Recycled French Cuff DIY Dog Bow Ties

When I cut old clothes apart for materials, I usually try to salvage as much useful fabric as I can, any miscellaneous items as I think may be usable, then relegate the dregs to rags and/or scrap.  After dissecting the recent batch of dress shirts (have you seen our recycled dress shirt pillow cases?), I was left with a pile of french cuffs. Whilst sitting on a stool at the kitchen counter and fiddling with one in my hand, a light bulb clicked. They were not only a similar size to the rectangles that I would cut for making a bow tie, but also pre-stiffened similar to how I would use interfacing (or batting) in a bow tie. I folded one over and into an accordion. Sure enough, it looked almost perfect, except for the ragged cuffline cut. I decided to sew a test bow, and loved it so much I may have gotten a little carried away making bows...

No-Sew DIY Dog Bows and Bow Ties

Whilst making my no-sew recycled dress shirt dog bandanas, I couldn't resist making a bow with some of the extra material. Bows and/or bow ties are quick crafts, although attachments for dog collars can sometimes be a little trickier. We have some awesome bow tie projects coming up (including what may be my favourite upcycle thus far!), but to keep this bow project totally now-sew, we'll be showing a couple of simple attachment options.

DIY Reversible Dog Collar Bow Tie (Standard or Oversize)

Doesn't Humprey look doggone dapper in his oversized polka dot bow tie?  And handsome old Professor Oli? These over-the-collar bow ties are deceptively simple to sew and can be whipped up in minutes with simple materials.  Here's how to make your own!

DIY Easy Sew Over-the-Collar Bow Tie for Dogs

With St. Patrick's Day and Easter so close together (and the the start of spring for those of you up north!), we wanted a party-worthy holiday "outfit" that could be worn for multiple occasions.  This remnant of bright plaid cotton was perfect for all of the above, and just begging to become preppy plaid bow-tie! You can do this DIY with any lightweight cotton fabric, and could be a great recycle for a scrappy old shirt if you are digging the plaid. Here's how to make your own simple dog bow tie and a finished fabric Velcro over-the-collar fastener.

DIY No-Sew Australia + New Zealand Flag Bow Ties

With Australia Day celebrations fast approaching, we had planned to share a special pre-Australia Day DIY dog round-up with you as we have on other national holidays; however, there weren't a lot of Aussie flag inspired doggy DIYs readily available to share so we created one ourselves!  Since the observation of Waitangi Day is just around the corner in New Zealand and ANZAC Day will be here before we know it, we DIYed no-sew dog bow ties for both flags so you can pick and choose for your patriotic pups.