I swiped past another beautiful puppy photo with the matching collar, leash, and bandana. But my dog’s store bought collar just didn’t match my living room.
Or, you shell out $40-$80 for a designer collar and it doesn’t work. You’re stuck choosing between spending way too much on one that almost works or something that makes you want to cry when you look at your photos of your best friend. Your dog deserves better, as does your Instagram feed.
DIY dog collars are a life-saver. Make a paracord dog collar tutorial or a beaded dog collar DIY that suits your home with these tutorials. Just as the homemade dog shampoo that smells better, but your way.
Have you ever dreamed of your dog accessorizing in an adorable boutique style? Well now, with these 5 DIY dog accessories, you can make that dream a reality, even on a budget! These DIY dog accessories look like they’re from the pros, but they’re so easy that even beginners can make them. Plus, your pup will be the star of every walk and every room they lounge in!
#1: Floral Fantasy Collar (Metal Buckle Clasp, Instagram-Worthy Prints)
I mean, who’s going to judge you for owning a dog collars that are worth more than your neighbor’s? The pink daisy collar has crisp white florals printed on blush fabric, while the spotted bunny collar is full of fun patterns and comes with matching metal clips.
Best for: Dachshund, Pug, Chihuahua, any small dog will do, but definitely your Instagram co-stars. Just the one for your daily walks, when you’re stopped every block.
What’s in the box: 1 pair of Tough Collars with Quick Release Buckle; Adjustable Slider fits 12-18”; Heavy-Duty Nylon Webbing; Reinforced D-ring at buckle, not some weak side loop.
3. The folds don’t poke. If your dog isn’t chewing the rough edges, it’s because the folded material is always pressed against your dog’s neck all day.
You will stop making “cute” and “clashes with my throw pillows” mistakes, because these prints will always look great with your modern home. If you’ve ever dreamed of making your own dog collars, this style is the perfect one to use for your DIY dog collars project. All you need is cotton fabric, webbing and some hardware and you’re in business. If you’re looking for matching home goods, check out my post on DIY Dog Houses – How to Build the Perfect Home for Your Dog and let your dog earn their photo shoot with Frozen Dog Treats: Delicious & Easy DIY Recipes to Keep Your Dog Cool.
Pro tip: So, to get the right neck size for your dog, you should measure 2 inches up from that. That way it’s not choking your dog, and it’s not going to slip off.
Want to make this yourself? [DIY tutorial here]
#2: Brown Woven Nylon Collar (Heavy-Duty Weave, Classic Chocolate)
The perfectly wide basket weave of this brown woven nylon collar spreads the pressure equally across every thread. The rich chocolate color conceals the mud from trails and the reinforced stitching at the stress points won’t fray after months of daily wear.
Best for: Medium to large dogs who love to pull while they’re walking or a rough and tumble dog that needs a more durable jacket.
It is so flexible, however it is extremely strong and cannot break as it has no single point of failure. It adjusts from about 14 to 20 inches with a side-release buckle. The 1-inch width will not dig into a dog’s neck when he is sprinting after a squirrel.
They won’t feel trapped because the soft nylon fibers will bend with their neck allowing them to run, play and drink water without the collar rubbing on their neck.
I am in love with this neutral brown because it goes with any season and will not look dirty. The color matches with any leash style you may already have so you don’t need to buy matching sets. It also won’t show the inevitable peanut butter smudges from making DIY dog treats for training.
Pro tip: 3. Rinse off. After a day at the beach or lake, rinse the collar off with warm water. The weave allows sand and grit to fall off more quickly than a solid nylon collar.
Want to make this yourself? [DIY tutorial here]
#3: Butterfly Garden Fabric Collar (Reversible Pattern, Show-Stopping Style)
My wife did a double-take when she saw butterflies all around our dog’s neck and realized that it was not just a store-bought collar. Instead, it’s a handmade fabric wrap with monarch, swallowtail, and blue morpho butterflies on black.
Really good item for medium to large dogs that want to take a walk on the wild side! The width of the fabric is about 1.5 inches and it has adjustable black plastic hardware that snaps easily.
