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

A cat collar that adds a cute touch to your beloved cat’s neck.

It’s not just about fashion; it serves as a sign that the cat has an owner, helping them return home if they escape or get lost during a disaster. Of course, style is also important, and for cats who dislike wearing clothes, this is their only fashion item.

Many owners must surely think, "I want to enjoy a one-of-a-kind handmade cat collar!"

Here, we will introduce a gentle, cat-friendly way to make cat collars at home, taught directly by the artisans at Poponeko.

Watch how to make a cat collar in a video

The method for making cat collars introduced in this column is also presented in this video. Please take a look.

Please also subscribe to the YouTube channel "Poponeko Channel"!

Materials needed for making handmade cat collars

First, let's introduce the materials and tools required for making a cat collar.

Materials for a cat collar

How to choose fabric for a cat collar

The width of the tape part of the cat collar introduced here is 10mm (1cm). Therefore, when choosing fabric, it is better to choose a small pattern if using patterned fabric for a cleaner finish. You can buy it at online shops like Rakuten, but we recommend actually seeing and purchasing patchwork fabric at a fabric store. Also, thick fabrics like denim and canvas are very difficult to sew, so beginners should avoid them.

About buckles and safety adjusters for cat collars

For the buckle used for the cat collar, choose one that is as thin and light as possible so that it does not strain the cat's skin or fur. We do not recommend plastic ones as they may have strength issues or be too thick and dig into the cat's skin.

And always use a safety adjuster for cat collars. Cat collars can be very dangerous for cats, such as getting caught in high places or becoming tangled around the mouth and head like a bridle. Also, never use adjusters for commercially available dog collars.

The Poponeko official online shop also carries buckles and safety adjusters exclusively for cat collars.

Tools needed when making handmade cat collars

Next, we will introduce the necessary tools.

Preparations for making a cat collar by hand

Once you have prepared the materials and tools, let's proceed with the preparations.

Measure your cat's neck size and decide the collar size

Measure your cat's neck circumference. The sizes below are for Poponeko cat collars. Since the finished cat collar can be adjusted to some extent, use the following as a guide to choose the size that fits your beloved cat.

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

Make a pattern for the tape part of the cat collar

Once the size is decided, make a pattern for the tape part using craft paper. The width of the pattern is 4cm (the finished tape width will be 10mm (1cm)).

Let's make a handmade cat collar!

Cutting the fabric

Prepare your favorite fabric to make the cat collar.

Place the pattern on the back side of the fabric for the cat collar tape and draw lines to cut using a chalk pencil. After drawing the lines, proceed to cut the fabric. Carefully cut along the lines drawn with the chalk pencil using fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.

Ironing

Iron the fabric cut for the cat collar. First, smooth out any wrinkles. Fold it in half like making bias tape and press it with an iron to make a crease.

Open the crease and fold both sides toward the center, then press with an iron to make a crease. Iron while lightly dampening with a spray bottle. Then, fold the other side along the center as well and iron it.

Carefully iron so that both folded sides meet perfectly. This greatly affects the appearance of the finished cat collar. Dampen with a spray bottle and press firmly to set the crease.

The ironing is now complete.

As the fabric is very thin, be very careful not to get burned by the iron.

Sewing the tape

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

① Sew the open side of the folded fabric.

When sewing, please sew with the right side facing up. The side where the pattern and colors are clearly visible should be the right side. Sew about 1mm from the edge of the fabric. This is a bit difficult for those who are not used to sewing machines, so sew slowly.

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

When folding and sewing, make sure the ends meet perfectly. Be careful not to let the needle slip off the edge.

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

Please be very careful with your hands as this is very delicate work.

Making a loop for the cat collar

After finishing sewing the tape, cut one end to a length of about 5cm, turn it inside out to the right side, and create a loop (sew by folding over twice).

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

Attaching the safety adjuster

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

And trim the excess thread.

Passing through the buckle

Pass the buckle through from the opposite side of the attached adjuster.

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

The sewing is now complete.

The original cat collar is complete!

Once sewing is complete, adjust the size. Be sure to test that the safety adjuster releases correctly. Finally, put the completed cat collar on your cat.

Let's try wearing the handmade cat collar!

With the cat collar on, adjust it so that two to three human fingers can fit inside to ensure there is no strain on the cat. If your cat is not used to wearing a collar, take it slow and steady. Start by having them wear it for about 10 to 30 minutes to observe them, and take it off if they seem to dislike it. A bell can also be a cause of dislike, so avoid using one at first.

A cute cat collar that can even be made with a household sewing machine. It's fun to enjoy changing outfits with various fabrics. Please enjoy making your one-of-a-kind, original handmade cat collar with your favorite fabric.

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