Dogs are man’s best friend, and what better way to show your furry friend some love than by making them a custom collar? Whether you’re looking to give your dog’s collar or just want to add some personal touches, there are plenty of handmade dog collar options out there to help you get the job done. Check out these DIY dog collar ideas for inspiration!
1. Embroidered Pet Collars
Sew up a canvas cover for your pup’s leather color, bust out the embroidery thread, and let your creativity run wild. Photo credit: Think. Make. Share. Blog
2. DIY Leather Dog Collar
Make your pup a chic customized leather collar in 15 minutes or less with this simple DIY from Rooney.
3. DIY Upcycled Half Chain Martingale Dog Collar
Still want the benefit of a training collar? My So Called Crafty Life shares how to make a half chain Martingale dog collar using upcycled fabric. Some of the materials you’ll need include a half Martingale chain, old leather belt, vintage fabric, and a measuring tape.
4. Paracord Dog Collar
Use multiple colors of paracord to make your dog this colorful and sturdy DIY dog collar by DIY Pet Accessories.
5. DIY Martingale Collar
Another DIY Martingale collar option, this time without the chain. Find the full how-to over at My So Called Crafty Life.
6. Handmade Leather Dog Collar
If you want to try your hand at a fully handworked leather collar, give this how-to from J. H. Leather a try.
7. DIY Fabric Dog Collar
Pick your favorite fabric to sew your own collar based on the size of your dog. Find full how-to instructions at K9 of Mine.
8. DIY Adjustable Collar
Another fabric-sewn option, this DIY dog collar uses velcro to secure it in place. Plus she recommends using scrap fabric and then reusing the hardware when it no longer fits your pup. Find the full how-to at Sew Can She.
9. DIY Upcycled Dog Collar & Leash Tutorial
The Sorry Girls are well-known for their high-quality how-tos, and this upcycled dog collar and DIY leash do not disappoint. Search your closet—or the thrift store—for a fun belt to use for this creative take.
10. How-To: Rainbow Paracord Dog Collar
Another take on the paracord collar, this one uses rainbow cord for a fun, colorful effect. Materials needed include rainbow paracord and a side release buckle. Find the full how-to at Hands Occupied.
11. DIY Floral Dog Collar
This one isn’t the most practical collar for everyday use, but it’s a beautiful one for including your dog in a special event like a wedding. Or you could switch up the floral colors for a fun Fiesta look. You’ll need a dog collar, floral adhesive, and your favorite fake flowers. Find the how-to and a video at Green Wedding Shoes.
12. Homemade Dog Collar in Four Sizes
Patchwork and Poodles gives us two options for making a dog collar in four different sizes, so it’s a great choice whether you have a small dog or large dogs. Whether you’re starting from scratch and using nylon webbing as your base or starting with a store bought collar, you’ll need your sewing machine for this one!
13. DIY Leather Dog Collar and Leash
Another beautiful leather option, Lia Griffith breaks down how to work with leather to create your own color blocked leash and collar combo. Some of the tools and materials you’ll need include a rotary cutter, cutting mat, 2.5mm leather strip, and acrylic paint. Find a full list of items needed along with the DIY dog collar pattern here.
14. DIY Friendship Bracelet and Matching Collar
Show the world that your dog really is your furry best friend with this cute matching bracelet and collar duo. Plus it’s a great excuse to bust out your stash of embroidery thread. Get the full how-to at The Broke Dog.
15. Easy DIY Wedding Flower Collar
The Broke Dog also has another great floral collar option—this time with a little ribbon thrown into the mix.
16. DIY Adjustable Dog Collar
For a more understated rainbow collar look, check out this how-to from The Spruce Crafts which uses ribbon scraps to add a pop of different colors to neutral cotton webbing and a dog collar hardware set. Be sure to secure the strap adjuster with a good zig-zag stitch!
17. DIY Fancy Paracord Dog Collar
For a more intricate paracord collar look, Peace Donkeys shares lots of options complete with videos for each. We’re loving this diamond pattern.
18. DIY No-Sew Dog Collar Sleeves
Want the look of a customized collar without all the fuss? These fun no-sew options are a great way to add a little extra flair to a store-bought collar from Pretty Fluffy.
19. DIY Dress Shirt Dog Collars
Again, these aren’t the most practical of dog collars, but they’re friggin’ adorable and would make a great office-themed dog costume. Dalmatian DIY shows us how to pick the perfect shirt to upcycle as well as how to adjust the size of the shirt collar to fit your dog’s neck.
20. Macrame Dog Collar
Similar to paracord collars, this DIY macrame collar from Jenny Lemons uses cotton rope, a D ring, and release buckle to make 70’s-inspired collar.
Now that you’ve seen some great ideas for making your own custom dog collar, it’s time to get crafty and make one of your own! Be sure to tag us in your pics on Instagram so we can see how they turn out.
Feeling inspired to do some more hands-on projects for your pup? Check out these DIY projects:
Create Your Own Dog Sensory Garden
DIY Bone Broth Recipe for Dogs
12 Homemade Frozen Dog Treats to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer
Author: Amy Lynn
Amy is the founder of The Dog Guide, and was inspired to start the first one right here in San Antonio after adopting her first dog. In addition to being a dog mom to Texas and Terry, she's also a mom of four, and has lived in San Antonio for over 25 years.
