Why a Dog Leash Is the Perfect First MYOG Project
One of the simplest and most useful MYOG (Make Your Own Gear) projects you can tackle is a custom dog leash — and following this dog leash sewing tutorial is a great way to build foundational skills quickly. It’s a fast project, it teaches critical skills like working with webbing and heavy-duty stitching, and — best of all — it’s something you’ll actually use every day. In fact, this project was inspired by my brother as he wanted a custom leash for his dog.
Whether you want a leash that’s longer, shorter, a custom color, or built with ultra-tough hardware, sewing your own gives you total control. Plus, it’s a perfect way to practice techniques like boxed X stitches and bar tacks that will come in handy for bigger MYOG builds later.
Before you start stitching, if you’re new to MYOG, be sure to check out my Plan It Right: How to Sketch and Measure Your MYOG Projects Before You Cut guide to help you plan your builds effectively!
Let’s get sewing!
Materials and Tools Needed
Choosing the right materials makes a big difference in durability and function. Heavy-duty polyester thread holds up better against tension and abrasion compared to cotton, and nylon webbing offers strength without excessive bulk, making it perfect for active dogs.
- 1″ or 3/4″ nylon webbing (2–6 feet, depending on your desired leash length)
- Optional: 10-12 inches of same nylon webbing for Traffic handle
- Snap hook or carabiner (sized to your webbing)
- Optional: D-ring (to clip accessories near the handle)
- Heavy-duty polyester thread
- Sewing machine capable of sewing webbing (starter machines can usually handle this with care)
- Size 16 or 18 heavy-duty needle
- Fabric clips (highly recommended over pins)
- Lighter or hot knife (to seal the ends of the webbing)
Before you dive into sewing, double-check your measurements to make sure your leash length is exactly what you need. It’s easier to make adjustments now than after you start cutting and stitching!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut and Prepare the Webbing
- Measure and cut your webbing to your desired leash length. Common lengths are 4–6 feet.
- Add about 10cm (4″) extra to account for the folds at the handle and the snap hook.
- Seal the cut edges carefully with a lighter or hot knife to prevent fraying.
Step 2: Create the Handle Loop
- Fold about 6–8 inches of webbing back onto itself to form the handle.
- If you want to add a D-ring for accessories, sandwich it between the two layers of webbing before clipping. This creates three total layers: two layers securing the D-ring, and one layer anchoring the handle back to the leash body.
- Clip everything securely.
- Sew a boxed X across the folded webbing where the layers overlap. Take your time to make it neat — this area takes the most stress during use.
Pro Tip: Add an additional bar tack just before the loop ends (closer to the handle). This extra stitch helps hide the raw webbing edge, reinforces the transition point, and keeps the handle loop cleaner and stronger over time.
Step 3: Attach the Snap Hook
- Thread the opposite end of the webbing through the eye of the snap hook.
- Fold back 2–3 inches and clip it.
- Stitch another boxed X to lock the snap hook in place.
Step 4: Reinforce with Bar Tacks (Optional but Recommended)
- Add extra bar tack stitches above and below the boxed X for additional security, especially if you have a large, strong dog.
Pro Tips for a Professional Finish
- Slow and steady: When sewing multiple layers of webbing, sew slowly and evenly.
- Use a walking foot: If you have one, it helps feed thick material layers more smoothly.
- Thread matters: Heavy-duty polyester thread is more durable than cotton blends.
- Match or contrast: Choose thread color to either match your webbing or create a fun contrast stitch look!
- Backstitch at key points: Always backstitch at the start and end of your boxed X stitches.
Before you call it finished, consider ways you can customize future dog leashes! You could add reflective tape for nighttime visibility, integrate a traffic handle closer to the clip, or even experiment with different webbing widths for different dog sizes.
From Webbing to Walks: Celebrate Your Build
And just like that — you’ve built your very own custom heavy-duty dog leash! This small but mighty project builds skills that you’ll use again and again as you dive deeper into MYOG sewing.
I’d love to see your finished leashes! Tag @printpresssew and use #MYOGJourney to show off your creations.
Stay tuned — next up, we’ll be sewing a matching DIY dog collar to complete the set! It’s the perfect companion project to your new leash, and a great way to build even more MYOG sewing skills.
If you’re looking for even more beginner-friendly projects, check out 5 Easy MYOG Projects You Can Sew with a Heavy-Duty Machine to spark some inspiration!
