So we have a new puppy and she is the cutest thing, and she deserves all the cute accessories. However, the bandanas I saw at the boutique are $28 each. I start looking on Pinterest and find the cutest boho collar that matches my living room, but it’s $65!
Every time we go to the pet store, we end up not purchasing the adorable accessories that would make our golden retriever Instagram worthy (hand-stitched leashes, personalized bowls, etc.). We can’t afford it.
Here’s what nobody tells you: creating Pinterest-worthy DIY dog accessories takes less time than your Target run. You’ll spend under $10 on materials you might already own.
If you thought we were done showing you our 2017 Dollar Store Round-Up designs, we have a few more to share with you. Below are 13 of our favorite dollar store design finds, and we’ve paired each design up with a one-of-a-kind homemade dog shampoo. Feel free to check out our other DIY dog collar tutorial below this post to see more, and I know your dog will be so happy with all the designer-look accessories that you will create for him or her. You’ll finish these projects in under 30 minutes.
#1: Hand-Knit Corgi Sweater (Custom-Fit Comfort, Living Room Photo-Ready Style)
My corgi is sitting on my gray sofa wearing a burgundy cable-knit sweater and my throw pillows match the sweater perfectly so I just had to snap a few photos and share with you.
This intermediate knitting project takes about 8 hours over a weekend. It requires 200 yards worsted weight yarn (one $12 skein will do it), size 8 knitting needles and a tapestry needle for seaming. Measure your dog’s chest at its widest part (add 2 inches for comfort), length from collar to tail base and neck circumference. The cable pattern creates stretchy ribbing that moves with your dog, so you can skip fussy closures which means you can get your dog dressed in 30 seconds instead of five minutes.
The knit looked great against the neutral sofa. I had 5 instagram followers ask for the pattern after one post. Machine wash on delicate, lay flat to dry. You can get a few winters use out of it if you wear it daily. It is kind of like building a dog house and making sure it goes with your backyard. This sweater will go with your living room.
You can alter the length of your sweater by knitting the chest panel an inch longer than measured. It will gather slightly to accommodate any weight changes from 20 to 25 pounds.
Pro tip: Choose yarn in colors that you might already be wearing: camel, navy, or charcoal so that your dog can match your wardrobe for those candid coffee shop selfies.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @corgi.kobi
#2: Braided Rope Dog Tug Toy (Three-Color Design, Zero-Sew Construction)
Another dog toy that was destroyed by our dogs in less than 48 hours. This braided dog rope toy cost me $4.00. This version of the dog toy will survive about 3 months of daily tug of war with my dogs. Cut 3 strips of fleece, 60 inches long of any coordinating colors (I used turquoise, black, and cream in a beige carpet). Tie the 3 strips together 4 inches from one end. Braid tightly for 20 inches then knot the other end. It takes about 12 minutes from start to finish.
It’s the tight braid that gives it the texture that cleans your dog’s teeth while she chews and removes the plaque you’ll have to scrub off her teeth while grooming her. No sewing machine is needed, just strong hands and braiding skills your third grader mastered. And, when it gets gross (it will) put it in with your towels and washing machine. The fleece softens up after each wash, instead of fraying like cotton rope.
Make matching sets in different colors such as orange and black for the fall holidays or red and green for Christmas! Create a theme for your dogs season of birth or if you just want to use bright colors on your instagram, your dog will get the indestructible entertainment it deserves! 3 people at the dog park asked where I bought the turquoise version of the toy because they figured it cost $20 in a boutique. You can even add it to your list of things to do while making all the dogs healthy treats with your dog crafting session.
Pro tip: Wrap the other ends of your string in fabric stiffener, so that when you shake it, the knots won’t unravel. The knots will still not unravel even after 200 times of being tugged.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @dfwcraftshows
#3: DIY Rope Tug Toy with Tennis Ball (Indestructible Play, Zero Sewing)
My dog DESTROYED his fourth store-bought toy this month. In under 15 minutes you can make this tug toy that will survive your most aggressive chewer. Just thread a tennis ball through braided paracord.
