Dog Collar Scarf

These dog collar scarves slide onto the collar of your fur baby.

Step 1: Customizable

They are customizable to any size pet and any size collar.

Step 2: Cut Fabric Square

You'll need a small square of fabric, with the size depending upon the size of the dog. My formula is as follows: to determine the size you need, measure the circumference of your pet's neck, loosely like a collar would fit. Then divide in half. The size you need will be the nearest size (equal to or less than) half the length.

So for example, if you have a good-sized dog like mine with a 16" neck, you'd start with an 8" square of fabric. Generally, my sizes run 4"-extra small, 5"-small, 6"-medium, 8"-large, 10"=extra large.

Step 3: Fold in Opposing Corners

You'll start by tucking in the ends. Fold in two opposing corners. The size of the fold depends upon the width of the collar. If you don't have the collar handy, this isn't an exact science and you can usually estimate pretty easily. Generally, small dogs have thin collars, larger dogs have thicker collars. You'll want to make the length of the fold a little over twice the thickness of the collar. So for my 8" scarf for Starbuck, my fold is usually 3" long. (As you read through the instructions, this should make more sense later.)

Step 4: Stitch Folded Corners

Stitch down the corner folds, running a stitch just inside the fold.

Step 5: Fold and Stitch

Next, fold the scarf in half, right sides together, aligning the two remaining (unstitched) corners. Stitch along the raw edges.

Step 6: Turn Right-Side-Out

Next, turn the scarf right-side-out, using the opening in the folded corner.

Step 7: Press

Align and press the seams.

Step 8: Stitch Collar Pocket

Next, you'll need to run a stitch parallel to the top fold. This should be wide enough to fit the collar. Basically, the stitch should run from folded corner to folded corner and align with the ends of the corner fold. Wow! That's tough to describe! The pictures of the finished scarves at the bottom of the post show the alignment of the collar stitch, which might help if this isn't clear.

Step 9: Embellish

If you have fancy stitches on your machine, you can dress up the edges.

Step 10: Insert Collar

Next, feed one end of the collar through the opening in the scarf.

As long as the opening is wide enough, the collar should slide through easily. And that's it! You'll never have to worry about the scarf being too tight, or coming untied. When it gets dirty, just slip it off the collar, wash it out, and lay flat to dry.

For more information on this project or to see more of my tutorials, visit childmadetutorials.blogspot.com