Making bandanas for Bubu has become one of my favorite weekend projects. It takes about 15 minutes per bandana, costs almost nothing, and lets me coordinate his look with mine without trying too hard.
What You Need
I keep the materials super basic:
l Cotton fabric scraps (old shirts, thrifted pieces, or leftover material from other projects)
l Scissors or rotary cutter
l Sewing machine (or you can hand sew if you want)
l Iron
l Optional: fabric glue for no-sew version
I usually pick fabric that matches the colors I’m wearing that week — beige for neutral days, a pop of green or blue when I want something brighter.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Them
Step 1: Cut the Fabric
I cut a square about 18x18 inches for Bubu. He’s a corgi mix so this size ties nicely around his neck without dragging. For bigger dogs you can go 20-22 inches.
Step 2: Fold and Press
Fold the square in half to make a triangle. Iron the edges so everything stays flat. Then fold each raw edge in about ¼ inch and press again. This gives clean lines.
Step 3: Sew It Up
I sew along the folded edges with a simple straight stitch. If I’m in a rush I use fabric glue instead. Let it dry for 10 minutes and it’s ready.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Sometimes I add a small tag with his name or just leave it plain. For special days I’ll sew on a tiny button or pom-pom that matches my earrings or bag.
The whole thing folds small and stores easily in a drawer. I usually make 4-5 at a time so I always have options.
How I Match Them to My Outfits
This is the fun part. If I’m wearing my beige blazer and white tee, I grab the beige bandana with thin stripes. For weekends with the green linen shorts, I use the sage green one. It’s a small detail but it makes our photos look more put-together when we’re out walking.
Bubu actually seems to like them. He gets excited when he sees me pulling one out because he knows we’re going outside together.
I wash them with my regular clothes on gentle cycle and they hold up fine. No fraying after many wears.
Quick Tips I’ve Learned
l Use 100% cotton so they breathe well and don’t get too hot.
l Make reversible ones by sewing two different fabrics back to back.
l Keep a small basket by the door with 3-4 ready bandanas.
l If you don’t sew, just buy bandana blanks and add iron-on patches or fabric paint.
This DIY saves me money and lets me get creative without buying new dog accessories every season. It’s become part of my weekly routine now.
Bottom line: Make your own bandanas. They’re cheap, easy, and way more fun than store-bought ones. Start with cotton scraps you already have at home. Once you try it, you’ll probably make a bunch too. Let me know in the comments if you want the exact measurements for different dog sizes or a no-sew version!
