1. Home
›
2. Sewing Project Index
›
3. Current Page

Pet Bandanas

Sew a gift for your furry friend! Perfect for cats, dogs & stuffed animals.
These pet bandanas slip right onto a collar, so they stay secure and comfy without tying anything around your animal’s neck. They’re fast, adorable, and perfect for beginner sewing projects.


Materials Needed

• Cotton fabric (fat quarters work great)
• Matching or contrasting thread
• Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Pins or clips
• Iron (optional but helpful)
• Your pet’s collar (for measuring the bandana channel)

Step 1: Measure Your Pet
Use the chart below or measure the width of your pet’s collar and approximate neck size:

Suggested Bandana Sizes
Small pets (cats, puppies): 7"–9" wide
Medium dogs: 10"–12" wide
Large dogs: 13"–16" wide

You’ll cut a rectangle and fold it into a triangle, so choose a size that looks good on your pet.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric
Cut one rectangle of fabric using the size you chose:
Width: Bandana width (7–16 inches)
Height: Same width (square shape)

Example:
A medium dog might use a 12" × 12" fabric square.

Fold the square diagonally into a triangle—this is the basic bandana shape.

Step 3: Create the Collar Channel
Open the square back up.

Along the top straight edge, fold the fabric down ½ inch, press, then fold down 1 inch more.
This creates a tube for the collar to slide through.

Pin the fold in place.

Step 4: Sew the Channel

Sew along the folded edge close to the bottom fold to secure the collar channel.
Be sure to leave the ends open so the collar can slide through!

Step 5: Fold & Pin

Fold the fabric back into a triangle, right sides together.
Pin or clip the two sides that form the triangle.

The collar channel stays unsewn.

Step 6: Sew the Triangle
Sew along the two open triangle edges using a ¼" seam allowance.
Do NOT sew the top straight edge (the collar channel).

Backstitch at the start and end.

Step 7: Turn Right Side Out
Turn the bandana right side out through the opening.
Use a pencil or chopstick to poke out the corners.

Press flat with an iron for a crisp finish.

Step 8: Slide the Collar In
Slide your pet’s collar through the channel and clip it back onto your furry friend.
Your pet now has a brand-new handmade accessory!


Finished!
You’ve sewn a charming pet bandana—perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because your pet deserves something extra cute!