[Video Tutorial] Let's make a cat collar! How to make a handmade cat collar using a home sewing machine

A cat collar is a cute accessory that adorns your beloved cat's neck.

More than just a fashion statement, it serves as a sign that your cat has an owner, helping them return home if they escape or get lost during a disaster. Of course, it's also important for style, and for cats who don't like clothes, it's their only fashion item.

Many cat owners want to enjoy making a one-of-a-kind handmade cat collar!

Here, we will show you how to make a gentle and less bothersome cat collar that even you can make at home, taught directly by Poponeko's craftsmen.

Watch the video on how to make a cat collar

The method for making a cat collar introduced in this column is also presented in this video. Please watch it as well.

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What materials are needed to make a handmade cat collar?

First, we will introduce the materials and tools necessary to make a cat collar.

Cat collar materials

How to choose fabric for cat collars

The size of the collar tape we introduce here is 10mm (1cm) wide. Therefore, when choosing fabric, if you opt for a patterned one, a smaller pattern will result in a neater finish. While you can buy fabric online from stores like Rakuten, we recommend visiting a fabric store to see patchwork fabrics and other options in person before purchasing. Also, thick fabrics like denim or canvas are very difficult to sew, so beginners should avoid them.

About cat collar buckles and safety adjusters

When choosing a buckle for a cat collar, select one that is as thin and light as possible to avoid burdening your cat's skin and fur. Plastic buckles are not recommended as they can have strength issues or be too thick and rub against your cat's skin.

Also, always use a safety adjuster for cat collars. Cat collars can be very dangerous for cats, leading to snagging accidents at high places or getting tangled around their mouth and head like a muzzle. Furthermore, absolutely do not use dog collar adjusters found in stores.

Poponeko's official online shop also carries buckles and safety adjusters specifically for cat collars.

What tools are needed to make a handmade cat collar?

Next, we will introduce the necessary tools.

Preparation before making a cat collar by hand

Once you have your materials and tools ready, let's get started with the preparation.

Measure your cat's neck circumference and determine the cat collar size

Measure your cat's neck circumference. The following are Poponeko's cat collar sizes. The finished cat collar can be adjusted in size to some extent, so refer to the following to choose the size that fits your beloved cat.

Click here for Poponeko's cat collar size guide >>

Make a pattern for the cat collar tape part

Once the size is determined, use craft paper to create a pattern for the tape section. The pattern width is 4cm (the finished tape width will be 10mm (1cm)).

 Let's make a handmade cat collar!

Cutting the fabric

Prepare your preferred fabric for making the cat collar.

Place the pattern on the wrong side of the fabric for the cat collar tape and draw cutting lines with a fabric marker. Once the lines are drawn, proceed to cut the fabric. Cut along the lines drawn with the fabric marker using fabric scissors, or carefully cut with a rotary cutter.

Ironing

Iron the cut fabric for the cat collar. First, smooth out any wrinkles. Fold it in half, as if making bias tape, and iron to create a crease.

Open the fold, fold both sides towards the center, creating a mountain fold, and iron to make creases. Lightly dampen with a spray bottle while ironing. Next, fold the opposite side along the center and iron.

Carefully iron so that both sides where the fabric meets align perfectly. This will greatly affect the finished appearance of the cat collar. Wet it with a spray bottle and firmly crease the folds.

The ironing is now complete.

As this is a very thin fabric, please be extremely careful of burns when ironing.

Sewing the tape

Sew the ironed fabric with a sewing machine. If it's difficult, you can pin it in several places.

① Sew the open side of the folded fabric.

When sewing, place the right side facing up. The side with the pattern and color showing clearly should be the right side. Sew approximately 1mm from the edge of the fabric. This is a somewhat difficult task for those not used to sewing machines, so sew slowly.

② Next, sew the opposite side (the loop).

When folding and sewing, make sure the ends meet perfectly. Be careful not to drop the thread.

③ Finally, iron the tape part to correct any distortions.

This is a very delicate task, so please be very careful with your hands.

Making a loop for the cat collar (stopper)

After sewing the tape, cut one end to approximately 5cm in length, turn it inside out so the right side is facing out, and create a loop (two fold-and-sew passes).

Trim the excess seam allowance from the loop and turn it inside out with needle-nose pliers.

Attach the safety adjuster

Attach the male end of the adjuster to the end of the tape. Thread the tape through the adjuster and fold about 1cm to the wrong side. Then, with the wrong side facing up, sew it with a sewing machine. Sew back and forth one and a half times, following the same procedure as for the loop.

Then cut the excess thread.

Thread the buckle

Thread the buckle through the opposite side where the adjuster was attached.

Then, attach the female end of the adjuster and sew it with the sewing machine, just like the male end.

The sewing is now complete.

Original cat collar completed!

Once sewing is complete, adjust the size. Always test that the safety adjuster properly releases. Finally, it's time to put the completed cat collar on your beloved cat.

Let's put on the handmade cat collar!

When putting on the cat collar, adjust it so that two to three fingers can fit comfortably between the collar and your cat's neck, ensuring it doesn't put stress on your cat. If your cat is not used to wearing a collar, slowly acclimate them without rushing. Start by letting them wear it for about 10-30 minutes and remove it if they show signs of discomfort. Avoid bells at first, as they can also be a source of discomfort.

You can make cute cat collars even with a household sewing machine. It would be fun to enjoy changing them with various fabrics. Please enjoy making your one-of-a-kind original handmade cat collar with your favorite fabric.

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