Make Dog Collar Decorations
For St. Patrick’s Day

Would you like to make dog collar decorations for St. Patrick’s Day?

Below are instructions for one idea we had:

• Light green [LG] yarn, at least 264 inches (6700 mm) long
• Bright green [BG] yarn, at least 124 inches (3150 mm) long
• Green thread and a sewing needle
• Three thin green ponytail holders (Optional)
• A piece of green fabric 2 x 12 inches wide (Optional)

I. THE BASE WEAVING

• Follow the instructions for the 16-strand weaving. See How To Make Dog Collar Decorations Out Of Woven Yarn
• For the design shown, set up 3 LG, 2 BG, and 3 LG double strands, 36 inches long so that you end up with 16 strands each 18 inches (460 mm) long
• Weave as described until you reach your desired length
• We used the distance between the D-ring on Comet’s collar and the first set of holes at the other end as our guide, which came to about 12 inches (300 mm)
• Finish off as described or, for a quicker method, use yarn or thread to sew the ends so they don’t unravel. Appearance doesn’t matter since they will be covered with the pom poms

II. THE SHAMROCK

• For this part, use 6 strands (1 double strand of each) total: 2 LG, 2 BG and 2 LG, each 18 inches (460 mm) long.
• Instead of the traditional 6-strand technique where you weave toward the center from each side, you can use the 4-strand technique where you always start your row from the same side. This will create a striped pattern rather than the five of dominos.
• Once you've completed 16 inches (405 mm), finish off the upper end by sewing across it with yarn
• Finish the stalk end of the shamrock by weaving the ends back in. This will look a little wider at the end, perfect for this design
• To make the petals, leave 2 inches (50 mm) for the stem. Divide the remainder into four equal loops
• Take a needle and thread and sew loops together in the center. (If it's easier, you can also add the loops and sew them one by one)

III. THE POM POMS

• If you use the same colors yarn as in the weavings, you will have an exact color match and enjoy color combinations not commercially available
• The center pompom is a Small. The two end pompoms are Mediums
• Create whatever sizes appeal to you. Just aim for a balanced look

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

• With green thread, sew the mini pompom onto the center of the shamrock
• Sew the two larger pom poms onto each end of the base weaving
• Sew the shamrock onto the base weaving

1. Sew yarn underneath the pompoms at the ends and under the shamrock and wrap it around the collar a couple of times - you’ll need to cut the yarn off and re-sew the following year
2. Sew green ponytail holders onto the underside of the base weaving at intervals, then twist around the collar, starting at the center and working outwards
3. Make a sleeve of complementary green fabric to slide over the collar and sew the base weaving onto that