You will need 550 paracord (nine feet long in total, cut into three sections of three feet each), one tennis ball, scissors and a knife. Cut an X into the tennis ball. braid the paracord together. thread them through the hole of the ball till it sits in the middle. Attach thick knots at both ends. the paracord forms handles that you can use to play tug-of-war. You can now play tug without getting tennis ball smelling hands on you, leaving you no reason to drool on your jeans!
My dog is a 80 pound puller and this toy still has yet to start fraying. I’ve had it with my dog for 6+ months and still plays with it daily. I can’t believe how much better this is than fabric toys that I’ve bought that only last about 3 days with my dog. Choose your paracord colors according to what cute dog accessories you have so that you’ll have a coordinated look. I have red, white, and blue paracord toys with a purple collar.
Pro tip: You can make matching toys for your dog to sleep with from the same paracord shades that you picked for your DIY dog bed. Try using rubber balls instead of tennis balls if your dog likes to chew and destroy them. The construction is the same, but the balls have a tougher core inside. I sealed the ends of my paracord with the flame of a lighter to prevent the cord from fraying and I let it cool for 2 minutes before my dog played with it.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @diplycrafty
#4: Pink Cat-Eared Snood with Matching Pajama Set (Warmth Without Ear Pressure, Cozy Comfort)
Your Italian Greyhound is cold in January. Regular hoodies can be rough on those delicate ears. This fleece snood slips on like a ski mask. It covers their neck and head, but still allows for the cute cat ears to poke through!
Cut two 9-inch circles from your anti-pill fleece. Stack them together and fold them in half. Cut a 3-inch circle in the center for the opening for your baby’s face. Mark 2 spots about 2 inches apart from the top and cut small holes for your baby’s ears. Sew the two fleece circles together leaving the holes you cut for the ears free. Turn the fleece inside out.
It’s so nice and stretchy that it hugs but doesn’t squeeze, so it’s a great way to keep hairless or thin-coated breeds warm on their winter walks so they don’t have to shiver at the dog park. Just pair it with the coordinating pajamas (shown here with the pizza print) and you’ll have a whole outfit system to keep your dog warm from neck to toe. And, it’ll look Instagram-worthy too!
If you’re creating a full outdoor comfort system, here’s 17 Creative DIY Dog Run Ideas for Your Furry Friend, and 18 Creative DIY Dog Fence Ideas for Your Yard, to keep your pup happy and safe year-round.
Pro tip: I make 3 snoods in different fleece colors and rotate them so one is in the wash and I always have a clean one ready for those freezing morning potty breaks.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @pilke_the_aht
#5: No-Sew Octopus Tug Toy (Tennis Ball Head, Fabric Tentacles That Last)
This dog toy doesn’t require any sewing (your scissors may not be up to sewing, anyways), but it is hard enough to survive the gnawing of a strong chewer. Cut the coral fabric into a cross (4 strips, 2 inches wide and 12 inches long), place the tennis ball in the center, wrap the fabric around the ball, and secure the end with pink yarn (you can tie it tightly at the “neck”), then braid the 8 tentacles to avoid fraying.
i created these braided strips to use as tug of war handles that my dogs can easily grab and also makes less slobber on my hands when playing fetch. the tennis ball gives a familiar bounce and sound which keeps my dogs interested for at least 20+ minutes instead of them destroying my throw pillows. you could even put this to use around the house, my kids were even fascinated with this and played with it for a while. the beauty of it is if you have old t-shirts just cut em up and go. takes only 15 min to cut these out and have them ready to play.
Striped fabric like this coral one won’t clash with your coastal home decor and won’t be an eyesore when left on the living room floor for your puppy to play with. Make 3 in different colors and rotate them weekly for variety. This DIY is included in 13 Genius DIY Dog Stuff Every Pet Parent Needs to Try Today! that won’t break the bank and once you master this toy making you can level up to 21 Creative DIY Dog House Ideas for Your Dog Friend.
