Sometimes, all you need is a nice colored collar to make your dog stand out, but there’s something about a bandana that adds a certain panache to your pup’s look. But instead of purchasing one, why not make it yourself? This way, you’ll (hopefully) save money, and you can pick just about any fabric that you want and personalize it in any way that you choose.
Here are eight bandana projects that are not only great ideas but are also easy to do, given that none require sewing! So, if you’re sewing challenged but still want to make your own bandana, read on!
The 8 No-Sew Dog Bandana Ideas
1. Easy No-Sew DIY Dog Bandana
| Materials: | Fabric of choice |
| Tools: | Scissors but pinking shears are recommended |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This dog bandana is an easy project that will suit DIY enthusiasts perfectly, and it should only take you about 5 minutes to make! All you need is your fabric of choice, which can be new or upcycled, and a pair of scissors. It is recommended to use fabric-cutting scissors like pinking shears to prevent fraying, but any scissors sharp enough to cut fabric will do.
2. No-Sew Over-the-Collar Bandana
| Materials: | Fabric |
| Tools: | Fabric scissors, iron, straight pins, measuring tape, hemming tape, fabric glue |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
This over-the-collar bandana requires a few more tools and takes more steps and time than the first project, but it’s a no-sew, so it’s still relatively easy. The best thing about this project is that you thread your dog’s collar through the bandana, which makes it easier to put on your pup. Additionally, since there’s no big knot, it’s likely to be more comfortable.
3. DIY No-Sew Dog Bandana
| Materials: | Fabric (at least 14 x 14 inches), dog collar |
| Tools: | Scissors, iron, hemming tape, pencil, ruler |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This no-sew dog bandana is similar to the previous project in that it’s also worn over the dog’s collar. But it differs in that it’s slightly easier. It’s also more permanent and should probably be used on a collar that you don’t use often. You seal the bandana on the collar itself, so it won’t be easy to pull out the collar.
4. DIY Dog Bandana
| Materials: | Fabric |
| Tools: | Scissors, hot glue gun and glue, measuring tape |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For this DIY Bandana, a hot glue gun is used instead of hemming tape, which might be easier for some people. Also, a long strip of the same fabric is used to tie the bandana around the dog’s neck, enabling you to use less fabric overall. This has the added advantage of not being too large and cumbersome for your dog’s neck.
5. Make a Bandana Without Sewing
| Materials: | Material |
| Tools: | Scissors, measuring tape, pen, ruler or straight edge |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
What we like about this bandana project is that the creator explains the correct methods for measuring the fabric, ensuring that it is not too long for your dog. The video also provides instructions for creating both a quick and easy bandana and a long-term one.
6. No-Sew Flannel Dog Bandana
| Materials: | Flannel fabric |
| Tools: | Hemming tape, iron, scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
The instructions for this flannel bandana are similar to the others, but the difference lies in the material used: flannel. You can upcycle an old pair of flannel pajamas or bed sheets for this purpose and have your dog sport their new flannel bandana in the cold fall and winter months!
7. DIY No-Sew Dog Bandana- all for the love of dogs
| Materials: | Fabric |
| Tools: | Scissors, measuring tape, iron, hemming tape (or fabric tape or fabric glue) |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
The instructions for this DIY dog bandana include both one-sided and double-sided projects. Also discussed is adding optional elements like a button or Velcro fastener and embellishments like patches and fabric paint.
8. Dog Grooming Bandanas
| Materials: | Fabric |
| Tools: | Pinking shears, measuring tape |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
The creator of this video demonstrates how to make multiple dog bandanas simultaneously by layering the fabric. She recommends using pinking shears, but overall, this project is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require many tools or steps.
A Few Notes
Going no-sew generally means using hemming tape, which requires heat, like an iron, or leaving the ends unfinished, which has its own look. However, keep in mind that these bandanas may not last long, especially if your dog is the rambunctious type! Many of them are relatively flimsy because they are one-sided, so if you’re hoping for a sturdier bandana, opt for a double-sided project.
Pinking shears are scissors designed to cut woven cloth. They leave a more finished and decorative look because they create a scalloped or serrated edge. While it doesn’t exactly stop the unraveling, it can effectively slow it down. The bonus of using pinking shears is that you won’t need hemming tape or glue.
Conclusion
Creating a no-sew bandana for your pet can be an easy and fun project that will result in a personalized item for your dog to wear with pride. You can purchase special materials or just upcycle old clothing or bed sheets.
Bandanas are technically meant for special occasions, though, not when your dog is getting the zoomies at the local dog park. You can create bandanas for special photographs or even holidays like Christmas or Halloween.
We hope that one or more of these projects have inspired you to get crafty and make your best friend a cute new bandana!
Featured Image Credit: Shayna Douglas, Unsplash
