This DIY Martingale Collar tutorial for Italian Greyhounds (or other breeds) is relatively easy if you have a sewing machine handy! This type of collar is great for Italian Greyhounds as they tighten up to ensure your pup can’t slip out and run away when s/he starts to pull on the collar or leash it is attached to.
What you need for the DIY Martingale Collar:
– 3 ‘D’ rings
– Fleece Fabric
– 20mm nylon webbing is ideal although 24mm nylon webbing is used for this tutorial
– scissors
– sewing machine
Step 1 – Measure Dog & Cut Fabric
Measure your Italian Greyhounds neck around the smallest part (closest to their ears). Cut the fleece fabric in that length and about 12cm wide (about 1/2 inch) (wider if you are using a wider nylon webbing).
Step 2 – Prep the Fleece
Fold the fleece fabric outer edges so they meet in the middle. Aline the end of the nylon webbing with where the fleece edges meet so the nylon webbing covers the fleece when it’s sewed on and about 1″ sticks out on each end. Cut the nylon webbing that length (smallest part of your Italian greyhounds neck – closest to their ears – plus 2 inches).
Step 3 – Add D-Ring
Add the D ring to each edge of the nylon fabric and sew it closed. Each edge should be double sewn on each edge and overlapped about .3 to .5 inches.
Step 4 – Sew on the Fleece
Then sew the nylon webbing atop the folded fleece as shown with the edge of the D rings hanging out over the fleece. You’ll want to pin it in place then sew along each edge of the nylon webbing. Yours will have fleece around the bigger looped part with the D rings already sewn.
Step 5 – Make the Control Loop
Cut nylon webbing for the control loop. Please note the control loop does not have fleece on it. Take a measurement of your Italian Greyhound at the part of their neck that you want the collar to rest (Measurement Widest). Now, take that measurement and subtract their smallest measurement (Smallest). Then take the difference between the two (Widest – Smallest). This is the difference the collar needs to adjust. Since there will be a loop, you’ll need to double the difference. Then, add 2 inches to the doubled difference to account for the overlapping needed when sewing. Usually, this measurement is about half their smallest measurement length but we wanted to provide you with how you ‘should’ properly measure to come up with an accurate length for the control loop in the event you need to make a similar collar for a non Sighthound.
Now, cut the nylon webbing at that length ((Widest – Smallest) x 2) + 2″. Then sew the control loop by threading the nylon webbing through both of the D rings that were already sewn in place. Make it into a loop and overlap the ends by about 2″.
Step 6 – Stitch Remaining Seams
Stitch down the end underneath close to the end, making sure your top end of the webbing is loose and free. Slide the third d-ring onto the top loose flap of the webbing and scooch it down to the seam you just made. Then, stitch down the top flap of webbing. You should end up with a loop of webbing that has a d-ring sandwiched in between the ends, and two sliders.
Step 7 – Test
It’s done! Your DIY Martingale Collar should be big enough to easily place over your IG’s head and tighten enough on the walks to provide a secure fit when your pup gets excited and pulls on the leash or gets scared and tries to back out of the martingale collar.
Step 8 – Embroidery (optional)
You can even embroider it to add some personalization!
NOTE: Please, sew with care and use the finished Italian Greyhound DIY martingale collar at your own risk. The integrity of the collar is contingent upon the quality of your sewing.
