Quality Hardware for Pet Collars and More

Creative Designworks

Leashes

A trio of leash styles featuring different construction methods.

Standard Leash-Heavy Webbing
Stand Leash-Light Webbing
Adjustable Leash

Feel free to use leashes made with these instructions for personal use or resale.

nickel plate snap hook with 1 inch square eye

The snap hook featured in this tutorial is available here.

Cut webbing to length needed for leash, plus 8 inches. Prepare length of webbing as show below. (Any finished strap can be used.)

To prevent fraying, fuse cut ends of webbing by passing the webbing several times through flame of a lit candle. Hold webbing just above the flame in the heat glow to prevent a heavily melted, charred area. Properly fused area will be a little stiff, but no longer fraying.

Candle flame fusing cut end of nylon webbing.

Note: only a portion of the strap is shown in the photos.

Standard Leash Construction-Heavyweight Webbing

Classic style dog leash.

1. Thread strap through eye of snap hook. Fold fabric over snap hook about 2″ and stitch, forming a box with an X. Stitch each line at least twice for strength.

Illustration of snap hook applied to leash webbing with construction stitching.

2. For handle, fold down 6” (or more, if preferred) and stitch as instructed in step above. (Both fold overs should be on the same side of leash.)

Illustration of leash handle construction.

Standard Leash Construction-Lightweight Webbing

Classic style leash constructed from lightweight webbing.

1. Cut webbing twice as long as desired length of leash, plus 7″.

2. Fold webbing in half lengthwise, adjust so one side is 7″ longer.

Illustration of leash measurement for construction.

3. Thread one side of webbing through snap hook, and slide snap hook to fold. Starting at top of shorter side of strap, stitch layers together close to edge. Stitch to within about 2 inches of snap hook. Stitch across strap and back along edge to the top of shorter side of strap..

Illustration of stitching for leash construction.

4. To reinforce leash, form a box with an X where stitching crosses strap near snap hook. Stitch each line at least twice for strength.

Illustration of stitch detail for leash construction.

5. To form handle, fold long side of strap over shorter side, overlapping about an inch.

Illustration of leash handle construction.

6. Stitch through all three layers forming a box with an X. Stitch each line at least twice for strength.

Adjustable Leash Construction

Adjustable leash featuring webbing with fabric overlay.

1. Pass strap through adjuster buckle, threading it up through one slot and down through other. Fold fabric over measuring about 1-3/4″ and stitch, forming a box with an X. Stitch each line at least twice for strength.

Illustration of adjuster buckle applied to leash.

2. Thread strap through strap keeper, through eye of snap hook and back through strap keeper.

Illustration of snap hook applied to leash strap.

3. Thread strap back through both slots of adjuster buckle.

Illustration of leash construction.

4. For handle, fold down 6” (or more if preferred) to back of leash, stitch forming a box with an X. Stitch each line at least twice for strength.

Illustration of leash handle construction.

Remember, leash safety is YOUR responsibility. Only you can determine the suitability of these leashes for your pet and individual situation.