Sewing a Dog Safety Reflective Bandana
I realized recently that I haven’t given any updates on our adoption of Pretty Handy Dog (aka Buddy.) I’m happy to say that Buddy has been with us for a year and a half now, and he has adjusted to living with us (crazy boys and all) just fine. After the first year, he began to truly show us his personality. He can be goofy and wrestle and run around like a maniac once in a while. But, normally, this is how he rolls:
He rolls into a tight ball and snores like a sailor! He’s also what you call a velcro dog and doesn’t let me out of his sight. We’ve heard from sitters that after I leave, Buddy will pace and cry by the door. When the sitter asks the kids if Buddy needs to go to out they answer, “No, he’s just crying because he wants Mommy.” Ahh, another Momma’s Boy ;-).
With the weather being in the 100’s here in NC, I’ve resorted to walking Buddy at night. Actually, I’m normally a night walker. On these nighttime excursions, I wear a reflector vest for myself, but I always worried that cars have a hard time seeing my mostly black dog. So, I thought it would be a good idea to make him his own dog safety clothing. A reflective bandana seemed like the perfect idea.
Materials:
- Stiff fabric or regular fabric with interfacing (I used the front of a clearance Target table runner)
- Reflector band (or buy reflector tape)
- Thread
- Scissors
- Webbing strap and buckle
Instructions:
Fold the stiff fabric in half and cut a large triangle (with a squared off top) out of your fabric. Make sure the triangle is 1.5 – 2 inches larger than the finished size.
Rip apart the reflector band by removing the velcro and the backing.
Iron the seams on the fabric.
Stitch the seams down.
Lay the webbing strap at the top of the bandana and fold over the squared edge. Pin it in place.
Stitch the webbing strap into the bandana fabric.
The bandana should look something like this:
Flip the bandana over. Cut the reflector band in half and position it onto the bandana. Pin the reflector tape in place.
Stitch around all the edges of the reflector tape. You may have to raise the sewing machine foot a little if it sticks on the reflector tape. This is how the finishes bandana looks.
Buddy seems to like it. He wears it proudly on our night time walks.
Are you curious how it works? Take a look at this nighttime photo! It works great. And he seems to like his new nighttime dog costume.
But now Buddy has had enough of the incessant photo taking. I’ll leave him to take his sixth nap of the day.
This is so cute! I need to make one for my Chuy!
-Mimi
This is so cool! I can’t wait to move in to my first home in a month or so and finally be able to own a sewing machine and try this out! I too will be blogging about my DIY projects, but first I’m blogging about how to get a house through a 203k loan and the entire experience of making such a large purchase! Can’t wait to close. Anyways, great blog!
What a big sweetheart!! He is so cute. That is such a super idea. What a great pup mom you are. I’m going to share this! It’s SUCH a good idea =)
Thanks Shannon. We feel pretty lucky to have Buddy in our lives.
Buddy is adorable! And I do love his new bandanda. He has a good dog mommy!
Thanks Destiny 😉
THAT is a great idea!! And easy to make too!! We live in a College town and there are always joggers/bikers out at night in this hot weather and so many times, they’re wearing black clothing. It’s a wonder that some of them aren’t injured as they run/bike out here on our country roads. Maybe we should issue them “Buddy Bandanas” in people size! ha ha!
Those reckless college kids. We’ll make wearing a Buddy Bandana mandatory 😉
Oh my word – so incredibly cute!!! Love the idea and think Buddy is a-dog-able!!
Thanks Bethany. We think he’s a-dog-able too, but I’m biased.
Great idea! I am also walking my dogs at night because of the heat and the smoky air from Co. Springs fire. Love this. Great tutorial! Thanks for posting. [email protected]
Laura, Oh goodness, I do hope the fires have burned out by now.
Great idea! I am also walking my dogs at night! Thanks for the awesome tutorial! laura
You’re welcome Laura!
Awww he is just so cute! Great idea & glad you are all safe at night now! 🙂