When you’re first learning to make your own horse tack, dog collars, or leashes, you don’t need a full workshop to get started. A few reliable materials and basic tools can take you a long way.

Material-wise, 550 paracord and double braid yacht rope are two of my favourite starting points. They’re easy to source, beginner-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile enough for a wide range of projects—from rope halters and lead ropes to dog collars, leashes, and decorative accents.

You will need a few essential tools, but you can start simple and build your setup over time. This list covers the tools and supplies I recommend for new makers, along with the upgrades that are worth considering once you know you enjoy the process.

The following is my list of most important tools to have on hand for makers and DIYers, including what you should start with and build your collection from there. 

What is Paracord 550, and why use it?

550 paracord is a lightweight but strong cord commonly used for knotting, braiding, and decorative work. It is one of the easiest materials to start with because it is flexible, affordable, and available in a huge range of colours.

For horse tack and dog gear, paracord is especially useful for:

• decorative nosebands
• dog collar braids
• leash accents
• grab straps
• keychains and small accessories
• repair practice and knot-learning projects

At The Maker Barn Studio, we carry over 50 colours of paracord, available by the foot or in bulk depending on your project. This makes it easy to test colour combinations, buy only what you need, or stock up for larger builds.

Paracord is a good beginner material because mistakes are relatively low-cost. You can practice your tension, spacing, knots, and braid patterns without committing to expensive leather or specialty materials right away.

What is double braid yacht rope, and why use it?

Double braid yacht rope is a durable rope with a braided outer cover and an inner braided core. It has a smooth feel, good weight, and a polished look, which makes it a popular choice for handmade horse tack and dog gear.

It works especially well for:

• rope halters
• lead ropes
• reins
• lunge lines
• groundwork lines
• leashes
• training lines

One of the reasons I like yacht rope for beginners is that it's relatively easy to create a finished product that looks clean and professional. It also pairs well with paracord accents, leather poppers, hardware, and decorative knots. 

For new makers, yacht rope is a good material to learn measuring, cutting, finishing, knotting, splicing, and hardware attachment with.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you click and make a purchase. These are items I bought when I first started making tack and dog gear, and many are still tools I use regularly in my own shop. You do not need to buy everything at once - start with the basics and add to your setup as your projects grow.

The Basics: Tools I'd Start With

Sharp scissors

A good pair of sharp scissors is one of the first tools I recommend. Dull scissors make rope and paracord harder to cut cleanly, which can lead to frayed ends and messy finishes.

Use them for:

• cutting paracord
• trimming rope ends
• cutting tape
• cleaning up small finishing details

For heavier rope, scissors may not always be enough, but they are still useful for daily work.

Measuring tape

Accurate measurements matter when making tack, collars, and leashes. Even small measurement errors can affect fit, length, and symmetry.

Use a measuring tape for:

• collar sizing
• rope length
• halter measurements
• leash length
• spacing hardware and holes

A flexible measuring tape is especially useful when measuring animals or curved pieces.

Lighter

A lighter is useful for carefully melting paracord ends to reduce fraying. This is one of the simplest finishing tools for paracord projects.

Use caution here. Melted synthetic cord can get very hot, so work slowly, avoid touching the melted end directly, and keep your work area clear.

Electrical tape

Electrical tape is one of those simple shop items that becomes useful for almost everything.

Use it for:

• temporarily wrapping rope ends
• marking measurements
• keeping cords bundled
• helping with clean cuts
• holding sections in place while you work

Black electrical tape is my usual go-to because it is flexible and easy to remove.

Elastic bands

Elastic bands are helpful for holding rope, paracord, and project sections together while you work.

Use them for:

• organizing rope bundles
• holding loose ends
• keeping braid sections separated
• bundling supplies for a project

They are inexpensive, simple, and surprisingly useful.

Cutting mat

A cutting mat protects your work surface and gives you a cleaner area to measure, cut, and assemble projects.

It is especially useful if you are working indoors or using blades, hot tools, or glue.

