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How-to: Rainbow Paracord Dog Collar

March 11, 2013 52 Comments

Paracord Dog Collar - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

Paracord accessories are really fun and pretty easy to make once you get the hang of the knot or braid you’re trying to use. They’re good projects to do with kids, especially boys and teens, because they’re often worn by military service people, and they involve the use of a lighter, which dudes tend to think is cool (sorry to generalize :) ). For today’s project, I thought making my dog a rainbow collar would be fun for St. Patrick’s Day and a good excuse to play with paracord and lighters. I also made myself a bracelet using the same technique, so even if you don’t have a brooding teen or a dog to craft for, you can do this project too.

Paracord Dog Collar - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

Supplies

rainbow 550 paracord
side release buckle
lighter
scissors
small key ring
measuring tape (optional)
painter’s tape (optional)

Directions

Fold your paracord exactly in half and thread it through one end of the slide release buckle. Flip the folded end over the buckle it’s threaded through and tighten. This is what it should look like:

Paracord Dog Collar - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

Using your dog’s existing collar as a guide, or a measuring tape if you want to be precise, thread the second end of the slide release buckle onto the two open ends of the paracord, letting the second end rest at the spot at which it will fit your dog, as shown.

Paracord Dog Collar - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

Tape down the second end as well as the middle of the collar with some painter’s tape to help keep it at the correct length. You can skip the taping if you’re confident you can keep the buckle in place by itself.

I’ve got two things to keep in mind as you go. One, if you’re making a dog collar, add your key ring to one knot wherever you like for attaching your dog’s tags to the collar. Also remember to tighten each knot fully before moving on to the next knot in your project.

How to Knot a Paracord Bracelet or Collar - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

When you have knotted all the way down your bracelet, cut the excess paracord from the last knot and burn the raw ends to prevent fraying.

Paracord Dog Collar - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

Paracord Dog Collar - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

If you did the collar, now you can add your dog’s tags to the ring to complete it.

Paracord Dog Collar - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

Paracord Bracelet - Tutorial at HandsOccupied.com

Being a librarian, I of course did some research before putting together this project, and I recommend this tutorial from Instructables if you want another look at how to make a paracord bracelet or collar.

Filed Under: DIY Style, How-to, Macramé, Pet Projects Tagged With: bracelet, collar, diy, dog collar, How-to, paracord, rainbow

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad (she/her) is a craft book author & designer specializing in yarn crafts. Her work combines vintage and modern design elements, prioritizing color and graphic motifs. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

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Comments

  1. Nica

    April 1, 2013 at 7:36 am

    So excited to try this! My only question is, what length of paracord did you use to acheive which length of collar? I’d hate to cut mine too short and discover it halfway through my collar! Argh!
    Thank you for sharing this! :)

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 1, 2013 at 9:58 am

      Thanks for the question, Nica! I totally made my first dog collar like this too short, so I hear you on this concern.

      I got my paracord at Michaels in their jewelry section. The amount of cord needed will depend on how tight your knots are. I found it easiest, for my dog’s 14″ collar, to use the entire package of 550 paracord, aka 16 feet. I had a little leftover at the end. Good luck!

      Reply
  2. Tonya Sue Erick

    September 26, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Where did you get the slide release buckles?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 26, 2013 at 3:48 pm

      Michaels – they were right in the same endcap as the paracord I used.

      Reply
  3. Eunice

    October 6, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    Hi! I was just wondering, is this kind of collar alright for cats? I know they have narrower necks than dogs as well as more fragile ones too. I’ve been looking into creating my own collar since I don’t see one that I really like in stores. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 7, 2013 at 11:18 am

      Great question, Eunice! I am so not a cat expert, so I think you should ask your vet to be safe. I know for my dogs, my vet is a-ok with my calling with random questions about what’s best for them. If your vet has wise words of wisdom, please let me know!

      Reply
    • dana

      December 8, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      Eunice, The slide release buckles are not good for cats. You need to get specific buckles for cats. They are quick release or also called break aways. Cats get caught up in stuff and will panic and throw their bodies around. If you don’t have a quick release buckle they can get themselves in a lot of trouble. I have made dog and cat collars for a few years and used to sell them online or at craft-shows.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        December 8, 2013 at 5:34 pm

        Thank you, Dana!! Like I said above, I know little about cats and don’t want to put misinformation out there :).

