Collars are a great way to help your cat get to the cutting edge of fashion, but the high cost of some of the cutest collars leaves many cat parents wondering how they can make their own. Here are eight DIY collar plans that you can make for your cat today!
Things to Consider
Collar Plan Type
We’ve taken the liberty of splitting the plans into three different sections. Choosing a plan that suits your skill level and applied knowledge of crafting is essential.
The No-Sew Plans are the easiest since they don’t require any sewing knowledge. The Minimal Sewing Plans need you to apply some sewing knowledge when crafting them; while a sewing machine won’t be necessary, a sewing kit will be. The Advanced Plans require extensive crafting expertise and supplies.
Breakaway Buckles
If you’re crafting your own cat collar, it’s a good idea to invest in breakaway buckles and learn how to attach them to the collar.
Breakaway buckles ensure your cat’s safety by allowing the collar buckle to break open if pressure is applied to it. That way, if your cat gets the collar caught on something, the collar will break away and free them instead of choking them.
Finding the right cat collar can be tricky with so many options on the market. Our favorite is the Hepper Breakaway Collar, a durable hemp collar with adjustable slip-locks, a reliable quick-release buckle, and an included jingle bell to keep your local wildlife safe. This collar is stylish and practical, perfect for any cat! At Excited Cats, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
No-Sew Plans
1. No-Sew Cat Collar
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Materials: | Fabric, Cat collar hardware kit, split rings |
| Tools: | Needle-nose pliers, glue, iron-on adhesive, binder clips |
This no-sew cat collar is the best of both worlds when it comes to producing a stylish collar for your feline friend. This collar can use any fabric that you see fit for your cat.
You will have to properly attach the fabric to the collar hardware so that your cat can wear the collar, but a few tweaks with the needle-nose pliers should be enough to get that all set up.
This plan is the ultimate choice for customizability in cat collars!
2. Shirt Collar
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Materials: | Collared Shirt |
| Tools: | Scissors |
This straightforward collar plan is excellent for pet parents who don’t need the accouterments with the standard cat collar. If your cat is looking for a fashionable collar, this is a perfect option since it requires an old shirt and some scissors.
Simply cut the collar off the shirt, including the button, and fasten the collar around your cat’s neck to achieve optimum fashion!
3. Belt Collar
| Skill Level: | Beginner |
| Materials: | Belt (Leather or pleather) |
| Tools: | Leather hole punch |
This is another simple collar plan that uses old clothing items you don’t need anymore.
For this collar plan, you’ll want to take a belt and shorten the strap to the appropriate size for your cat. Then take the leather hole punch and punch new holes in the belt so you can fasten it closed, and you’re good to go!
4. Friendship Bracelet Collar
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Materials: | Rope or String, Cat collar hardware |
| Tools: | None |
This is a great low-investment cat collar you can make for your cats. You can even create unique matching collars for you and your cats!
For this plan, you’ll need to know how to make knotted friendship bracelets. Whether you make them with string filament or use boating rope, you’ll be able to make a unique collar design that only your cat has!
You’ll need some collar hardware to put the collar securely, but safely, on your cat, but this plan requires no real tools, just the knowledge necessary to make a friendship bracelet!
Minimal Sewing Plans
5. DIY Cat Collar
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Materials: | Fabric, buckles, rings |
| Tools: | Fusible bonding web, iron, needle-nose pliers, sewing kit, or machine |
You’ll need to break out the sewing kit for this plan to complete it. It doesn’t require a sewing machine, but if you have one, you can get some extra sturdiness if you use it!
This is an excellent plan for pet parents who are handy and like to make customizable crafts. You can customize this plan with different fabrics or even bedazzle the final collar!
6. DIY Cat Collar with Bow
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
| Materials: | Fabric, buckles, rings |
| Tools: | Glue, scissors, sewing kit |
This collar plan also requires minimal sewing, though you will have to sew to bring the whole project together. This collar plan walks you through the process of making an adorable collar adorned with a bow tie.
This is an excellent collar for the fancy felines who need to show the world how truly posh they are. If you have a dignified cat and some sewing skills, this is an excellent option for you!
Particularly crafty pet parents can even attach standard breakaway buckles and D-rings to this collar if they choose!
Advanced Collar Plans
7. Homemade Cat Collar
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
| Materials: | 1/2 yard of cotton fabric, 1/2 yard of interfacing, coordinating thread, breakaway buckle |
| Tools: | Sewing machine, iron |
This collar plan requires some sewing know-how to complete, but it truly is the best of the best when it comes to homemade collars!
The collar plan requires you to sew the collar into the correct shape and properly apply interfacing to the collar to improve its stability and sturdiness.
You’ll need to sew the fabric into the correct shapes, but this collar plan is highly customizable and offers everything you would get from a store-bought collar!
8. Crochet Cat Collar
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
| Materials: | Acrylic yarn, buttons |
| Tools: | Crochet needles |
You’ll need more than a little bit of skill when it comes to this crocheted cat collar. This collar is entirely crocheted, which means you’ll need to be able to crochet if you want to make this adorable collar.
This plan requires a starting base of acrylic yarn, buttons, and their pattern. Then you can turn those materials into an adorable neck cuff that’s as fluffy as your cat!
You could even attach standard D-rings and buckles onto this collar plan if you have the crocheting know-how. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
Crafting your own cat collar is a great way to increase the customizability and uniqueness of your cat’s accessories. It’s a fantastic way to show your bond with your cat to the world through their custom collar made with the love of their owner.
No matter what cat collar plan you choose, your cat will thank you for thinking of them and keeping them in your heart!
Featured Image Credit: Raychan, Unsplash
