This free dog bandana pattern and tutorial is perfect for any loving dog owner. Choose between the over-the-collar or the tie-up variation and keep your puppy looking good during all seasons.
This sewing project of the DIY dog bandana was one of my favorites this year.
Why? Because I had the opportunity of making a quick sewing project for Leo, my dog, and best friend.
In addition to using old scraps of fabric and, of course, taking a million pictures of my favorite baby dog. Who wouldn’t want that?
So, grab your sewing machine and your cutest print fabric, and come with me to make a dog bandana for your best friend.
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase using one of the links in this article, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you (To know more about this, click here.)
- Why Choose Our Dog Bandana Pattern?
- Ideas to Customize Your Dog Bandanas
- How much fabric do you need for a dog bandana?
- How to Measure your Dog’s Neck
- Version 1: Dog Bandana with Ties.
- Version 2: Over the Collar Dog Bandana Pattern
- Bonus! Free Dog Banda Pattern- Christmas version.
- Dog Bandana Free PDF Pattern Download.
- Dog Bandana Pattern F.A.Q.
- Printable Sewing Instructions
Why Choose Our Dog Bandana Pattern?
Our Dog Bandana Pattern printable template is not only stylish but also practical. Here are a few reasons why you should choose this pattern:
- Quick and Easy: This project takes minimal time, making it perfect for busy dog owners.
- Budget-Friendly: Use fabric scraps to create a fashionable accessory without breaking the bank.
- Variety of Sizes: Our doggie bandana patterns offer five sizes to fit dogs of all shapes and breeds.
- Free Pattern: Yes, you read that right – our pattern is absolutely free!
Leo is my best buddy. He is always near me, keeping me company, as I work at home alone (well, not really, right?).
He loves my sewing room, especially that sweet spot under my serger machine’s table, where he takes long naps waiting for playtime.
That’s why making sewing projects for pets makes me so happy.
This Dog Bandana Pattern is super easy to do. It takes no time at all. Your baby pet will thank you for the beautiful dog bandanas DIY you will make for him/her after you make one of them.
It also comes in 5 sizes for every type of dog: extra small, small, medium, large, and extra-large. And the best thing of all: IS FREE!!
So, what are you waiting for? Go and find your favorite fabric scraps, and let’s do this!
This Dog Bandana Sewing Pattern is perfect for Beginners.
This free pattern for dog bandana is so simple and easy to make that it only contains 1-2 pattern pieces!
You can make it in less than 15 minutes, and it takes less than ¼ of a yard of fabric.
What can be better than that?
If you want to make it with ties, you will need two pattern pieces.
But if you want to go even simpler, make the over-the-collar version, and you will only need a single piece of fabric and a little bit of thread.
Ideas to Customize Your Dog Bandanas
Customizing a dog bandana can be a fun and creative project. Here are some ideas to help you personalize your dog’s bandana pattern:
- Your Dog’s Name: Add your dog’s name to the bandana using fabric markers, embroidery, or iron-on letters.
- Paw Prints: Incorporate cute paw prints into the design using fabric paint or stamping your dog’s paws onto the fabric.
- Favorite Quotes: Choose a favorite quote or phrase that represents your dog’s personality and print it on the bandana using fabric markers or iron-on transfers.
- Tie-Dye: Create a tie-dye effect using your dog’s favorite colors. This can result in a vibrant and eye-catching bandana.
- Reflective Elements: Sew or iron on reflective strips or shapes to enhance visibility during nighttime walks.
Additional Customization Options:
- Sew on Beads: Embellish the bandana by sewing on beads in patterns or as accents. Make sure they are securely attached to prevent any choking hazards.
- Sewing Ribbons: Sew colorful ribbons onto the bandana for added flair. You can create patterns or let the ribbons dangle for a playful look.
- Adding Bows: Attach fabric bows to the bandana for a cute and feminine touch. Bows can be placed at the corners or along the edges for a stylish finish.
Here are some cool embellishments for your dog’s bandana:
Remember to consider your dog’s comfort and safety when adding embellishments, and regularly check the bandana for any signs of wear or loosening of added elements.
How much fabric do you need for a dog bandana?
The amount of fabric you’ll need for a dog bandana depends on the size of the dog and the desired size of the bandana. Here’s a general guideline for different dog sizes:
| Dog Size | Fabric Requirement |
|---|---|
| Small Dogs | 1/8 yard |
| Medium Dogs | 1/4 yard |
| Large Dogs | 1/2 yard |
- Small Dogs (e.g., Chihuahua, Toy Poodle): For small sizes of dogs, you can use any fat quarters you have on hand. You will need less than ⅛ of a yard.