        Reply
  4. Yayan

    January 15, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    Hi! I wanted to ask if you notice the collar stretching out at all after using it a few times – I’d hate to make it just right at first only to have it stretch out to be too big later on! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 15, 2014 at 3:46 pm

      I haven’t had any stretching- I tied it super tight. It’s just dirtier these days ;)

      Reply
    • Becca

      November 1, 2014 at 4:23 pm

      The paracord will stretch out over time, but if you put it in water it’ll strink back up

      Reply
  5. Nikki

    January 21, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    Hi Heidi,
    Really love the design of your collar, I have a labrador she is only ten months and I really want to make her a collar. Living in England I don’t have the luxury of Michaels (will have to stock up when I visit florida this year). I was just wondering if you have ever made a lead to go with the collar.?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 22, 2014 at 9:15 am

      Hi Nikki!

      I bet your pup is so cute! Two things: 1) I searched a few UK retailers for paracord, and found some options from Etsy UK! Strangely, Hobbycraft carried books about paracord crafting and not paracord.

      And 2) I haven’t yet tried lead/leash-making, but I’ll add it to my to-make list for February or March! I really like some of the rope and leather options I’ve seen in preliminary searching, but I can think about what might work with paracord too. Stay tuned :)

      Thanks for the comment,
      Heidi

      Reply
      • Sacto Sallooky

        April 30, 2018 at 5:47 am

        Years ago I made a dog leash – I actually crocheted using a heavy string. It lasted for years. It was different and plain, using the paracord to make one would be a nice set. You might use a carabiner and the tight knots you used for the collar.

        Reply
        • Heidi

          April 30, 2018 at 7:00 pm

          Great ideas! :)

          Reply
      • Beth Jessen

        August 15, 2018 at 12:06 am

        I have ordered para-cord from on line good prices & if you ask for a bit of info on thickness heaviness of cords they just might send you some samples. some suppliers also have clips & other supplies one might use.

        Reply
      • Beth Jessen

        August 15, 2018 at 12:08 am

        I made a leash at the request of m y nephew, but I think I did it very tight & it was stiffer than many leashes, so maybe make it less tight

        Reply
  6. Kathryn

    March 30, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    I have made a few things with paracord (bracelets, dog collar, key chain, water bottle holder) From my experience and what I have read for that knot you should expect about a foot of cord for each inch you need. I have yet to try it but I saw a tutorial that says you should boil the cord first because it will shrink when it gets wet. It also said you can boil it once its done to tighten the knots.

    Reply
  7. Olivia Cross

    April 5, 2014 at 10:20 pm

    What colour is this paracord

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 6, 2014 at 3:57 pm

      It’s the rainbow-colored paracord available (at least in the US) at Michaels: http://www.michaels.com/Parachute-Cord/bd1508,default,pd.html :)

      Reply
  8. Caroline

    May 3, 2014 at 1:41 pm

    I’ve just maded one for my dog Beagle x Jack Russel, named Cooper. I have the color: Neon turquoise with black. It is beautiful on my dog. Thank you verry much for making this blog. My dog thanks you to!!

    Grtz,
    Caroline & Cooper

    Reply
  9. Shelbi

    May 5, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    Hello I’m just wondering if you have any suggestions how I could make this color adjustable? I wanted to make some as gifts but it’s too hard to know exact sizes without asking for them?!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 6, 2014 at 9:34 am

      Hmm, that I’m not sure about. Since the paracord knotting is so thick, it would be hard to find a buckle that would allow it to be adjustable. I’m coming up blank on that, I’m sorry :(

      Reply
    • Becca

      November 1, 2014 at 4:25 pm

      They have smaller “belt buckles” that you can use

      Reply
  10. Katie

    May 7, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    Hi,

    I’m just wondering if anyone knows if the buckle has to be a particular type? and what size is best? I am picking up my puppy in 4 weeks, so have some time to get everything and start trying to make it :)
    I have looked on Amazon UK and there are millions of different buckle types & sizes!
    Also has anyone tried Kathryn’s suggestion of boiling the cord and is this a good thing to do?
    Katie :)

    Reply
  11. Jennifer Priest

    May 31, 2014 at 8:53 am

    OMG I love this! Totally adding this to my “things to do this summer” list :)

    Reply
  12. Eunice

    June 11, 2014 at 11:00 am

    Oh, wow. I have completely forgotten to check your blog post for the answer to my question. Silly me. Thanks for all those who answered my questions. I will definitely contact my vet and look into the breakaway clasps for the collars. Thanks.

