Ready to raise your pet’s fashion game? This easy DIY dog bandana is just the thing.
I first made one for our sweet golden retriever, Cooper, and two lovable goldens we were babysitting. They looked so proud wearing their colorful little scarves—totally worth the tiny bit of effort.
If you adore your pet like we adored ours, this project won’t feel silly at all. In fact, it’s a fun way to show them a little extra love (and style).
These bandanas also make thoughtful gifts and can be sewn up for birthdays, holidays, or just because. And yes, they work for cats, parakeets, and even stylish iguanas.
Note: this standalone bandana does not attach to a collar.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
– Roger Caras (photographer and writer)
Why You’ll Love This Project
Dog bandanas are the perfect mix of cute and crafty. They let your pup join in on the fun for birthdays, holidays, or just because. A festive bandana for the 4th of July? Yes, please!
This is a quick and easy sewing project that’s great for beginners. It doesn’t take much fabric or time, and the results are instant fun. Pick bright colors, bold prints, or go classic. Add a monogram, appliqué, or some iron-on flair to make it totally unique.
They also make sweet little gifts, and they’re a brilliant idea if you’re sewing items to sell.
Kids will love helping with these, too. Let them pick the fabric, learn some simple sewing steps, and beam with pride when the family dog models their creation. Just be sure to be there help and keep it safe and fun.
Next, make a DIY dog poop bag! Or if you are looking for more patriotic ideas, you’ll love these festive red, white and blue tablescapes.
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Jack, Brody, and Cooper
Pattern
You can create your own bandana pattern or download a free pattern by subscribing to my newsletter.
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.
The neckband has two different pattern pieces: a triangle and a long rectangle.
Triangle Base
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.
Neckband
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 Fabric
This project requires very little fabric, so it’s fun AND inexpensive.
After determining the pattern size, you are ready to shop for fabric and materials.
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.
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.
Once you have your fabric home, pre-wash it. This will prevent future-fit problems if your fabric shrinks.
Supplies
Here are all of the materials that you’ll need. (Affiliate links are underlined)
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
If you’re feeling inspired, check out more easy projects like a paper garlands, no-sew pillows, decorative photo frames, or wool felting. All are beginner-friendly and full of charm. Looking for something more grown-up? Try making decorative paper stars or a no-sew tablecloth to freshen up your space.
For more small sewing projects, try making personal accessories, such as a drawstring bag, a hobo bag, or a coin purse.
Instructions
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 add a seam allowance.
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.
Base
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 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.
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Vintage craft ideas
Eye Pillow with Lavender
For more arts and crafts ideas, browse all of the craft project ideas. And when spooky season rolls around, don’t miss these adorable dog and owner Halloween costumes!
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.
Be sure to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration. Thanks for stopping by!
xo,
Cindy
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.
I subscribed, but it won’t let me download.
Hi Maria, Check your email. 🙂
This is a great pattern. (I had no issues downloading the pattern after subscribing) I recently came across this post a couple of weeks ago on Pinterest and made it for a friend’s Frenchie. It came out beautiful. What I really liked was the neckband. This will be my go to pattern for dog bandanas.
Thank you 🙂
Laura, thank you so much for sharing your success! I am delighted that it worked so well for you! Thanks for making my day. 🙂
Where’s the pattern…….I understand size varies but it would be nice to have a template
Hi Gigi, I am sorry you are having trouble. Check your email where I provide more detail. The pattern is in the library. Click on the picture of the dog with the bandana. Then choose a triangle and enlarge/print to fit the size of your dog. Come back to this post for step-by-step instructions. 🙂
Where is the ACTUAL pattern? This would be actually helpful rather than 5 pages of description.
I am sorry you are having trouble! Every pet is a different size, so it is best to measure yours to get the best fit. See under “Making a Pet Bandana Pattern” for how to measure. There are just 2 pattern pieces. (1) A triangle, cut 2 triangles. (2) A neckband. You can download the triangles to print (under “Dog Bandana Materials & Sewing Supplies”), but again you may need to resize them to fit your pet. I hope this helps!😃
Cranky person! Your directions are perfect
Thanks, Susan! That is sweet of you to say. 😘
Such a cute & easy project, however the printable pattern does not seem to match the size if fabric that you are using. Also some of the pictures are confusing on whether this is a over the collar or bandana with snaps/velcro.
Hi Jaclyn, Thank you! I’m sorry you are having trouble. The instructions in the upper part of the post explain everything you are asking. To make it easier, I will also add them to the bottom section, within the numbered instructions. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.
The bandana does stand alone and does not attach to a collar. You can add your own closure methods such as a snap, button, velcro, or safety pin.
The triangle pattern is a guide, you will need to enlarge or decrease the size on a copier to fit your pet just right. It’s a simple triangle shape, so it may be easier for you to just measure your pet. First, decide how wide you want the bandana triangle to wrap from side to side, in the front of the neck, then determine how long you want it to hang. Draw a triangle from those 3 points.
For the neckband, simply measure your pet’s current collar. This is usually the perfect length with enough overlap for Velcro, strong snaps, or other closure types. Now take the collar measure, double the height, plus add a seam allowance all the way around the neckband piece.
I hope that helps to clarify.😃
I can’t wait to make a few of these bandana’s for gifts to friends who has pups….
Nancy, that makes me so happy! I’m sure they will love them! Enjoy. Thanks for your message!
Cindy “Cooper” looks adorable in his bandana ❤️ I’m sure she has more than one. She is such a sweetheart.
I love your blog and have things in my shopping cart for my kitchen suggestions.
Donna, you are sooo sweet. Thanks for visiting. I really appreciate your feedback too! Cooper says “hello…ruff, ruff!”