DIY No Sew Dog Bandana

There is something undeniably cute about a dog in a fresh bandana. It adds a perfect pop of personality to their daily walk.

But if the thought of threading a needle makes you nervous, this project is exactly what you need.

We are making a no-sew dog bandana that slips right over your dog’s existing collar. It is safer than the tie-on kind since it won’t fall off during play, and it looks incredibly professional.

Best of all, it requires absolutely zero sewing skills.

How To Make No-Sew Dog Bandanas

Custom pet accessories can get expensive, which isn’t great if your dog loves rolling in the mud. Making them yourself is a fantastic alternative that saves money and lets you choose the perfect fabric for your pup’s personality.

Here is why you will love this method:

• No sewing required: We use heat-activated bonding tape that is strong, durable, and comes together in minutes.
• Secure fit: The bandana slides right onto the collar, so it stays comfortable and won’t get lost.
• Easy updates: You can swap styles instantly whenever you want a new look.
• Zero waste: It is the perfect excuse to use up those colorful fabric scraps hiding in your drawer.

Supplies and Materials

You don’t need a fully stocked craft room for this. In fact, you might already have everything lying around the house.

• Fabric scraps: Cotton works best because it irons well. You will need pieces at least 14 x 14 inches.
• Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors will give you the cleanest edges.
• Iron: This is your “sewing machine” for the day.
• Hemming Tape: Often called “stitch witchery,” this melts to bond the fabric.
• Dog collar: Have your dog’s regular flat collar handy to measure the loop size.
• Pencil and Ruler: Essential for getting that symmetrical bandana shape.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make a Dog Bandana

Clear off a bit of table space and set up your ironing board. This process is very forgiving, so relax and have fun with it.

1. Draw your template

Start by laying your fabric flat with the patterned side facing down. You will draw your guidelines directly on the back of the fabric. The shape we are aiming for looks a lot like an open envelope.

Draw a rectangle about 10 inches wide and 5 inches high, placing the bottom of the rectangle at the edge of your fabric. Then, draw a triangle sitting perfectly on top of that rectangle. The rectangle part is important because it eventually folds over to create the loop for the collar.

2. Cut the fabric pieces

Once you are happy with your outline, cut it out carefully. You need two identical pieces of fabric to make the bandana sturdy and give it a polished finish on both sides.

If you are using patterned fabric, pay attention to the direction of the print so it doesn’t end up upside down. Use your first cut piece as a stencil for the second one to ensure they match perfectly.

3. Iron the hems

Now, create neat edges. Take each piece of fabric and fold the edges in about half an inch toward the back side. Press these folds down firmly with your hot iron.

This step hides the raw edges and prevents fraying, giving your no-sew bandana that clean, store-bought look. Do this for all sides on both pieces of fabric.

4. Bond the layers together

Place one piece of fabric on your ironing board with the folded hems facing up. Cut strips of your hemming tape and lay them along the edges you just ironed.

Place the second piece of fabric on top, with the patterned side facing out like a sandwich. Make sure the edges align nicely. Run your hot iron over the fabric to melt the tape and bond the two layers together. If any spots feel loose, just apply a bit more heat.

5. Form the collar loop

You are nearly there. Fold the top rectangle section of the bandana down to create a casing for the collar. Before you seal it, hold it up to your dog’s collar to make sure the loop is wide enough for the buckle to slide through easily.

Place a final strip of hemming tape across the bottom of this fold and iron it securely. Let the fabric cool completely so the bond sets, then slide the collar through.

Handy Hints

• Mix it up: Use two different fabrics for the front and back so you have a reversible bandana.
• Size matters: If you have a tiny dog or a large breed, adjust the starting rectangle size accordingly.
• Care instructions: Since this uses glue instead of thread, hand washing is the safest way to keep it intact for the long haul.

Your dog is now ready to strut their stuff with a custom accessory you made with your own hands!

Serena Faber-Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

Fluffy Editorial

Fluffy Editorial is our in-house team of writers and dog nerds. We research every topic carefully, talk to professionals when needed, and focus on sharing honest advice we’d follow with our own dogs.

You do not have any posts.