- Medium Dogs (e.g., Beagle, Cocker Spaniel): Medium dog’s bandana patterns will require ¼ of a yard of fabric.
- Large Dogs (e.g., Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever): For larger dogs, you will need less than ½ of a yard of fabric.
These measurements provide a general starting point, but you can adjust the size based on the dog’s neck size and the desired look of the bandana.
Do you need some good fabric options ideas? Check these!
Free Dog Bandana Pattern Sizing. How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck?
Our Free Dog Bandana Pattern PDF comes in 5 different sizes, which will fit all types of dogs:
- Extra-small
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Extra-large
To know what size will fit better for your pet, take a measuring tape and measure around your pet’s neck.
Then, look at the pattern’s size chart included in the PDF printable file to know which size will be better for them.
If you are making this bandana for a dog, you can’t take measurements, then choose the bandana by dog size.
Don’t worry!
Both the tie-up and the over-the-collar bandana can adapt to your dog’s neck.
These bandanas will fit any dog size. For example, if you are making a bandana for a small dog like a cocker spaniel, choose the dog banana size.
If you are making a bandana for a large dog like a golden retriever, use the dog bandana pattern size large.
More Dog Sewing Patterns.
*Optional* Adjusting the Dog Bandana Pattern for Unique Dog Neck Sizes
To adjust our largest bandana pattern size for larger dog necks, add length to the ties or enlarge the pattern by 10-20% before printing. For smaller dogs, do the opposite.
Finally, my best recommendation for these problems is to use the Over-the-Collar Dog Bandana Sewing pattern instead of the tie-up version.
How to make a dog bandana? (Variation 1 & 2)
Print and assemble your free Dog Bandana PDF Sewing Pattern and follow the cutting instructions to cut your fabrics.
Choose which variation you are going to make.
- For the tie-up variation, cut the body and the straps.
- For the over-the-collar dog bandana variation, cut only the body of the dog bandana template.
Then follow these instructions to sew your dog’s bandana from scratch.
Go to the bottom of this post and download the Free Doggy’s Bandana Pattern.
Print and assemble it according to the instructions.
Ready?
Perfect! Now, all you have to do is follow these easy steps to have your Doggy’s Bandana Pattern ready to go.
Version 1: How to sew a Dog Bandana with ties.
Tip: You can also print this guide from home! Scroll to the bottom of this page to get your printable file.
Do you enjoy our freebies?? Support us so we can keep making freebies for you by buying us a cup of coffee here. We will be forever grateful!
1. Gather your materials.
- Woven cotton fabric. (Check out these amazing Dog Print Fabrics)
- Thread
- Pins or sewing clips.
- Fabric Scissors
- Doggy’s Bandana PDF pattern (get the file at the bottom of this post)
Although you can use any fabric scraps for this sewing project, I recommend you use cotton fabrics.
Any kind of fat quarter fabric can work as well.
But don’t stress too much about this. I’ve seen our readers make a dog bandana with all sorts of fabrics. And yes. They look amazing.
2. Sew the ties
After you cut and assemble the pattern, pin the pieces “B” with the right sides of the fabrics facing together.
Pin them and sew around the straps at 1/4″, leaving one side of them open. This would be a good time to use your pressing tools to press before turning inside out.
Cut off the corners of the straps so they can be neat when turned inside out.
Be careful to cut near the corner but not right next to the stitch, or you will end with an open corner.
Turn the straps inside out and then pull out the corners with the help of a pin.
Then press again to get them nice and flat.
3. Place the ties inside the bandana’s body.
Place the straps just in the center of the pattern piece “A” (bandana’s body), as shown in the picture.
The closed sides of the ties should be at the center of the pattern, and the open sides should match the edges of the bandana’s body.
Pin the straps to the body, and then fold the bandana’s body right in the middle by matching all the corners of the bandana’s body.
4. Sew along the body.
Sew along the bandana’s body by the sides and bottom corners at 1/4″ from the edge.
Remember to leave an open space so you can turn the piece inside out.
5. Turn inside out and press.
Pull the straps gently through the open space you left in step four. The last step is to turn your bandana right side out.
Then, with the help of your hands, press the piece flat.
6. Make an Invisible stitch.
This is the last step! Make an invisible stitch in the space you left open.
Version 2: How to Sew an Over the Collar Dog Bandana Pattern?
