How To Make a Reversible Slip Over the Collar Dog Bandana

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Did you see the adorable dog collars I made for my fur babies last week out of old shirts?  If not, you can check them out here.  In honor of Adopt a Dog Month, I thought I’d share with you another project I made to pamper my pooches. Cosmo and Lanie both love to look stylish, and I’m always more than happy to help them out with the task! Today I’m sharing how to make a reversible slip over the collar dog bandana.

Bandanas look so cute on dogs, but it’s often hard to find the right size for your pet and often fall off.  Not to mention they can be uncomfortable to your pet once they are tied and get bunched up around their neck.

Hmmm…wouldn’t it be awesome if there was a bandana to slip over your dog’s collar to prevent this from happening?  Better yet, what if it were reversible so you can change up your pet’s look?  Well, I’m here to show you it’s possible!

For this project you will need two fabric choices, scissors/rotary cutter, straight pins and a sewing machine.  You can use fabric scraps for this project if you’d like, but I purchased these great fat quarters from Walmart for $1 each and they are just too cute!  Got what you need?  Alright, let’s get to work!

Your first step in making one of these adorable bandanas is to make a pattern for the fabric pieces.  You start by measuring your dog’s collar.  You will need the length (not including the buckle) and the height of the widest part of the collar.  Here’s how to make the pattern.

1. Draw a line the length of your dog’s collar.  Measure down the width of the collar and draw another line parallel underneath.  Connect the ends of the lines to form a long rectangle.
2. Decide how long you want your bandana ( I chose 7 inches).  From the middle of the top of the rectangle, draw a line straight down the length you’ve chosen.
3. Draw a line connecting the bottom of the rectangle on each side to the point at the bottom of the middle line.
4. Add 1/2in. all around to allow for seam allowances.  Add an extra 1/2in. (for 1 in. total) on the short sides of the rectangle.
5. Cut out the pattern.
6. Now that you have your pattern, use it to cut out a piece of fabric from both of your fabric choices.
7. With right sides facing in, sew a 1/2in. seam across the top.
8. Press the seam flat with an iron.
9. On each side, fold the side over 1/2in., press with iron, fold over another 1/2in., press with iron, and pin. Sew straight down the edges to hem.
10. Fold the fabric over so the right sides are facing in, pin the diagonals together and sew a 1/2 in. seam along the bottom edges.  Remember to keep the sides open at the top, since that is where the collar will slide through.
11. Turn right side out and iron.  Place the bandana on the collar to determine how wide the pocket needs to be and mark it. Take the collar out and sew a straight seam across to finish off the pocket, backstitching on each side.
12. Slide the bandana on your pup’s collar and admire your handiwork.

So, you think these dog bandanas are so cute, but you don’t have a dog to make one for?  Well, today’s a perfect time to check out your local animal shelter or rescue group to save a dog’s life with a new forever home.  I’m so happy we found our two fur babies!  We love them, and they make us smile every day.