How to Sew a Dog Bandana | Free Project
Published by Nannette D. | The Textile District on Sep 8th 2023
Updated September 2026 to reflect current fabric options, clearer sizing and sewing guidance.
A reversible dog bandana is a quick beginner sewing project and an easy way to use two coordinating fabrics in one small accessory. With a simple triangular construction and finished edges on both sides, you can change the look just by flipping the bandana over.
This tutorial shows you how to sew a tie-on dog bandana, including how to measure your dog, choose an appropriate size and select a lightweight woven fabric that is comfortable around the neck.
If you are looking for a similar project for people, see our How to Sew a Bandana or Head Scarf tutorial.
DIY Reversible Dog Bandana
Skill level: Beginner
Estimated sewing time: Approximately 1 hour
Construction: Two coordinating fabric triangles sewn right sides together, turned and topstitched
Choose Fabric for a Dog Bandana
Lightweight woven fabrics are usually the easiest and most comfortable choice for a tie-on dog bandana.
Good options from The Textile District include:
- Cotton Quilt – lightweight, easy to sew and easy to press
- Cotton Sheeting – soft and versatile with a little more drape
- Cotton Pima Lawn – especially lightweight and soft for a less structured bandana
For most dogs, avoid unnecessarily heavy or stiff fabrics around the neck. The finished bandana should fold and tie comfortably without creating excess bulk.
Materials You Will Need
- Two coordinating lightweight woven fabrics
- Coordinating thread
- Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat
- Clear ruler or measuring tape
- Pins or clips
- Iron and ironing surface
- Fabric marker or tailor’s chalk, optional
- Blunt point turner or chopstick
Measure Your Dog Before Cutting
Use a soft measuring tape to measure comfortably around the base of your dog’s neck where the bandana will sit.
Do not pull the measuring tape tightly. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the tape and your dog’s neck.
For a tie-on bandana, the finished top edge needs to be longer than the neck measurement so there is enough fabric at both ends to form a secure knot.
As a general starting point, add approximately 8–12" to your dog’s neck measurement for the tie ends. Larger dogs may benefit from more tie length.
Before cutting your final fabric, you can test the planned length with a strip of scrap fabric or ribbon to make sure it ties comfortably without being too tight or excessively loose.
General Dog Bandana Size Guide
Dog sizes vary considerably, even within the same breed, so the actual neck measurement should always take priority over a breed-based size chart.
- Extra Small: necks up to approximately 10"
- Small: approximately 10–14"
- Medium: approximately 14–18"
- Large: approximately 18–22"
- Extra Large: approximately 22" and larger
Use these ranges only as a starting point. Measure the individual dog before cutting.
Step 1: Determine the Triangle Size
Decide how deep you want the bandana to hang on the dog’s chest.
For a balanced triangle, the center point should be long enough to show the fabric design without extending so far that it interferes with the dog’s movement.
The top edge of the finished triangle should equal:
Dog’s neck measurement + approximately 8–12" for ties
Add approximately ½" to the top-edge measurement for seam allowance before cutting.
The depth of the triangle can be adjusted to suit the dog’s size and proportions.
Step 2: Cut Two Matching Triangles
Cut one triangle from each coordinating fabric using the same dimensions.
Before cutting, check the direction and scale of the print. If you are using a focal floral, geometric motif or directional design, position it so the strongest part of the pattern appears on the visible center of the finished bandana.
A clear acrylic ruler can help keep the top edge straight and the triangle symmetrical.
Step 3: Layer the Fabrics
Place the two triangles right sides together, aligning all three edges.
Pin or clip around the perimeter.
Leave an opening of approximately 3–4" along the top edge so you can turn the bandana right side out after sewing.
Step 4: Sew Around the Triangle
Sew around the perimeter using a ¼" seam allowance.
Backstitch at the beginning and end, leaving the turning opening unsewn.
Take care when sewing around the pointed corner so the stitching remains smooth and secure.
Step 5: Trim the Corners
Trim excess fabric from the pointed corner and the two upper corners without cutting through the stitching.
This reduces bulk and helps the corners turn more cleanly.
Step 6: Turn & Press
Turn the bandana right side out through the opening.
Use a blunt point turner or chopstick to gently shape the corners.
Press the bandana flat, making sure the seam along the turning opening is folded neatly inward.
Step 7: Topstitch the Bandana
Topstitch around the entire perimeter approximately ⅛" from the edge.
This closes the turning opening and gives the bandana a crisp finished edge.
Choose matching thread for a subtle finish or contrasting thread if you want the stitching to become part of the design.
Step 8: Tie & Check the Fit
Place the bandana around your dog’s neck and tie the ends securely without pulling them tight.
You should still be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the tied bandana and the dog’s neck.
The center point should sit naturally on the chest without restricting movement.
Always supervise your dog while wearing a bandana. Remove it before crating, sleeping unattended, rough play or any activity where the fabric could become caught on another object.
Make It Reversible
Because the front and back are made from different fabrics, the finished bandana can be worn with either side facing outward.
Try pairing:
- a geometric with a floral
- a stripe with a novelty print
- a bold focal design with a quieter coordinate
- two prints that repeat the same color
Using different pattern scales can make the two sides feel distinct while still coordinating.
Featured Fabric: Joy by Blue Bee Studios
The original project was inspired by Blue Bee Studios and featured Joy in the Sunny colorway.
The same project works with florals, geometrics, plaids, novelty prints and other artist-designed fabrics throughout the catalog.
Browse Artist-Designed Fabric by the Yard
Fabric Care & Sewing Preparation
The Textile District’s natural-fiber fabrics are direct printed with OEKO-TEX® certified fiber-reactive dyes, then professionally steamed, washed and dried as part of the finishing process.
No additional prewashing is required before sewing. Follow the care instructions for the specific base textile when laundering the finished bandana.
Make Coordinating Bandanas
This small project is a useful way to combine coordinating prints or make several bandanas in different colorways.
You can also adapt the same basic sewing technique for human bandanas and head scarves.
Next Project: How to Sew a Bandana or Head Scarf
Find Fabric for Your Dog Bandana
Choose an artist-designed print, select your preferred colorway, then choose a lightweight woven base textile that suits the finished look and feel you want.
Explore Artist-Designed Fabric
If you have your own artwork, you can also print your design on Cotton Quilt, Cotton Sheeting, Cotton Pima Lawn and other available base textiles.