How to Sew an Easy Dog Bandana

These easy pet accessory projects are great for sewists of any level and can be completed in a few easy steps. Choose from pet-friendly patterns in the World’s Largest Textile Design Library. Have a cat or other stylish animal in your life? These projects work for any pet who wears a collar. No pets but enjoy making gifts for your friends’ furry friends? These are perfect gifts because they can be swapped out from season to season. **Here’s what you’ll learn: **

• How to make a DIY dog bandana
• How to make a pet bowtie

What are the best designs for a dog bandana and bow tie?

No matter how you orient them, fabrics with non-directional ditsy designs are bound to make a statement. While you can use a directional print if you’d like, using a small non-directional design with a smaller print will allow the design to show up and shine. If you find a design you like but it’s scaled too big for your project, you can check the artist’s Spoonflower shop for their contact information to reach out to them directly.

How to Make a DIY Dog Bandana

Video Tutorial

Grab our free downloadable PDF pattern below. Keep reading our pet bandana sewing tutorial for written instructions or follow along with our quick video tutorial.

Basic Size Guide

• Extra small: 3.5”
• Small: 4.5”
• Medium: 6”
• Large to extra-large: 7.5”

Custom Cuteness

If you want to go the extra mile for your pet — they deserve it, don’t they? — consider customizing the bandana with embroidery, iron-on vinyl or name labels. Check out this tutorial to learn how to make a quilting label.

Fabric Recommendations

We are using our Lightweight Cotton Twill for a sturdy and sleek option. Spoonflower’s Petal Signature Cotton®, Cotton Poplin and Organic Cotton Sateen are great choices as well for a 100% cotton bandana. You can also use the Spoonflower Fill-A-Yard® 1 Yard Cheater Quilt template to create 9 unique bandanas for under $5 each!

Materials Needed

• 1 fat quarter of fabric – the fabric used in this tutorial is Spoonflower’s Lightweight Cotton Twill and the design is Cactus on White
• Spoonflower’s free dog bandana sewing pattern
• Sewing machine
• Rotary blade/fabric scissors
• Thread
• Pins

Step 1. Cut out the pattern pieces

Start by cutting out the bandana template. To determine your dog bandana size, measure the length of your dog’s current collar and divide by 2. Choose the bandana template that matches this measurement. Next, lay the template on your fabric and cut around the template with a rotary blade or fabric scissors.

Step 2. Hem the bandana

Fold down the edges of each side of your bandana 1/4” (0.64 cm) and press.

Step 3. Create the collar pocket

To create the pocket for the collar, fold over the top of your bandana making sure the edges match up with the corners at the top of the triangle portion. Pin in place and stitch across the long edge of your pocket on the front side of your bandana.

How to Make a Pet Bowtie

Take your pet’s fancy wear to the next level with their own custom-made bowtie. Check out the video tutorial and steps below!

Video Tutorial

Materials Needed

• 1 fat quarter of Organic Cotton Sateen or other quilt weight cotton – we’re using the design Cascade Navy
• Pins
• Scissors or rotary blade
• Ruler
• Seam gauge
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Step 1. Cut out your fabric

Cut two 10.5″ x 3.5” (26.67 cm x 8.89 cm) rectangles and a smaller 5″ x 3” (12.7 cm x 7.62 cm) rectangle.

Step 2. Stitch your fabric

Pin the two larger rectangles together, right sides in. Sew them together with 1/4” (0.6 cm) seam allowance, right sides facing. Clip the corners and trim the seam allowance to 1/8” (0.3 cm). Turn the fabric right side out.

Step 3. Create the bow

Tuck in the raw ends of the rectangle and press with an iron. Fold the strip in half and stitch the opening closed. Flip the tube so the seam is on the inside and in the middle of the rectangle. Scrunch the fabric to make the bow tie shape. If you would like, hand stitch the cinched fabric to keep the bowtie shape. This step is a cinch!

Step 4. Create the bow tie center

Fold the smaller rectangle in half lengthwise, right sides facing, and stitch together with a 1/4” (0.3 cm) seam allowance. Turn right side out and fold in half. Stitch across the end to secure the tube and flip the fabric so the seam is on the inside.

Step 5. Finish the bow tie

Insert the bow through the hole and then through your pup’s collar. Get ready to say “bow wow!” While your dog or cat is wearing their bow tie, be sure to supervise them. You don’t want to miss a photo-op or their hint to untie the bow tie. There you have it! These easy pet accessory projects make great gifts and can be done in no time. Your pet will be rolling in style with their snazzy new custom accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size fabric is best for a dog bow tie?

You’ll need two 10.5” x 3.5” (26.67 cm x 8.89 cm) rectangles and a smaller 5” x 3” rectangle (12.7 cm x 7.62 cm). However, if you have a smaller pet, you could get away with smaller pieces of fabric!

Can I make a pet bowtie without knowing how to sew?

Since this project requires a sewing machine, basic sewing knowledge is recommended.

Are dog bandanas easy to make?

Yes! They’re a great project for beginners.

What size should I cut the fabric for dog bandanas?

This will depend on the size of your dog’s collar. See the basic size guide at the top of the page for a quick reference.

What fabric is best for dog bandanas?

The fabric used in this pattern is Spoonflower’s Lightweight Cotton Twill. You could also use Spoonflower’s Petal Signature Cotton®, Cotton Poplin or Organic Cotton Sateen for a 100% cotton bandana for your furry friend.