Supplies needed:

  • 5/32-inch nylon rope or cotton rope
  • 1 breakaway cat collar clasp (available online or use the clasp from a dismantled old collar)
  • Measuring tape
  • Scissors
  • Lighter or matches

How-To:

Measure your cat’s neck circumference and cut two pieces of rope that are each two times the measurement of your cat’s neck plus an addition eight inches in length.

Loop your two pieces of rope through one of the ends of your clasp and pull until equal amounts on both sides. Align rope pieces so that the two strands are next to one another.

Start the braid, just like you would with a standard three-strand braid, but because you have four strands, always cross over two strands. Braid until you have a braid length equalling your cat’s neck measurement plus an additional one inch. Make sure to measure from the top of the clasp, not just the rope length, and try it on your cat to make sure it’s not going to be too tight or loose.

Now take the two outer strands and put them through the other end of your collar clasp.

Knot the inner strands with the outer. Flip over so you see can see where the two strands loop through the ring.

Take the strands on the left and tuck them through the second loop. Pull tight, making sure to pull with the ring and ends at same time.

Trim the tassels to whatever length you prefer. I find one and a half inches is a good minimum length.

You will need to seal the ends of the rope. Hold tip of rope in flame for no longer than two seconds at a time then roll the heated rope tip between your fingers. If you find it still looks a bit frayed, repeat until you are happy with the seal. Repeat with all four strands.

*If you want to get fancy, you could also do this with cotton rope. The only difference is that the cotton-rope ends would need to be sealed with glue. Cotton rope can be fully dyed or dip dyed for an ombre effect, and can be any colour your heart desires!

â–º>Notes
• Make sure you braid tightly.
• Be careful not to hold in the flame too long or it will discolour or even burn the nylon (and your fingers).

 

*Not confidant in your crafting skills? You can find this and many other fetching designs available for custom order on Kristina’s So Fetch Pet website!