How To Make A Dog Bow Tie: Adorable DIY Pet Accessories

There’s a special kind of pride that comes from seeing your dog look their absolute best. You pick out the perfect collar, keep their coat clean and brushed, and delight in their unique personality.

For special occasions, holidays, or just a fun walk in the park, adding a stylish accessory can take their cuteness to a whole new level. A dapper bow tie can transform your furry friend into the most distinguished dog on the block, ready for a photo-op or a grand entrance.

While you can find dog bow ties in pet stores, they often come in limited styles and can be surprisingly expensive for such a small item.

You might find yourself searching for that perfect plaid for a holiday photo or a fun floral for a spring party, only to come up empty-handed.

This can leave you feeling like you have to settle for something that isn’t quite right for your dog’s unique flair.

This guide is here to show you just how easy, fun, and affordable it is to create your own custom dog bow ties. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for both a simple no-sew version and a classic sewn bow tie, so you can choose the project that best fits your skill level.

You’ll learn everything you need to know about how to make a dog bow tie, opening up a world of endless creative possibilities. Get ready to unleash your inner designer and give your pup a wardrobe of adorable, handmade accessories.

Why Make Your Own Dog Bow Tie? The Joy of DIY

Before we break out the fabric and scissors, let’s look at the fantastic benefits of making your own pet accessories.

• Endless Customization: This is the biggest advantage. You are in complete control of the fabric, color, pattern, and size. You can create a bow tie for every holiday, match your dog’s accessory to your own outfit, or find the perfect fabric to show off their personality.
• Perfect Fit: You can tailor the bow tie to fit your dog’s specific collar width, ensuring it looks proportionate and stays securely in place without drooping or twisting.
• Incredibly Budget-Friendly: All you need is a small amount of fabric. This is the perfect project for using up leftover fabric scraps from other projects (they’re often called “fat quarters” in fabric stores). You can create a high-end look for a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions.
• It’s Fun and Rewarding: This is a quick, satisfying craft project that results in an adorable, functional item. It’s a wonderful way to spend a creative afternoon, and the proud feeling you’ll get seeing your dog wear your creation is priceless.

The Two Main Styles: Sewn vs. No-Sew

This guide will cover two popular methods for making a dog bow tie.

1. The Classic Sewn Bow Tie: This method involves some basic machine or hand sewing to create a crisp, professional-looking, and highly durable bow tie. It’s the best choice for a long-lasting accessory.
2. The No-Sew Fabric Bow Tie: Perfect for those who don’t have a sewing machine or are new to crafting. This method uses fabric glue to achieve a very similar look. It’s quick, easy, and still results in a fantastic-looking accessory.

Both methods are designed to create a bow tie that easily attaches to your dog’s existing collar with an elastic strap, making it safe and easy to put on and take off.

Method 1: The No-Sew Dog Bow Tie (Quick & Easy)

This is the perfect starting point for any beginner. You’ll be shocked at how easy it is to create a sturdy, adorable bow tie with just a few folds and a bit of glue.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Fabric: A piece of cotton fabric. A “fat quarter” (typically 18″ x 22″) is more than enough.
• Fabric Glue: A good quality, fast-drying fabric glue (like Aleene’s or Surebonder).
• Fabric Scissors
• Ruler or Measuring Tape
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Elastic: A small piece of ¼-inch or ½-inch wide elastic.
• Clips: Small craft clips or clothespins to hold the fabric while the glue dries.

Sizing Your Fabric

The size of your fabric pieces determines the size of your finished bow tie. Here are some general guidelines:

• Small Dog (e.g., Chihuahua, Yorkie):
  • Main Rectangle: 8″ x 5″
  • Center Piece: 3″ x 2″
• Medium Dog (e.g., Beagle, Corgi):
  • Main Rectangle: 10″ x 6″
  • Center Piece: 4″ x 2.5″
• Large Dog (e.g., Golden Retriever, Labrador):
  • Main Rectangle: 12″ x 8″
  • Center Piece: 4″ x 3″

Step-by-Step No-Sew Instructions:

Step 1: Cut and Iron Your Fabric

1. Cut out your main rectangle and your smaller center piece according to the size chart above.
2. Iron your fabric pieces flat to remove any wrinkles. A crisp fabric is much easier to work with.

Step 2: Fold the Main Rectangle

1. Place your main rectangle face down on your ironing board.
2. Fold the two long sides in to meet at the center line. Press the folds flat with your iron. You should now have a long, skinny rectangle.
3. Apply a thin line of fabric glue under the edges you just folded in and press them down. This will hold them in place permanently.

Step 3: Form the Bow Shape

1. Fold the two short ends of your long, skinny rectangle in to meet at the center. The ends should overlap slightly.
2. Secure the overlapping ends with a line of fabric glue and use clips to hold them in place while the glue dries. You have now created a loop of fabric.