    Reply
  13. Debbi Michael

    September 30, 2014 at 11:25 am

    Can you make this wider?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      September 30, 2014 at 1:53 pm

      Hi Debbi – If you use thicker paracord, that should do the trick! -Heidi

      Reply
  14. Jen Hodges

    December 22, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    Thanks for this tutorial! :) I made one for my little dog Daisy, and it looks amazing!!! :)

    Reply
  15. Sanja Maras

    April 25, 2015 at 11:13 am

    Hi :)
    Great idea and design. :) i will try to make paracord collar for my dogs but i wonder is it safe for dogs ? i don’t know how to make end to be safe for my dog.

    Reply
  16. Natasha

    April 14, 2016 at 1:27 am

    Would a D ring work too?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 14, 2016 at 7:56 am

      I believe so, if big enough. The thing about weaving the tail through a D ring is that the paracord part is really thick, so that could pose a challenge. I think it’s worth a try if you have one on hand already! I just bought some more clips on Blitsy.com for pretty cheap if you’re looking for a good source. -Heidi

      Reply
  17. Debbie

    June 10, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    Debbie
    Hi, I’m just wondering when you get to the end of the project where you burn the edges to prevent fraying… Won’t there be a problem with knots coming undone as all four paracords are not attached to each other? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      June 27, 2016 at 11:25 am

      Since this is essentially a series of knots, they have stayed put in my experience. Paracord is good for staying put!

      Reply
  18. Michelle Ragan

    August 25, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    You need to prewash and dry all paracod, it will shrink at least 10% or more depending on the color. You don’t want to make a collar and have it not fit after they swim or you wash the collar.

    Reply
  19. diana

    January 15, 2017 at 8:02 pm

    Me encanta esta idea. Trataré de hacerlo. Te enviaré la foto con mi mascota una vez lo confeccione. Deséame suerte.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 19, 2017 at 10:04 am

      buena suerte!

      Reply
  20. john petersen

    October 17, 2017 at 11:17 am

    How can i buy this product ?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 18, 2017 at 9:31 am

      I don’t sell these, but I recommend searching Etsy. This is a popular technique, and there are several options available.

      Reply
  21. Harriett

    February 23, 2019 at 7:10 am

    What size is the side release buckle?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      March 24, 2019 at 9:38 am

      I used a 1″ buckle, but for dogs of different sizes, you’ll want to choose a buckle suited to their size.

      Reply
  22. Lisa Ray

    February 23, 2020 at 3:36 am

    Unique and wonderful idea. But I was wondering if it is safe for my mini Bernedoodle because she always pull herself during the walks.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      March 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      As with all handmade projects, the responsibility for function and safety is up to the maker. I do not have a way of knowing this answer, unfortunately. Best of luck!

      Reply
  23. Olivia Ava

    October 27, 2020 at 9:39 am

    Debbie
    Hi, I’m just wondering when you get to the end of the project where you burn the edges to prevent fraying… Won’t there be a problem with knots coming undone as all four paracords are not attached to each other? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 9, 2020 at 1:01 pm

      The knots stay put on their own as long as the tails aren’t cut too short! :)

      Reply
  24. Sarah Norman

    March 18, 2023 at 11:35 pm

    Hi Heidi,
    What size side release buckle did you use?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      March 20, 2023 at 9:14 am

      The one I used is about 1 inch/26mm.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fetching! | The Daily Dog Tag says:
    May 24, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    […] Simple and beautiful DIY rainbow paracord dog collar(or modify it for a bracelet) […]

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  2. Cute Dog Collars – DIY says:
    July 16, 2013 at 5:30 am

    […] Braid projects are easy and fun to do, great thing about designing your own collar is that you can customize everything. Colors and materials to be used and the design you want to choose. These braided collars are sure to make a style statement. Pic Courtesy […]

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  3. Five Pinterest DIY Christmas Gift Ideas « The Frazzled Coffee Lover says:
    August 12, 2014 at 3:24 pm

    […] 2. Paracord Dog Collar: […]

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    August 25, 2014 at 5:23 pm

    […] Photo credit and tutorial […]

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), and I’ve been helping yarn crafters untangle various techniques on the internet since 2010. I got my start here, as a blogger, and since then I’ve shared more than a few tutorials here and on YouTube as I’ve grown as a pattern designer. 🧶 

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Heidi Gustad 🧶 knitting & yarn crafts