Pro tip: The most comfortable fleece fabric is really stretchy, doesn’t fray when cut and won’t fall apart after your dog drags it through the mud.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ptbo_humane_society
#6: No-Sew Rope Tug Toy from Old T-Shirts (Costs $0, Takes 15 Minutes)
Leave it to your dog to take a liking to that blue t-shirt you were about to toss. Use strips of old cotton tees to make tassels, cut 3 strips 3 inches wide by 24 inches long. Tie all three together at one end with a tight knot, then braid down the length tightly. Secure the bottom with another knot and leave 3 inch tassels on each end, super easy and fast, only requires scissors, takes 15 minutes.
These toys stand up to chewing because the fibers tighten up when they get wet with slobber. So, when your pup’s playing, the toy actually gets reinforced instead of broken down. One toy of ours lasted eight weeks of daily tug sessions with our 45-pound pit mix before it showed signs of wear. The toy doesn’t get slippery when wet, so you can maintain your grip during a good session of tugging, which means fewer dropped toys and a faster, tiring game.
Or you could coordinate the colors with your living room (Just like you did with the fabric for the DIY Elevated Dog Bed). Gray tees are great for a more minimalist space, denim blue if you have a coastal or beach theme and my favorite, 3 colors that match and look like a designer look, but not too much. (No one want to know you are playing with your dog!) And of course throw the toy in the wash monthly, it always come out looking brand new!
Make 5 toys in an hour and change them out once a week so your dog always thinks he is getting something new.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @bwbbarkingwith
#7: DIY Hair Bow Collar Clips (Dressy Without The Commitment, Switch Styles In Seconds)
Your dog is so cute in bows, but the clunky collar decorations look out of place with your chic, minimalist leash. And they never last through the washing machine. Clip these fabric bows on in seconds, take them off before bath time and change them for the season to match your home decor!
Grab some scraps of cotton fabric (5×3 inches per bow), alligator hair clips from the dollar store ($1 for 12), and hot glue. Cut out, fold in the sides, pinch the middle, wrap in ribbon, and glue the clip underneath. Can whip out six bows in 15 minutes. The pink tulle bows cost $0.75 to make each, while the fabric flower clips are $1.25 each (includes a pretty center).
The clip is durable enough to hold through entire walks but pops off before it’s time to do the laundry. Therefore, you can machine wash your collar without worrying about ruining the decorations. Your dog is able to wear the fancy bow for photos or for trips to the coffee shop, but you can take it off for muddy adventures.
You can try matching a couple of pieces from your throw pillows with your dog bowl or hang a fabric bow on your wreath to match your outfit. If you’re already trying to add your dog to your decorating scheme, check out 16 Creative DIY Dog Toys Your Pup Will Love or 14 Easy DIY Dog House Ideas for Your Furry Friend for fun exterior ideas.
Tip: make three bows in a neutral, bright, and pastel color. The clip can serve as a visual marker if multiple dogs share similar collars at daycare.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @thepetscastle
#8: Heart-Print Bandana With Custom Leather Tags (Reversible Design, No-Sew Option)
Maybe your puppy loves to tilt his head and that plain collar just disappears? This cute reversible bandana has a white heart on one side and a contrasting solid on the other, plus two custom leather tags. You will need 1/2 yard of cotton fabric ($4 at any craft store), a leather scrap ($2), and 20 minutes. You do not need a sewing machine if you use fabric glue and iron-on hem tape.
Cut two 18″ squares (14″ for small dogs) for medium dogs. Two 22″ squares for large dogs. Lay your fabrics right sides together. Apply a strip of hem tape around each edge. Iron at 300°F for 30 seconds per section. Fold into triangle. Slide into collar. Adjust until the tags are hanging centered. Sew the leather charms to the front of the bandanas. The charms say “FREE KISSES” or they can have your dog’s name on them. Attach the charms using a small jump ring. This can be found in the jewelry section of your store. Stamp letters on the bandanas using a $12 alphabet punch set so you can personalize the bandanas for any dog you know.
It looks better with neutral decor than a bright polyester version, so your guests will see your stylishly decorated space first and the dog accessories second. And since it’s reversible, you get two looks for the price of one project and can either match the seasonal pillows or just change it up based on your mood. Last weekend at the farmers market, three people asked me where I bought Graham’s bandana.
