Decorative Doggie Fashion Collar

Want your dog to be the talk of the town this spring. Here's an idea for a unique collar that will have all the other dogs green with envy – and it won't cost you a thing! Straight from the fashion pages of Bark Magazine – a collarette for your dog. A great idea to give a second life to an old shirt or a thrift store find. The creative possibilities are endless. Here's how to do it.

Materials you'll need:

1. One shirt (or more if your inspired) with the correct neck size (see instructions below)
2. Glue to prevent fraying
3. Washable fabric bonding glue for trims
4. A special button
5. Velcro
6. Assorted trims/decorations
7. Embroidery Floss
8. Large needle for floss

How to do it:

1. Take your dog's neck measurement (where their collar lays). Add 3-4" to that measurement and that is the shirt size you're looking for. 
2. Cut the collar off the shirt being careful to stay as close to the seam as possible without cutting into the neckband. 
   Tip – the shirt must also have a neckband (the piece that joins the collar to the shirt), which allows you to cut if off in one continuous piece. Most neckbands are top stitched along the shirt side, try to cut right below that (and not through the stitching – this will help with fraying and give the dog collarette a more finished look). 
3. Finish off the cut edge with a special washable glue made to prevent the material from fraying. (It is available in sewing and craft stores). It will dry clear on most fabrics.
4. You can use a button to open and close the collar, just make sure your new button fits the hole and replace the old button. As an alternative, use a piece of Velcro for easier access and then add a bigger button or other decoration to the front, if you like.
5. Now decorate your collarette with trims and/or embroidery. These can be sewn or glued on with the permanent washable glue.

You'll love how it looks on your dog, not only will you have a one of a kind item for your pet but it will be made by you with love. Just remember, think of the collarette much like a scarf. Your dog should still wear their permanent collar with ID tags underneath this kitchy collar.