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Knitting & yarn crafts designer 🧶
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POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern fits with no ease vs. 4” of positive ease. There’s a bit more length to the cotton (brighter color) sample, but both are cropped and feature shoulder seams designed to sit an inch back onto the shoulder instead of on top, giving it a little swing. Length is easily adjustable for folks looking for less of a crop. 
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Pattern: Bevelled Tank by @handsoccupied for @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn summer 2024. Available for free from Hobbii at the 🔗 in my profile.
Yarn pictured: @kelbournewoolens Skipper and Camper. 
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Human has a 40” chest and is 5’5”.
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Let’s talk about fit and ease! . During the Beve Let’s talk about fit and ease!
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During the Bevelled Tank design process for @pompommag, I knit 2 samples using 2 different @KelbourneWoolens yarns. One was in Skipper (100% cotton, second photo) and the other was in Camper (100% 2 ply wool). The Skipper sample was knit for a 36” bust, which measures in at 40” with 4” of positive ease. And I knit the Camper Sample for my 40” bust with a 44” finished measurement. (BTW, I’m 5’5” for folks that find that measurement helpful in visualizing fit.)
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Based on the size chart for the Bevelled Tank, that means I knit one size 3 sample and one size 4. As designed, I conveniently fit a size 4 as intended with 4” of positive ease. When I wear the 3, there is no ease at all because the garment and my body are both 40” in size. Comparing the 2 garments, you can see how the fiber content (cotton vs. wool) and fit (no ease vs. 4” of positive ease) makes a difference in the look and feel of the finished garment. 
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These samples are a great way to compare what ease looks like on different bodies. While I can fit both a size 3 and 4, the garment with no ease feels more like pajamas or a bralette when I wear it. On the other hand, when I wear the one with 4” of positive ease, I feel comfortable enough to wear it to work, even as a crop top. Plus, it leaves me with enough room to layer it with a nice button down if I’m not feeling the cropped look one day. 
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I’m curious - how would you style this tank? Would you modify it with a few stockinette rows for added length? I’m so curious now that this pattern is finally out in the world. :) 
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #bevelledtank #handsoccupied #knitting #intarisa #handmade #kelbournewoolens #croppedsweater #summerknits
After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m ba After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m back with a brand new pattern in 9 sizes, and it’s FREE as part of @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn’s summer design collection! (Link is in my bio.)
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In my December newsletter, I announced that I was soliciting test knitters for a pattern that had originally been selected for the summer ’24 issue of Pom Pom Quarterly magazine. However, the magazine ceased publication after its spring ’24 issue, leaving in-progress designs unpublished. (It happens.) As a result, I’d begun the long process of editing, testing, and photographing the pattern for independent release through the Hands Occupied pattern shop and Ravelry.
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Before I was done with that process, Pom Pom Quarterly’s former editors reached out with an exciting proposal for the pattern. Post-magazine, they’ve begun to partner with yarn companies to produce high quality pattern collections. They wanted to include designs from the would-be current issue of Pom Pom Quarterly in a new collection for Hobbii yarn, including my Bevelled Tank. I worked with the same technical editors I would have for the magazine on this one, and as you can see from the photos, Pom Pom’s team did an amazing job of styling the garment to the beautiful standards they’re known for.
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You can learn more about the pattern on my blog and get the free pattern from Hobbii yarn - links to both in my profile. I’ll post sizing info in the comments for quick reference too. 🧶
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Photos: @dianascarrunz 
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Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vi Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vintage knitting pattern from 1938 called the Fernlace Pullover. A pattern so nice, I knit it twice.
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Yellow version 💛: knit with Despondent Dyes’ Vintage Vixen Sport after attending a @squidneyknits vintage knitting retreat in 2019 & learning *so much*. Paired with a self-drafted circle skirt pattern. 
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Blue version 💙: knit with @eweeweyarns Ewe So Sporty in Sky Blue. Paired with the 1940s Boardwalk Duet sewing pattern from @decades_of_style 
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Head to my stories for 🔗🔗 to the handmade wardrobe blog posts I wrote about each take on the Fernlace Pullover, working with a vintage pattern, where to find vintage patterns (including the one I used), & some thoughts on sizing. 
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Frogging is a word in the knitting world that mean Frogging is a word in the knitting world that means to rip out your knitting. It’s called frogging because frogs say “ribbit,” and when you’re tearing out your knitting, you will “rip it” out, and that sounds like ribbit. No really. 🐸 Did you know this fun fact? 
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P.S. I did like this design concept, but to make the pattern more knitter friendly as well as more wearable, I am making some tweaks to the construction. Excited to share when it’s ready! 🥰🧶
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Yarn: @blueskyfibers Woolstok North in Morning Frost & Highland Fleece 
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