1. Gather your materials
To make an over-the-collar dog bandana, you will need the following materials.
2. Press the seams in.
Fold the side seam allowance ¼” towards the wrong side of the fabric and press.
Then fold over again another ¼” towards the same side and press again.
Use pins or sewing clips to secure these seams in place.
3. Sew the hem.
Make a top stitch over the folded hem you just pressed.
4. Sew over the triangle’s body.
Fold the pattern in half with the fabric’s right sides together.
Match the edges from the point to the sides and secure the sides with pins or sewing clips.
Then sew from the bottom of one side to the other (leaving the sides open) at ¼”.
Remember to make a backstitch at the beginning and at the end of the seams.
5. Turn inside out.
Finally, cut the corner of the point in the center of the bandana.
Then, turn the piece inside out to get the right side of the fabric on the outside.
To finish, press the piece flat.
Now, you can slide in your dog collar band, and your puppy will be ready to dazzle!
Dog Bandana Pattern PDF Free Download.
Please don’t leave without telling me what you think of this tutorial and how your project went!
Bonus!! Free Dog Banda Pattern- Christmas version.
Your dog should be ready with the best accessories on Christmas, too!
That’s why we made an incredible version using this pattern but with a Christmas-themed template.
In our Christmas Themed Dog Bandana Pattern tutorial, you will learn how to make elf bandanas you can easily customize to look like Santa or even like a ginger man’s cookie!
Printable Sewing Instructions
How to sew a Dog Bandana Pattern
Follow these steps to sew a dog's bandana.
Materials
- Fabric
- Matching Thread
- Iron
- Sewing Machine
Instructions
1. Gather your materials.
Use cotton, any kind of fat quarter fabric can work as well.
2. Sew the straps.
CLose the bandanna straps at 1/4" and leave one end open.
3. Snip the corners.
Cut out the corners of the bandana straps.
4. Press the straps.
Use your pressing tools to press the bandana straps flat.
5. Pin the straps
Pin the straps to the bandana's body. Place the opened sides of the straps at the edges of each side of the bandana.
Sew along to close. Sew the edge of the bandana at 1/4". Leave 2" open.
6. Turn inside out and press.
Pull gently the straps into the open space you left in step 6.
7. Close the open space.
Use an invisible seam to close the open space.
Press the final piece.
Notes
To add a name, letter, or decorations such as embroidery or vinyl. Apply before sewing.
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Okay, I found the pattern. What is the difference between the A4-Doggy Bandana Sewing Pattern and the download of the Letter-Doggy Bandana Sewing Pattern?
Oh! That is just the size of paper you can print the pattern on. Letter paper size, or A4 paper size 😀
I cannot find the pattern. I have in my cart, but then it takes me back to the page. I saw another post where you included the link. Nothing happens
Lisa
Hi Lisa, could you please share a screen shot of what it is happening to my Facebook Page (mygoldenthimble)
I can’t seem to find and get the printable version of doggy bandana
Hi Grace, here is the link to download: https://www.mygoldenthimble.com/product/doggys-bandana/
Hola. No he podido descargar el patrón. Me lo puedes enviar a mi correo. Gracias. Hermosos trabajo
Hola Olga! Me puedes decir que problema tuviste? El patrón de la bandana para perros se encuentra en nuestra tienda bajo el titulo de “free sewing patterns” y solo tienes que seguir las instrucciones para bajarlos.
Would love to make some bandanas for the new puppy. Thanks for offering this pattern.
You are so welcome! Let me know how it goes.
Not all of your pattern pieces are in the download.
Page 3-4 is missing and page 6-7 is missing. Or am I not reading you pattern right?
Hi Susan, you migth have been reading the pattern in a different way. Did you checked the pattern pages map that is included in the file? There it says which pages forms the pattern.
If you have any more issues you can reach me through our Facebook page for more detailed help.
I can’t find the link to print out the pattern pieces for the dog banana scarf.
Can you tell me how to do it?
Absolutely! Right after the purchase you will be redirected to the download page. You can also find the link of the patter by going to your account and signing in (the account is on the menu of our website). The third way to access is by clicking on the link of the confirmation email you will be getting.
I also can’t find the pattern. I downloaded what I thought was the pattern, but it was only the bandana version. I can’t figure out how to get the over the collar version!