Wash on gentle cycle, and air dry to avoid leather from cracking. Try making some matching treats to complete the look. Check out these 12 Easy DIY Dog Treat Recipes Your Pup Will Love. If your dog has sensitive skin, it may be a good idea to opt for organic cotton, and skip the synthetic blend. Find out why in 10 DIY Dog Food Recipes for Your Furry Farmer Friends.
Pro tip: I have a tendency to fray the edges of my seals, so I seal the edges with clear nail polish so the leather doesn’t continue to fray. Also, it makes the leather water resistant, so if the seal gets drooled on or rained on it won’t warp.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ourbuddygraham
#9: Braided Paracord Collar (Custom-Fit Styling That Survived 200+ Walks)
Fido’s collar broke again. This time the cheap buckle wore out after 3 weeks. Again you’re at the pet store spending $25 on a new one. Today we’re going to make a braided paracord collar. This will only set you back $8 and will last you five store bought collars.
My last project was a dog collar. I made one for my dog who is almost ten years old. We have an older dog who is very spoiled and likes to play rough. So a good collar is a must for safety reasons. For this project you will need 20 feet of paracord in two different colors. You will also need a quick-release buckle (I got mine at one of the craft stores for $2). You will also need a D-ring for the attachment point of the leash. Scissors and a lighter are also needed. You will need to measure the width of your dogs neck at the thickest point and add 2 inches. Mine came out to be 18 inches. I watched one video on how to make a four strand round braid. Once you get the hang of it, it only takes about 30 minutes to make. You will attach your braid to the buckle and fold the raw end of the braid back 1 inch and melt it closed with a lighter. This will create a fusion bond that will be stronger than stitches in the event that your dog gets excited and starts squirrel chasing.
Paracord holds 550 pounds per strand, so you don’t have to worry about your dog snapping it. It dries in a few minutes so it’s ready for a walk after your dog shakes the water off. It doesn’t absorb odors like fabric, so it won’t smell after a few weeks. And the braided design prevents matting in long-haired dogs. You can even have it custom colored so you’re not stuck with those blah colors found at the pet store. The owner of the collar below has been using it for about 10 months and it still looks brand new.
Swap colors seasonally: Let’s take a look at summer brights, fall earth tones, and winter metallics. You can create something that will last and you’ll spend less than going to get a cup of coffee. Add a metal-stamped ID tag for $3 and your $8 dog collar could be mistaken for a $40 boutique collar. If you are already making outdoor accessories, check out 16 Budget-Friendly DIY Dog Run Ideas for more.
Pro tip: Make your collar 2 inches longer than you actually need. The adjustable buckles on these collars allow you to tighten as your dog grows, so you can have them wear their collar from the day you get them until they are full grown instead of buying 3 collars.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @leos_reich
#10: Braided Festive Dog Collar (Holiday-Ready Style That Lasts)
Perhaps you need a new collar for your dog to take family photos in, but all the collars from the pet store don’t go with your evergreen backdrop. Don’t worry, we have a great way to make your own braided collar for less than $12 in 20 minutes. Interested? Read on.
You will need 3 yards of cotton rope (½-inch diameter for medium dogs, ¾-inch for large dogs) one quick-release buckle ($3, craft stores) and one D-ring. Cut three equal strands of rope at 36 inches each. Braid tightly, end to end, using clear thread every 4 inches so it will not unravel. Thread the braided rope through the buckle, fold back 1 inch of the buckle end and hand-stitch with waxed thread in a cross-stitch pattern. Attach the D-ring 2 inches from the buckle side with the same secure stitching.
My first Holiday color combo: Forest green and burgundy. It coordinates well with my Holiday decor, and I will be able to use it year round. Bonus. The best part is that it is machine washable on the gentle cycle, and air dry flat and it comes out looking brand new. Last December when I took my little guy to the dog park, three people asked me where I had gotten it. I wish I had made more. If you are looking for a quick project that’s easy to make, check out my blog post for 7 Adorable DIY Dog Clothes Ideas to Try, or 14 Stylish DIY Dog Crate Furniture Ideas You’ll Love to help you coordinate your dogs crate.
