Goodbye, boring old department store leash. Hello, completely customized, easy-yet-effective DIY pet leash.
If you like to bring your furry friend everywhere you go, you already know it can be challenging to find the perfect leash. Chances are, when it comes to this essential pet accessory, you’re relying on the same, impersonal one you bought from the pet shop years ago.
That’s why we’re sharing this incredibly easy DIY pet leash. This way, you can create multiple custom leashes for different occasions and of different lengths: A long leash for hiking, a standard one for daily walks, different colours for different holidays and so much more. Scroll down to see how.
Related: 12 Stylish Pet Accessories Your Home Needs This Year (Ditch the Cat Tree)
Materials Required:
- 2-3 Spools of cotton rope
- 1-3 dyes in the colours of your choice
- Embroidery floss
- Scissors
- Rope clamp
- Leash hook
- Hammer
- Rubber gloves
Step One: Let’s Have Fun With the Dye First!
We will need to dye the cotton rope to start. Use different plastic containers for each dye colour. Fill each container with 3 cups of lukewarm water. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of dye and mix well. If you want to achieve bolder colour, double the amount of dye.
Tip: Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from getting stained.
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Step Two: Dye the Rope and Let Dry
When your solution of dye and water are ready, test the colours by dipping a piece of paper towel into each. If you find the colour is too light, add more dye. If too dark, add more water. Retest until your desired outcome.
Now, wet the rope in the dye for about 10 minutes, stirring continuously and making sure the colour is coating the rope evenly. Then, remove the rope from the dye containers and let the rope air dry. The colours will usually turn lighter when fully dry.
Tip: Clip the rope up to dry and line the ground beneath with newspapers to catch any drips. This will prevent the ground beneath from getting stained.
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Step Three: Set Up The Dyed Rope
Cut three pieces of rope that measure 95 inches long each. Slide the three ropes through the leash hook and fold over.
Step Four: Secure The Hook
To secure this end of the leash, attach one rope clamp just below the leash hook. Use your hammer to close the clamp. Make sure the rope and hook are firmly clamped in this position and doesn’t move.
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Step Five: Let’s Style the Leash
After securing the first clamp, cover the metal using the embroidery floss and rope around, knot and cut the excess. Braid or twist the rope leash, whichever style you prefer!
Step Six: Work On The Other End
Take the other end of the rope and make a loop that will fit your hand comfortably. Use a second clamp to secure this end and hammer it closed. Cover with the embroidery floss and rope.
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Images Courtesy of Maca Atencio
