DIY Riverbar Dog Collar Instructions
Two ways to learn
These instructions will guide you through building your collar step by step. Take a moment to read through the process before you begin.
The steps are written so you can follow along confidently and use the same process again in future projects.
Save or bookmark this page so you can return to it while working.
Finishing Up
Once your braid is complete, take a minute to check your tension and hardware placement. Small adjustments here make a big difference in how the piece sits and wears over time.
If something feels slightly off, it usually comes down to tension consistency or orientation in the early steps—both are easy to correct on your next build.
If you run into issues
If your braid is twisting, sitting unevenly, or not laying how you expect:
Double check your starting setup and orientation
Look at how tightly each pass is being set
Compare your progress to the photos above step-by-step
If you’re still stuck, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to take a look and help you troubleshoot.
What to make next
Once you’ve worked through this pattern, you’ll have the core technique down to try a few variations:
- The same braid in a different colour combination
- A matching leash or harness
- A more advanced pattern like the waterwave or riverbar
Each one builds on the same fundamentals you’ve just practiced.