The soft cotton blend material will not scratch or paw their neck while they play and quick release buckles with a D-ring to attach a leash. Hand wash when their paws get muddy and they give you a big hello kiss.
They are comfortable for your dog to wear because they are soft and breathable, not to mention they won’t chafe their delicate skin! This may give your dog less excuses to roll in the grass or scratch at his nylon collar. You will get compliments from every passerby on this style collar.
If you are the type of person that likes to make things for your home that fit your style then you are going to want to check out 10 Creative DIY Dog Bed Ideas for Your Furry Friend for more DIY dog projects so that you can make the final call on the details of the project.
Pro tip: 6. Create a shortlist of your favorite “weekday” and “weekend” walks.
Want to make this yourself? [DIY tutorial here]
#4: Ocean Mosaic Paracord Leash & Collar Set (Hand-Braided Durability Meets Gallery-Worthy Design)
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
These are made with paracord weaving in blues and teals with a bronze accent. The paracord weaving reminds me of tiles on the ocean in the sun.
BEST FOR
Medium to large dog who likes to pull but also likes to look good while doing it. Great for homes with a coastal theme or if you are tired of the same old pet store crap.
KEY FEATURES
The paracord is rated for 550 lbs of tensile strength, so you won’t fall if your dog goes. The cobra weave remains flexible after months of salt water and rain. The necklace has a heavy-duty metal clasp that will not rust or snap.
WHY YOUR DOG WILL LOVE IT
This braid won’t dig into their neck as you tug excitedly on it.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT
It looks amazing on walks (and) it hangs on your entryway hook like real décor! If you’re inspired to make more DIY dog accessories you’ll find matching projects in 13 Genius DIY Dog Stuff Every Pet Parent Needs to Try Today! to go with your outdoor set-ups, like these in 18 Creative DIY Dog Fence Ideas for Your Yard.
Pro tip: If you are worried that the ends of your paracord dog collar will fray after you follow the paracord dog collar tutorial you can melt the ends of the cords with a lighter before braiding them.
Want to make this yourself? [DIY tutorial here]
#5: Teal Mosaic Pattern Collar with Matching Leash (Bohemian Charm, Everyday Durability)
3. The white shepherd is wearing an amazing teal mosaic collar with a yellow-green geometric pattern and a matching fabric leash. It has a webbed base with a fabric overlay and looks like it was made by hand.
Best for: For medium to large dogs who might need a collar for those morning walks that are turning into afternoon coffee stops.
The fabric overlay is placed over the nylon webbing. You get your pretty pattern but you get toughness to go with it. The harness is adjustable with a metal slider buckle. There’s a D ring at the top that won’t bend under leash pressure. It looks about 1” wide which is good for dispersing the pull without cutting into the fur.
Even your dog won’t notice the difference. The soft fabric lies flat on your dog’s neck and doesn’t chafe. It’s like adding the perfect accent pieces while you try out 21 Creative DIY Dog House Ideas for Your Dog Friend.
This DIY dog collar is under $8 and takes about 30 minutes to make. I used some fun patterned fabric and webbing. It’s the perfect accent to my throw pillows and curtains. If you’re like me and love the idea of matching your dog’s accessories to your decor, you’ll love this dog collar! Check out these 14 Creative DIY Elevated Dog Bed Ideas You’ll Love.
Pro tip: Before you start to sew, you should seal the edges with clear nail polish so that they won’t fray.
Want to make this yourself? [DIY tutorial here]
Ready to Create Your Designer Dog Accessories?
You are a crafty person. And you can make anything from beaded dog collar DIY to macrame dog collars. You are following paracord dog collar tutorials and thinking of sewing dog bandanas free pattern. Your dog is the coolest in the neighborhood.
You can also check out 16 Creative DIY Dog Crate Ideas for Pet Lovers and 14 Easy DIY Dog House Ideas for Your Furry Friend to finish off the look of your home. Don’t forget 16 Creative DIY Dog Toys Your Pup Will Love!
Not only will you save some money, but you will also have something unique and your own style. Which DIY pet accessories project will you start today?
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