Hi Michelle. The sewing pattern is the same! For both versions! You just have to follow different sewing instructions. You can find both instructions in this very post 🙂 Just read the second version ;);)
Thanks for the great pattern. It is beautifully designed and the instructions easy to follow. I made four of them today in 4 different sizes for Valentine’s Day gifts. The large fit my Bernese Mountain Dog perfectly.
You are so welcome! I would love to see them if you want to share them at My Golden Thimble Sewing Club on Facebook.
Thank you for this free pattern. I am about to make number 1 hopefully of many!
I am absolutely happy that you liked it! I hope I get to see it on social media 😀
I love this pattern! Thank you so much. My Dogs look adorable in these bandanas!
Hi Thanks for the great doggie bandanna pattern. What did you use to fasten the straps ?
Hi Gaye! You are welcome 😀
I use a simple double knot 😉
I downloaded the instructions, thank you, but do you have a downloadable tutorial to go with the instructions please. thanks
Hi, right now the instructions are only available here online.
I have been searching for a pattern like this for a very long time and I’m excited to try it. I know my grand-doggies will love them.
Thank you so much for your comment! I do hope your grand-doggies like the bandana sewing pattern :D. If you could tag me on social that would be amazing!
I was looking for a way to use up some scraps from another project and found this. I am thrilled at how easy it was to do and love that it uses ties! It makes it easier for the pet and the biped. Thank you for sharing it with us, and I can’t wait to deliver the bandannas to my furry friend.
Melissa, thank you so much for your comment! I am so glad that you enjoyed this dog’s bandana and I would love to see it on your pupps!
I was looking for scarf dimensions for a dog with a 17″ neck when I happened on your pattern! The scarves (not many) that I’ve made have always been by folding a square piece of fabric in half, etc. Your pattern is ingenious because it uses a lot less fabric. It also lends itself well to being reversible and to adding ruffles and other snazzy finishes. Thank you, thank you and thank you again!
Carol,
Thank you for getting the time to review our free dog bandana pattern. It is truly a joy for me to read this kind of comment! They inspire me to keep working to make you all happy!
D
Just love this pattern! thank you so much.
I am making for my Grandson & Granddaughter’s dogs, they have 2 each & want to make them for their baby reveals for my 2 new Great Grandchildren.
I’m going to add I’m the Big Brother/Sister in vinyl to the front of the bandana’s in vinyl
What a cute idea!! Omg please please tag me on that!
The pattern prints out well on every page except for the most important part…everything is dark except for the directions; it’s so light it’s hard to read. Even the address for your site at the bottom of the page is so light. I can read it if I look hard enough, but it would be nice if it printed out darker.
Thank you so much for your comment Lori, I would check to make it a little darker.
I came across a snag for mine. I had a pattern that was supposed to be the same direction on both sides so I had to cut the big piece in half and sew it together the correct directions. Otherwise, WOW!! This is an amazing pattern! Thank you for sharing and God bless you and your business.
I appreciate so much your blessings!! And I am super happy that you enjoyed the pattern 😀 I hope I can see it on social media soon.
Hi! I’m am giving this pattern to my grand daughter she is wanting to learn to sew and she works has 3 dogs so she would enjoy making these for them. The problem I have is that I can’t read the sizes on the little chart…it came out very light on both places..could you let me know what xs-xl is in pounds (or is that in inches) I just cannot get it to come out clearly…probably my printer. Thanks!
Yes no worries, Xs-11″ (inches), S-17″, M-19″, L-21″ XL-23″ I hope the 3 doggys like it!
I just made some for my own pup and three grandpups. Quick and easy, thanks so much for sharing the pattern.
Is there a sizing guide somewhere that would let me know what neck size each different size would fit? Like Small fits up to 11″ neck, Medium fits up 15″ neck etc??? I’d like to make some for friends as gifts without asking them to measure their dogs neck. I can look up approximate neck sizes by breed online and go from there.
Hi Cathy! Check on the second page of the file, in the pattern card on the section “sizes” it has a sizing chart which it says exactly the neck measurement for each size 😉
Thanks, I’ll check it out. 🙂
Got the pattern printed. Now I will go thru my fabric stash and find some suitable fabric to use.
Thanks for the free pattern!
I love this pattern! I’ve made 2 for my fiends dogs and added poppers to make it more secure. Thank you x
Yeiii! I am so happy that you liked it! I would love to see your creations, please remember to tag me in your socials @mygoldenthimble so I can take a peek
I am so happy you posted this pattern . I do not sew I was looking for something easy for my dog to have a go. Thank you so much
I am very happy that you liked this pattern 😀 Thank you so much!!
