Easy DIY Dog Bandana (Free Printable Pattern)

Raise your pet’s fashion quota with this adorable DIY dog bandana.

If you love your pet as much as we loved ours, hopefully, this project doesn’t seem quite as silly. 😂

I would have done about anything for her, even dressed her up a little.

Oh, and yes, this cute little dog scarf works equally well for your cat, parakeet, or iguana!

Create one for a holiday, birthday, or every day. Pet accessories make a perfect gift too.

Please Note: This is a standalone bandana and does NOT go around the collar.

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.

– Roger Caras (photographer and writer)

Kid Sewing Projects

This project is excellent for beginners who may be new to sewing. It’s small and quick to make, with minimal sewing.

A pet bandana is also a fun and easy craft for you and the kids to make together.

It requires very little fabric, so it’s inexpensive too. It’s essential to be there to help and guide them! 🙂

I bought my fabric at Hobby Lobby, which does not have minimum yardage requirements.

In short, you can buy precisely what you need down to the inch—no wasted money or fabric.

Dogs in Bandanas

Dress up your pets! Colorful bandanas make a fun way to include your furry friend when celebrating an event, party, or holiday, like the 4th of July.

Bandanas would also be a great product to sew and sell.

Choose fun colors, patterns, and prints. Monogram or applique them for a special touch.

Jack, Brody, and Cooper

Dog Bandana Sewing Pattern

You can create your own bandana pattern or download a free pattern by subscribing to my newsletter.

Making a Pet Bandana Pattern

To make your own pattern from scratch, determine how big you want your bandana to get the proper size. This is entirely up to you; obviously, there are no rules.

There are two different pattern pieces, a triangle, and a long rectangle, for the neckband.

First, create a triangle for the main piece. 

Decide how wide you want the triangle to run from side to side in the front of the neck.

Then, determine how long you want it to hang down. Draw a triangle from those 3 points.

Use that measurement, plus add a seam allowance all the way around. Cut two triangles—one for the front and one for the lining.

Next, for the neckband, measure your pet’s collar.

This is the perfect length with enough overlap for the closure. Take the collar height, and double the height measurement.

Add a seam allowance all the way around the neckband piece. There, you now have a custom pattern.

IMPORTANT: Did you remember to add a seam allowance to your pattern?

This is the area between the raw fabric edge and the stitching line on the pieces of material being sewn together.

A seam allowance typically ranges from 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) wide to as much as several inches.

It’s up to you how wide you’d like to make yours. I typically use a 5/8 inch (1.5cm) seam allowance.

Selecting your Fabric

After determining the pattern size, you are ready to shop for fabric and materials.

Take the pattern to your fabric store.

Their staff will help you figure out the best way to lay out the dog neckerchief pattern on the fabric and how much fabric you need.

As you shop for fabric, consider a washable or easy-to-clean fabric.

For added interest, you might want to contrast the neckband with the dog bandana itself.

Prewash Your Fabric

Once you have your fabric home, pre-wash it. This will prevent future-fit problems if your fabric shrinks.

Here are all of the materials that you’ll need. (Affiliate links are underlined)

Sewing Supplies

Fabric
Cutting Board or a safe surface to cut
Straight Pins
Matching Thread
Paper Scissors
Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Pencil with Eraser
Straight Edge if you are drawing the pattern out
Pattern Paper or Cardboard for dog bandana template
Free Pattern Subscribe to download
Sewing Machine not pictured
Closure, such as Velcro tabs or Snaps not pictured

How to Make Dog Bandanas 

Are you ready to create an easy bandana for a dog or kitty? Below are directions for how to make it.

First, you will cut out your fabric. Remember not to rush this step.

Take your time, consider the direction of the pattern or stripes so they run the way you want, and make sure you added a seam allowance.

The Neckband

1. Make your own pattern or Subscribe to download a free PDF pattern.

To determine the size of the neckband piece, measure your pet’s current collar. This is the perfect length with enough overlap for closure in the back.

Now take the collar measure, double the height, and add a seam allowance around the neckband piece. Cut out your fabric.

Next, fold the band in half lengthwise, with the wrong sides of the fabric together. Press.

On the top and bottom, fold and press the raw edges (seam allowances) inward toward the center.

The Triangle, Base of the Dog Bandana

2. To determine the size of the triangle piece, grab a ruler or tape measure and have your trusty pet by your side.

Decide how wide you want the triangle to run from side to side in the front of the neck.

Then, determine how long you want it to hang down.

Draw a triangle from those 3 points.

Use that measurement, plus add a seam allowance all the way around. Cut two triangles out of fabric, one for the front and one for the lining.

With the right sides of the triangle’s fabric together, stitch the two pieces together at the two bottom angles in one continuous stitch.

Backstitch at the beginning and the end to reinforce the stitching.

3. On the wrong side/inside, press seams open.

4. Turn the triangle to the right side and press again to finish the edges. Leaving the top of the triangle open and unsewn.

Sewing the Two Bandana Pieces Together

5. Next, position the neckband and the triangle pieces so that the unsewn edge tucks inside of the open band, just within the length of your seam allowance.

6. Pin the neckband closed all the way across, securing the top edge of the triangle within.

7. To finish both ends of the neckband of the bandana, one at a time, with the right sides together, sew a vertical stitch on each end.

Turn both ends out so you have a nicely finished edge.

You may need to use a pointed tool to gently unfold the corner so it is square.

8. Press both ends of the neckband.

Finishing

9. Topstitch across the lower edge of the neckband. You can topstitch around the triangle, too, if you prefer.

10. Sew on Velcro tabs or strong snaps for closing mechanisms. Do one final pressing.

You are done. Now, Fido has a doggie scarf fashion accessory! Enjoy your dog’s bandana.

Please let me know if you try this project in the comment box below. I would love to see what you create!

Are you inspired to BLOOM and sew? Let me know what you make in the comment box below.

Thanks for stopping by!
xo,
Cindy

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