Who Let the Dogs Out
We originally came up with this DIY dog leash idea as a wedding project – how cute would it be to create a custom leash for your dog if he or she is joining you on your big day?! But of course, you can use this leash for anything, whether it’s for a special occasion or just for the day-to-day. Start by creating the braided rope, then give it some added flair in any way you like. Leather? Paint? Dye? Let’s get started!
Tools
- Scissors
- Low Temperature Hot Glue Gun
- Ruler or Measuring Tape
Materials
- Cotton Clothesline (7/32″ width)
- Leather Scraps
- Brass Swivel Eye Hook
Steps
- Gather the tools and materials listed above.
- Measure the length you want for your leash and add an additional 1/3 of that length. Double this length then cut. Cut a second cord that is the same length.
- Pull one length of rope through the hook and let it hang down.
- Lay the second length of cord under and over the first.
- Starting on the left, braid the cord over, under, then over to the right.
- Repeat with the next most left cord.
- Pull the cord snug and continue braiding.
- Keep braiding until you reach your desired length, plus extra to make a loop for the handle.
- Loop the end of the braid to create the handle and trim. Glue the end in place to secure.
- Cut two pieces of leather about 2 x 3 inches.
- Wrap and glue one piece of leather around the base of the handle.
- Wrap and glue the second piece just above the brass hook.
Follow the photo tutorial below for a visual guide!
Tips
You only need three materials for this project and we were able to find both the clothesline and the swivel hook at our local hardware store. While you are crafting your DIY dog leash, we recommend clipping the hook onto something to make braiding easier. Once you finish braiding, you can embellish the leash to give it some more personality. We decided to add leather to ours because we had some nice scraps laying around, but feel free to get creative. You should be able to find leather scraps at your local craft store (like JoAnn Stores or Michaels), or on Etsy. Stay tuned for our leather tassel tutorial, or check out our citrus keychains for another cute idea. To add a keychain, simply attach a thin key ring through the braiding of the rope.
Connect With Us!
We love seeing how our projects can inspire you, so please share your project photos with us by emailing them or tagging them on Instagram with #DIYDreamingWithLia. For more projects that you can make for your pets, check out our collection here. Our projects always feel a bit sweeter when we can get you involved in the creative process, so feel free to add your project requests and suggestions in the comments below! Head over to our membership page to join our crafting community, or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for daily doses of DIY. Enjoy! ~ Lia & Team
Are you having trouble? Feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you out.
15 Comments
[…] not quite home decor, this braided rope dog leash by Lia Griffith will still look pretty hanging by your front […]
I get so many compliments on this leash, thank you so much for sharing this DIY project. This was easier to make then I anticipated. I’m going to make more for gifts!
So happy you love the leash as much as we do! 🙂
First off, I’d like to say this is extremely cute! I have several ideas floating around in my head as to how I can embellish it but I’m curious, with this leash only be glued together at handle end, how strong is it? I’m concerned it might come apart and slip through the walker’s hand. I do have a small dog but he’s pretty strong when seeing squirrels. Has anyone really put it to the test? Thank you. 😍
Hi Laura,
We would not recommend this leash for a dog that pulls, however if you would like to make it stronger we would suggest sewing the handle in place!
Hi I’m very curious what as to what breed is that dog? The leash is very cute also!
She’s a Formosan Mountain dog, rescued from Taiwan 🙂
Where do you buy the hook that attaches to the collar?
We purchased on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brass-Swivel-Eye-Snap-Hook/dp/B0009TILN0
[…] braided rope dog leash is so cute and chic. We love the leather details, and especially that fun […]
[…] Go here to DIY! – https://liagriffith.com/braided-diy-dog-leash/ […]
[…] 1. Your doggo will be the coolest pup in town with one of these hand-braided leashes. […]
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Love the color of leather you used!!! This is a really good idea and sooo cute!
Thank you!!