Soldering iron

A soldering iron is useful for melting small holes, sealing synthetic materials, and finishing certain details more precisely than a lighter.

It can be helpful for:

• sealing paracord ends
• making cleaner melts
• working with synthetic webbing
• controlled heat finishing

This is a tool I would use carefully and only on a heat-safe surface.

Paracord fids

Paracord fids are one of the most useful tools once you start doing more decorative work. They help guide paracord through tight spaces, knots, and braids.

Use them for:

• weaving ends back into braid work
• tightening decorative knots
• finishing paracord collars
• threading cord through small spaces

If you plan to make paracord dog collars or braided accents, fids are worth having.

Heat-proof gloves

Heat-proof gloves are useful when working with melted rope or paracord ends, especially if you are using a lighter, soldering iron, or hot knife.

They help protect your fingers while you shape, press, or finish heated synthetic material.

Needle-nose pliers

Needle nose pliers are helpful for pulling cord, adjusting tight areas, holding small pieces, and working with hardware.

Use them for:

• pulling paracord through tight knots
• gripping small hardware
• adjusting stubborn sections
• tightening or positioning materials

They are one of those tools you may not need for every project, but you will be glad to have nearby.

Fabric glue

Fabric glue can be helpful for certain finishing steps, depending on the project. It is not a replacement for proper knots, stitching, or hardware, but it can help secure small ends, prevent shifting, or tidy up finishing details.

Use it sparingly. A clean mechanical finish is usually better than relying heavily on glue.

Hemostats

Hemostats are one of my favourite small tools for paracord and rope work. They clamp, hold, pull, and reach into tight spaces better than your fingers can. Hemostats help you to have more professional end results and just make your life infinitely easier when working with paracord!

Use them for:

• pulling cord through tight areas
• holding small sections in place
• gripping cord ends
• working inside knots or braids

They are especially helpful for detailed paracord work.

Time to Level Up: Tools Worth Adding Later

Hot knife bench set

A Hot knife bench set is one of the best upgrades if you start making rope or paracord projects regularly.

It cuts and seals synthetic rope at the same time, which gives you a cleaner, more professional finish than scissors alone.

It is especially useful for:

• yacht rope
• paracord
• webbing
• repeated production work
• cleaner sealed ends

You do not need one on day one, but if you are making a lot of projects, it is a very worthwhile upgrade.

Rope splicing fids

Rope splicing fids are useful if you want to start creating more advanced rope projects with clean, secure finishes.

They are especially helpful for:

• spliced rope ends
• lead ropes
• yacht rope projects
• professional-looking loops and attachments

This is more of an intermediate tool, but it opens up a lot of options once you are comfortable working with rope.

Braiding reel

Having some type of take-up reel can make braiding long projects like leashes and reins easier and faster. While professional style braiding reels are typically made of wood, they come with a high up-front cost (typically over $250 CDN). 

When I first got started making tack, I wanted to keep my costs low, so I purchased this cord reel. It's nothing fancy, but it does the job. At only around $37 CDN, and hundreds of leashes and reins made with it, I'd say it was a fine investment. 

I like that it has different holes for holding tools, and I keep paracord pieces on the side to practice my braiding. The stand allows it to easily be clamped to a table, and there's a hook to attach the end of the braid to. 

I use these clamps to keep the reel attached to a table and to lock it in place as I braid. 

Summary

You do not need a full professional workshop to start making your own horse tack, dog collars, or leashes. Start with a few reliable materials, a small set of basic tools, and a beginner-friendly project.

As your skills grow, you can add upgraded tools like a hot knife, splicing fids, better clamps, and more specialized hardware. The most important thing is to start with materials that are forgiving, useful, and enjoyable to work with.

If you want to skip the guesswork, our DIY kits include the materials you need for the project, along with a QR code linking to printable PDF instructions and an optional interactive flipbook. And if you already have materials on hand, our online tutorials can help guide you through the process step by step.