Make three collars in different color combos and rotate them monthly. Your dog will have a new Instagram feed without having to buy a mass produced collar each time.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @pfotenunikat
#11: Hand-Painted Ghost Bandana (Custom Pet Portraits, One-of-a-Kind Style)
I bought 3 plain bandanas from the craft store for $6. It took me 30 minutes to paint my dog’s face on one and now every time I walk him strangers ask me where they can buy it. This tutorial will show you how to make a really easy to make dog bandana using fabric paint and a steady hand!
Cut a 22-inch square of natural cotton fabric for medium dogs, 18 inches for small breeds, 26 inches for large dogs. Sketch the portrait of your dog lightly with a pencil – nothing too fancy like the adorable doggy in this picture. Use acrylic fabric paint in the exact colour of your dog’s coat (grey, black, brown or cream) and white for highlights. Paint the portrait, and then add little extras like a speech bubble or some ghosts. Write your dog’s name in your favourite colour. Heat set with an iron for 5 minutes on the back side so it will not fade when you wash it.
Make a $2 bandana into a one-of-a-kind accessory that can’t be found anywhere else. Plus, it adds a unique touch to your dog’s gear so his personality shines through! Machine wash cold. Air dry. We’ve left our paint on for up to 20 washes with no fading and color still strong. Perfect for dogs who spend time outside! See more structure ideas on 7 Creative DIY Outdoor Dog Kennel Ideas or display extras on 7 Creative Dog Crate Topper DIY Ideas!
Pro tip: We recommend you rotate between the everyday, holiday, and special occasion designs through the week, while the others are washed.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @studio.shrinkala
#12: Rope Tug Toy with Knotted Handles (Playtime Meets Decor-Friendly Design)
Your coffee table is adorned with hand crafted ceramics and woven baskets and your dog’s toys are those neon plastic eyesores you kick under the couch before company comes over. This lovely natural cotton rope toy with three chunky knots in cream rope and a dusty pink center barrel is the perfect accent to your favorite vintage rug!
To make this chew toy you’ll need 6 feet of 3/4 inch natural cotton rope ($4 at your local hardware store), a 3 inch rubber chew tube in muted pink ($3) and a pair of scissors. If you know how to tie knots, this is a 10 minute project. Start by cutting the rope in half. Next, thread both ends of rope through the chew tube so the tube is right in the middle of the length of rope. This allows you to tie on the knots so they are about 2 inches apart. Tie three knots on each side of the tube. This ensures that when the rope is pulled, the chew tube is in the middle. Cut the ends of the rope into frayed tassels. Since the cotton fibers are natural, the teeth get cleaned when your dog is chewing on this toy which helps to keep the breath fresh. This toy also has a good weight to it (about 8 ounces) which is a good size for a dog that is 10-40 pounds. If you have a small dog, this size toy may be too big for the mouth.
Make 3 in coordinating colors… cream, blush and sage. Toss them in basket near the DIY indoor dog kennel where they blend in with throw blankets. When guests compliment my “boho decor,” I don’t have to explain they’re chew toys. The rope is fine in the wash every two weeks, just air dry to avoid shrinking.
Pro tip: I found a tip somewhere about freezing a rope toy that’s been dampened for my teething puppy. So after it freezes, I set it in a bowl to display it on my DIY dog bed setup, as if I meant for it to be there.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @wadarsanimalrescue
Your Turn to Create Something Amazing
Today we’ve got 10 super stylish DIY dog accessories for you to try. Why not choose one to try this weekend? Your home doesn’t have to look like a pet store to keep your dog happy and comfortable!
Lucky you! If you’re looking for a new fun project, you should definitely try out these 7 Creative DIY Dog Bandanas Your Pup Will Love, and if your dog likes to spend time outside, you can also make 7 Charming DIY Dog Houses for Your Outdoor Pup, and if you want your dog to stay mentally sharp you can set up 7 DIY Dog Agility Course Ideas for Fun!
GO PIN YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN RIGHT NOW SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! I know your handmade creation will mean more to you than anything store bought. Which dog accessory are you making next?
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.
