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!