Slip Over the Collar Reversible Pet Bandana

We are going out of our comfort zone and tackling sewing rather than our usual woodworking projects. This is our first time making something like this but making our dog or cat look good while recycling old t-shirts is great.

Not only that, but our pet's collar won't get dirty or worn out as fast. AND the bandanas are washable! Win-win! We created a step-by-step of how we made the one in the picture. It was a simple one, but your imagination is the limit with colors, fabric patterns, embroideries or patches. You can go as wild as you want... or not!

Step 1: You Will Need

1 . Two Pieces Of Fabric (Different Patterns) - We chose two old t-shirts that no longer fit our kids

2. Thick paper/Card paper, ruler and a pencil for the pattern

3. Scissors

4. Rotary Cutter & Cutting Mat - It makes the job easier but not exactly necessary, you could use a scissors if you have a steady hand

5. Sewing Machine - Again, it makes job easier but if you don't have one, you can hand stitch it

6. Sewing Supplies

7. Iron & Ironing Board

8. Measuring Tape

Step 2: Pattern & Measuraments

The most important part is that all sides be symmetrical. Folding it in the middle and making sure all corners match is the easiest away to double check it. Measurements are GUIDELINES ONLY. Once the sides are even, you're good to go.

Our puppy is a 12 week old Jack Russell with a 20 cm (8 inches) neck.

GUIDELINES:

EXTRA SMALL BANDANA (Tea-cup sized dogs)

Top: 6 3/4" (17.145 cm)

Side (vertical): 1 3/4" (4.4445 cm)

Side (diagonal): 4 5/8" (11.7475 cm)

Height (top center to bottom point): 5" (12.7 cm)

SMALL BANDANA

Top: 7 7/8" (20.0025 cm)

Side (vertical): 2" (5.08 cm)

Side (diagonal): 5 1/2" (13.97 cm)

Height (top center to bottom point): 5 7/8" (14.9225 cm)

MEDIUM BANDANA

Top: 9 3/8" (23.8125 cm)

Side (vertical): 2" (5.08 cm)

Side (diagonal): 6 1/2" (16.51 cm)

Height (top center to bottom point): 6 6/8" (17.145 cm)

LARGE BANDANA

Top: 11 1/4" (28.575 cm)

Side (vertical): 2 1/8" (5.3975 cm)

Side (diagonal): 8" (20.32 cm)

Height (top center to bottom point): 7 3/4" (19.685 cm)

EXTRA LARGE BANDANA

Top: 15 3/4" (40.005 cm)

Side (vertical): 2 3/4" (6.985 cm)

Side (diagonal): 11" (27.94 cm)

Height (top center to bottom point): 10 1/2" (26.67 cm)

* Draw the size pattern you will need on the card paper, making sure it is straight and cut it out with a scissors. You should have it similar to the one in the picture.

Step 3: CUT!

Using a rotary cutter and ruler to keep the pattern in place, cut it out.

You can also use a fabric chalk to draw the pattern out and cut it with a scissors.

TIP: We used masking tape to keep the fabric in place. Jersey can be tricky to work with.

Step 4: Make Sure Both Pieces Are the Same Size

* Make sure both pieces are the same size.

* Here again a folded in the middle and made a crease with the iron to work as a guide.

* Pin the pieces together, right sides touching - That means the sides are going to be outside. You will be sewing inside out.

Step 5: Long Side First

* First you will sew the top of the fabric (The side that will be around your pet's neck)

* For XS & S sized bandanas, use a 1/4" (0.635cm) seam

* For larger sizes, use 1/2" (1.27cm) seam

* Iron the seam open and flat like on pic No. 2

* Fold in the ends (where collar will be going in through) using the same seam measurement as before

* Iron it flat

Step 6: Get Sewing

* With piece open, sew the edge you folded in using the seam measurament (1.4" or 1/2")

* Do the same on the other side

* Sew the other two sides, always keeping the same seam allowance.

REMEMBER Not to sew closed the sides where the collar with go through

Step 7: Inside Out and Iron

* Turn the bandana inside out.

* Use a sharp object like a pencil or a knitting needle to push all edges out

* Iron it flat

Step 8: Last Step

* Sew a parallel line to the top, just at the base of the triangle shape. That will create the slot for the collar to go through.

Step 9: It's DONE!

Just put the bandana on the collar and your pet is ready to go! You can use it on either side (I wasn't really a fan of the white thread on the plain green side, but I didn't have a matching green thread and I wanted to do the project with what I had in the house). Your pet not only will look cool, but their collar will last longer and stay cleaner. You can just throw the bandana in the wash machine with your next load