Molly's Sketchbook: A Dog Leash

Making this leash was unbelievably easy. I sewed the ribbon to the webbing using invisible thread, I was surprised by just how invisible it really ended up being. The finished leash is fully functional, thoroughly practical, and totally cute even though it took less than an hour to make! I want to make one for every dog I know! --Molly

Materials

To make one 72-inch (measuring from the end of the hand loop) dog leash:

•  2 3/4-yards of Cotton Webbing in Red
• One Package of Alphabet Brocaded Ribbon with your dog's initial on it
• Invisible Thread in White
• One 3/4-inch by 3 1/4-inch swivel head snap hook. We found ours at a local hardware store but this one available on line is similar.

Sewing on the Ribbon

Pin the ribbon in the center of the cotton webbing along it's entire length.

Edge stitch both sides of the ribbon to the webbing using the invisible thread. You will really barely be able to see the stitching so make sure you catch both sides of the ribbon. If you need an edge stitching refresher please click here.

Cut your sewn piece so that it's 93 1/2-inches long.

Finishing the Ends

Fold the corners of each raw end to the wrong side of the leash and the fold the end over a 1/2-inch to the wrong side as well. Stitch this fold down.

Thread the snap hook onto one of the ends and pull 2 1/2-inches of the leash though and pin it to itself wrong sides together. Sew this fold down with a long 1 3/4-inch rectangle a 1/2-inch from the end of the loop and a 1/4 inch from the 3 other sides. Sew an "X" shape in the middle of the rectangle for strength.

Fold 9-inches from the other end of the leash over on itself wrong sides together, pin it in place, and sew this fold down with a 1-inch long rectangle a  1/4-inch from the sides and leash end. You should also sew an "X" shape in the middle of this rectangle for strength.

Now call your dog- it's time for a walk!

Comments

[Steph]

That leash is so cute and OMG that dog is adorable:)

[Sinje]

Thanks for the tutorial! Makes me wish I had a dog even more. And your dog is absolutely adorable :)

[Suzanne in TX]

Love the leash! Isn't invisible thread the Greatest??? I use it ALL the time on my collars and leashes. I use a little heavier, durable version than is found at local fabric shops. Thanks for sharing and I love your model--too cute!

[Susan]

Oh my love your labradoodle. I have one too, same color, looks almost just llke yours. Mine is a little more wavy. I recognize those lanky floppy legs anywhere!

[PlumbPretty]

Great tute and super cute dog too! Thanks!

[Lydia, Clueless Crafter]

This is such a sweet idea.

My dad and I connect through his love of his dogs. Since I moved away and got married, I try to relate to him through his new "children." He will appreciate this gift!

I just pray that I have steady hands when edge stitching! I've never been successful at this one. . .

[Kim]

i was just in the store looking for ribbon for this same project. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Paula]

Thanks so much for this great idea! Love the pup!

[Val]

That's for the nice clear instructions, I'm going to try this with reflective tape instead of ribbon and make a safety leash
Thanks

[Gwen]

Love Your Dog - he looks exactly like mine!!! I had to do a double take!!! I will definately be making a few of these leashes as my boy likes to chew on his!!!

[chrissie russo]

OMG! That dog looks just like mine, too! What kind of dog is it? I have NO idea what mine is...he was rescued off a roof in Mazatlan, Mexico! We have a branch of the Humane Society here that has a dog boutique...I'm going to make a ton of these leashes and donate them to the boutique to sell...They're really great!