DIY Adjustable Biothane Dog Collar: Winter X Games Inspired

Updated at: 02/02/2025

Forget flimsy, ill-fitting collars that leave your canine companion shivering in the winter chill! This project combines the durability and weather resistance of Biothane with the bold, adventurous spirit of the Winter X Games to create a truly customized dog collar. Imagine a collar that's not only tough enough to withstand the elements and your dog's energetic antics, but also stylish enough to turn heads at the dog park – or even on the slopes! This DIY project lets you perfectly tailor the size and add unique, personalized details, ensuring a perfect fit and a comfortable, secure experience for your furry friend, whatever the weather throws your way.

We're going to unleash your inner crafter and show you how to construct this incredibly versatile and durable Biothane dog collar, inspired by the thrilling energy and rugged aesthetic of the Winter X Games. Get ready to follow our step-by-step guide and create a collar that's as unique as your beloved dog. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to achieve professional-looking results, using readily available materials and simple tools.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Biothane adapter
  • Double cow hitch hookup
  • 550 paracord (white, colonial blue, blue glitter)
  • Square rings
  • Quick release buckle (optional)
  • Gorilla glue
  • lighter
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your dog while wearing the collar. Biothane, while durable, can be damaged by excessive chewing or pulling, potentially creating a choking hazard.
  • Ensure the collar is fitted correctly. It should be snug but allow two fingers to fit comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck. Too tight can restrict breathing or blood flow; too loose can allow the dog to slip out.
  • Regularly inspect the collar for wear and tear. Replace the collar immediately if you notice any signs of damage, such as cracking, fraying, or significant stretching.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cords

    • Prepare the paracord by loosely adjusting the couch hitches.
    Prepare the paracord by loosely adjusting the couch hitches.
    Prepare the Cords

  2. Initial Cord Setup

    • Add the first white cord, passing it through both cow stitches and bringing the middle to the top.
    • Add the blue glitter cord, also passing it through both cow stitches and bringing the middle to the top.
    • Add the second white cord, creating a loop in the middle. Pass this loop down the square ring and bring it to the front between the cow hitches.
    • Pull the ends of the white cord down the loop, creating another cow hitch. Before tightening, add the colonial blue cord through the white cow hitch, bringing the middle to the top. Tighten everything.
    Pull the ends of the white cord down the loop, creating another cow hitch. Before tightening, add the colonial blue cord through the white cow hitch, bringing the middle to the top. Tighten everything.Pull the ends of the white cord down the loop, creating another cow hitch. Before tightening, add the colonial blue cord through the white cow hitch, bringing the middle to the top. Tighten everything.Pull the ends of the white cord down the loop, creating another cow hitch. Before tightening, add the colonial blue cord through the white cow hitch, bringing the middle to the top. Tighten everything.Pull the ends of the white cord down the loop, creating another cow hitch. Before tightening, add the colonial blue cord through the white cow hitch, bringing the middle to the top. Tighten everything.
    Initial Cord Setup

  3. First Weave Pattern

    • Begin the weaving process. Start with the paracord on the right, going under the first cord, up the middle, and over the second cord. Alternate this pattern with the left-side cord.
    • Add the smaller white bundle, going under all work and up the middle. Repeat with the other small white bundle, going under all work and up the middle, then through its loop.
    • Weave the glitter cord over the two horizontal paracord pieces, alternating sides (right, then left).
    • Weave the colonial blue cord over the two horizontal pieces, up the middle, alternating sides.
    Weave the colonial blue cord over the two horizontal pieces, up the middle, alternating sides.Weave the colonial blue cord over the two horizontal pieces, up the middle, alternating sides.Weave the colonial blue cord over the two horizontal pieces, up the middle, alternating sides.Weave the colonial blue cord over the two horizontal pieces, up the middle, alternating sides.Weave the colonial blue cord over the two horizontal pieces, up the middle, alternating sides.Weave the colonial blue cord over the two horizontal pieces, up the middle, alternating sides.Weave the colonial blue cord over the two horizontal pieces, up the middle, alternating sides.
    First Weave Pattern
    • Weave the larger white bundle over the horizontal pieces to the right of the colonial blue, coming up between the white and colonial blue. Repeat on the left side.
    Weave the larger white bundle over the horizontal pieces to the right of the colonial blue, coming up between the white and colonial blue. Repeat on the left side.Weave the larger white bundle over the horizontal pieces to the right of the colonial blue, coming up between the white and colonial blue. Repeat on the left side.
    First Weave Pattern

  4. Repeat Weave Pattern

    • Continue the weaving pattern, following the same steps as before.
    Continue the weaving pattern, following the same steps as before.Continue the weaving pattern, following the same steps as before.
    Repeat Weave Pattern

  5. Secure the Ends

    • At the end, weave the top white cords through the hole between the cow hitches. Weave the colonial blue cords through their respective holes. Weave the glitter cords through the back stitches.
    At the end, weave the top white cords through the hole between the cow hitches. Weave the colonial blue cords through their respective holes. Weave the glitter cords through the back stitches.At the end, weave the top white cords through the hole between the cow hitches. Weave the colonial blue cords through their respective holes. Weave the glitter cords through the back stitches.
    Secure the Ends

  6. Finishing Touches

    • Cut and melt the ends of the cords, creating a clean finish. Use a lighter to melt the ends and press them down.
    Cut and melt the ends of the cords, creating a clean finish. Use a lighter to melt the ends and press them down.Cut and melt the ends of the cords, creating a clean finish. Use a lighter to melt the ends and press them down.
    Finishing Touches

  7. Attach Biothane

    • Attach the biothane adapter with gorilla glue to the ends.
    Attach the biothane adapter with gorilla glue to the ends.
    Attach Biothane

Read more: DIY Studded Dog Collar with Reflective Piping: A Comprehensive Guide

Tips

  • Roll up the ends of the cords for easier weaving.
  • Make one white cord slightly larger than the other for easier identification during weaving.
  • When weaving with the white and colonial blue cords, always grab the outer cord and weave it up the middle; the inner cord drapes to the side.
  • Use clear, non-foaming gorilla glue to secure the biothane adapter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Biothane Measurement

Reason: Cutting the Biothane too short or too long before adding hardware results in a poorly fitting or unusable collar.
Solution: Carefully measure your dog's neck circumference and add extra length for hardware and adjustment before cutting.

2. Uneven or Weak Stitching

Reason: Using improper stitching techniques or thread that's too thin can lead to collar failure and potential injury to your dog.
Solution: Use strong, durable thread and employ a reinforced stitch pattern such as a backstitch or saddle stitch.

FAQs

What type of Biothane should I use for a dog collar, especially for winter conditions?
For a durable and weather-resistant dog collar, choose a thicker gauge Biothane (at least 1.5mm - 2mm) with a smooth finish. Avoid textured Biothanes as they can hold snow and ice more readily. A darker color will also help hide dirt and grime accumulated in winter.