Step 4: Cinch the Bow

1. Once the glue is dry, lay your fabric loop flat with the seam facing up.
2. Pinch the center of the loop together to create the classic bow shape. You can make it an accordion fold (one pleat in the center) or a double pleat.
3. Hold the pinched center tightly and apply a small dab of glue into the folds to help it hold its shape.

Step 5: Prepare the Center Piece

1. Take your small center piece and lay it face down.
2. Fold the two long sides in to meet at the center, just like you did with the main rectangle. Press it with the iron and secure with a line of glue.

Step 6: Attach the Center Piece and Elastic

1. Cut a piece of elastic that is long enough to loop comfortably around your dog’s collar. A good starting point is about 1.5 times the width of the collar.
2. Form the elastic into a loop and secure the ends together with a dab of fabric glue.
3. Place the elastic loop on the back of your cinched bow tie, right in the center.
4. Wrap your prepared center piece tightly around the middle of the bow, covering the elastic loop.
5. Secure the ends of the center piece at the back of the bow with a generous amount of fabric glue. Use clips to hold it securely until it is completely dry.

Your no-sew dog bow tie is complete! Once fully dry, simply slide it onto your dog’s collar.

Method 2: The Classic Sewn Dog Bow Tie (Durable & Professional)

This method requires a sewing machine (or some patient hand-stitching) and results in a very crisp, durable bow tie that can withstand more wear and tear.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Fabric (Cotton is recommended)
• Lightweight Fusible Interfacing (Optional but Recommended): This adds stiffness and body to the bow tie, helping it hold its shape.
• Sewing Machine and Matching Thread
• Fabric Scissors
• Ruler or Measuring Tape
• Iron and Ironing Board
• Elastic (¼-inch or ½-inch wide)

Sizing and Cutting Your Fabric

Use the same sizing guidelines as the no-sew version. You will cut three pieces: the main rectangle, the center piece, and an identical main rectangle piece from your fusible interfacing.

• Small Dog: Main Rectangle: 8″x5″, Center Piece: 3″x2″
• Medium Dog: Main Rectangle: 10″x6″, Center Piece: 4″x2.5″
• Large Dog: Main Rectangle: 12″x8″, Center Piece: 4″x3″

Step-by-Step Sewing Instructions:

Step 1: Apply Interfacing

1. Cut a piece of fusible interfacing that is the same size as your main fabric rectangle.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to iron the interfacing onto the wrong side (the back) of your main fabric piece. This will give your bow tie a professional-looking structure.

Step 2: Sew the Main Tube

1. Fold your main rectangle in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other.
2. Sew along the long, open edge with a ¼-inch seam allowance. You have now created a fabric tube.
3. Turn the tube right-side out. A safety pin or a tube turner tool makes this easy.
4. Press the tube flat with your iron, making sure the seam is centered in the back.

Step 3: Form and Sew the Loop

1. Fold the tube in half, with the short ends meeting. Again, the right sides should be facing each other.
2. Sew along the short, open edge with a ¼-inch seam allowance. This creates a fabric loop.
3. Turn the loop so the seam is on the inside and press it flat.

Step 4: Cinch the Bow

1. Hand-sew a running stitch straight down the center of the loop.
2. Pull the thread tight to gather the fabric, creating the cinched bow shape.
3. Wrap the thread around the center several times and tie it off securely at the back.

Step 5: Prepare the Center Piece and Elastic

1. Take your small center piece and fold it in half lengthwise, right sides together.
2. Sew along the long edge, creating a tiny tube.
3. Turn this small tube right-side out and press it flat.
4. Cut your elastic to size (about 1.5 times the collar width).

Step 6: Final Assembly

1. Loop the elastic around the back of your cinched bow.
2. Wrap the prepared center piece tightly around the middle of the bow, covering the elastic and the gathering threads.
3. At the back, fold the raw edges of the center piece under and hand-stitch them together securely.

Your beautifully sewn dog bow tie is now ready to be worn!

Conclusion: A Wardrobe of Dapper Delights

You’ve done it! You now have the skills to create an endless supply of adorable accessories for your furry friend.

By learning how to make a dog bow tie, you’ve unlocked a simple and joyful way to celebrate your dog’s personality and add a touch of handmade love to their look.

Whether you chose the quick no-sew method or the classic sewn version, the result is a charming accessory that’s sure to turn heads and bring smiles.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics, sizes, and patterns. This is a project that invites creativity.

So raid your fabric stash, pick a pattern that makes you happy, and get crafting. The pride you’ll feel when your pup debuts their custom bow tie is a reward in itself, a small but wonderful celebration of the bond you share.