I LOVE this pattern! I got it to make bandanas for my son’s babies! EXTREMELY easy to print AND make! Thank you for sharing this pattern!
I am so very happy that you liked this pattern :D!! Thank you so much for letting me know. And you are very very welcome.
I had no trouble printing the pattern, but I am confused as to why you are only listing 1 piece of material for the body of the bandana? Wouldn’t you need 2 pieces?
Theresa
No, because the top of the bandana is cut on the fold, 😀
Does this mean that the fabric should be folded in two before we cut it. I’m confused as it says cut once but that would leave a triangle shape and in the pictures it’s a hexagon that looks to be folded over to make a triangle.
Exactly, you need to cut the bandana’s top part on the fabric’s folded edge.
No matter what I do I cannot get this pattern to print properly! Tried landscape as suggested – still not printing correctly.
Print square is exact.
Hi Noeleen, have you check out our tutorial about how to print and assemble our patterns? Is at the Faq page of our blog. Basically, you want to print in real size (letter paper size) with the no border option.
Hello,
I’m just wondering if I’m missing something from your pattern. I downloaded your free Doggy’s Bandana and there was only one page. I attached what I got. Your directions says there are 5 sizes, extra small, small, medium, large and extra large. I only see 3 and I’m not every sure which sizes they are as they aren’t even labeled. Also nowhere does it say what the measurements are for the straps. Am I missing something.
Please advise.
Thank you kindly.
Hi Kristen, I am not sure why you had this issue but I am writing you an email to sort that out.
I made one for my furry grandpup, she is so tiny I had to make the pattern even smaller! I halved the size of the ties and added velcro to fasten. It’s made in pink slub silk and adorned with a ribbon rose. Thank you for sharing the pattern <3
Owwww it sounds so cute!! Great tip about the velcro :O
I just made five of these! Two for my new fur grandbaby (so he can grow into them). Three for my other grand. I even put their name on them.
This pattern is super! Thank you so much! I made it on request for a friend and my only change was that I made it reversible with the stripes horizontal on one side and vertical on the other – I just added the 1/4” seam allowance to attach the two sides at the top and then followed along the rest.
Super simple instructions and the sizing is spot on! Thank you!!
Thank you so much Stef!! I am so glad you liked our pattern. I love that you made it reversible!
Hi,
I’d prefer to use velcro, rather than tying a knot. Would that work with this pattern? Could I just make the straps a bit shorter and add velcro to them? I’ll be using the XL size as I have a Saint Bernard.
Thanks!
Janet
Yes absolutely! The width of the bandana it is supposed to fit around the neck of your doggy, so I would make only one strip of at least 3-4″ long and that would close under the other side of the bandana.
I just made one for my new rescue pup! She’s still a little confused by it, but she looks adorable. <3 Thanks for this cute pattern!
Owww Sweet thing she deserves nice things!
I tried to make this for my dog and my needle broke! I was able to replace it and other than that the pattern and everything worked nicely! Lilly (my dog) loves it!
I am so glad Lilly has a new couture garment made by momma :D!!
Great pattern. Finishes nicely. Unable to print tutorial. Will use to teach my daughters how to sew.
Thanks Diana
Thank you for the nice easy to follow pattern ?
Love the pattern! Had to make it bigger though for my English mastiff.
Thank you so much for this pattern. I’m looking forward to making it today!
tried to print the tutorial/sewing instruction, unable too.
Please advise “how to”
thanks, doggie grandma
Hi Nancy!
Some of our most popular patterns have a download limit for security reasons. On this pattern, the download limit is 3 times. That is why we suggest that when you get your order you download your pattern and save it in a safe place.
But, I am writing to you directly on your mail to have this fix for you as you didn’t realize this, don’t worry!
thank you,,,, I had no problem printing the pattern, was trying to print the tutorial/sewing instructions for the bandana, wrote by hand as I was unable to print directions.
thank you
doggie grandma
Important: Pattern pieces (pages 8-11) must be printed in landscape mode to align properly.
The pattern for the doggy bandana will not download.
Rjc
Hi Retha, have you clicked on the link that you got by mail or by logging into your account and then click on downloads??
I made this! Thank you for all the pictures and easy instructions. I’m a beginner sewer and only had to Google how to do an invisible stitch.
I can’t wait to try this. Please email me the instructions. Thanks so much!
Hi Molly!
The instructions are in this post! You can also print them and save them to your computer by going to the very end of the post to the printable instructions and hit print.