dog for display, identification, decoration, or just for fun.

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Community Q&A

Question

I'm confused at Step 7. If I sew the edges, how do I flip it inside out?

Community Answer

Leave about an inch or so unsewn so that you can flip it right side out, then sew that shut. It is usually best to do this in an area that isn't shown, so you can hide that stitch.
Question

What size do I cut out for medium and little dogs?

Community Answer

To make small dog bandanas: Cut two blocks 6" square (for the skinniest collars). To make medium dog bandanas: Cut two blocks 8" square. Choose washable cotton or cotton blend fabrics to make dog bandanas.
Question

What are the seam allowances in steps 6 and 9?

Community Answer

Step 6 - Seam allowance isn't stated, can be your choosing as it is not significant to the design. You should probably choose 1/2" for consistency. Step 9 - Seam allowance can be estimated from the data in step 10 and the picture in step 12. It is approximately 1/2".
Question

How well will a bandana stand up to the wear and tear of daily use?

Community Answer

Not well, I suspect. To make an actual collar, you would have to but a few holes in order to attach it to a leash, which would further weaken the material.