Taking your furry friend for a walk is one of the great joys of pet ownership. It’s bonding time, exercise time, and prime training opportunity time! Having treats readily accessible makes reinforcing good behaviour – like loose-leash walking or polite greetings – so much easier. Sure, you can stuff treats in your pocket, leading to lint-covered snacks and greasy pocket linings, or buy a dedicated treat pouch. But where’s the fun in that? Creating your own DIY pet treat bag is a simple, satisfying project that lets you customize it exactly to your needs and style.
Why bother making one when you can buy one? Well, firstly, it’s often cheaper, especially if you have some fabric scraps lying around. It’s a fantastic way to use up remnants from other projects. Secondly, you get complete control over the design. Want it bigger? Smaller? With a specific type of closure or a loop perfectly sized for your favourite carabiner? You can make it happen. Plus, there’s undeniable satisfaction in using something you made with your own hands. It adds a personal touch to your daily walks.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
This project is wonderfully adaptable, but here’s a basic list of materials for a simple sewn drawstring treat bag. Don’t worry if you’re not a sewing expert; this is a great beginner project!
- Outer Fabric: A sturdy cotton, canvas, denim, or corduroy works well. Choose a pattern or colour you love! You’ll need two rectangular pieces (e.g., 6 inches wide by 8 inches tall).
- Lining Fabric: Something easy to wipe clean is ideal. Think ripstop nylon, PUL (polyurethane laminate – often used for reusable snack bags), or even a simple cotton if you don’t mind washing it often. Cut two pieces the same size as your outer fabric.
- Thread: Matching or contrasting, your choice!
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter & Mat: For cutting fabric accurately.
- Pins or Sewing Clips: To hold fabric pieces together.
- Sewing Machine or Needle: This can absolutely be hand-sewn, it will just take a little longer.
- Drawstring Cord: About 25-30 inches of ribbon, paracord, or thick cotton cord.
- Safety Pin: To help thread the drawstring.
- Optional: Fabric for Belt Loop/Carabiner Loop: A small scrap (e.g., 3 inches by 4 inches).
- Optional: Belt Clip or Carabiner: For attaching the bag.
Design Decisions Before You Cut
Before you start snipping away, take a moment to visualize your perfect treat bag.
Size Matters
Think about how many treats you usually carry. Are you training a puppy and need constant rewards, or just carrying a few ‘just in case’ treats for your well-behaved adult dog? The example dimensions (6×8 inches per piece) create a reasonably sized bag, but feel free to adjust. Remember to account for seam allowances (usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch) and the space the drawstring casing will take up at the top (about 1 inch).
Fabric Fun
The outer fabric is your chance to show personality! Pick something durable that can handle being clipped to your belt or tossed in a bag. For the lining, practicality is key. A wipeable lining like nylon or PUL makes cleaning up greasy treat residue much easier. If using cotton for both, just be prepared to wash the bag more frequently. Avoid very lightweight or stretchy fabrics for the outer layer unless you interface them first, as they might not hold their shape well.
Fabric Tip: Pre-washing your fabrics, especially cottons, is a good idea. This prevents shrinking later on, which could distort your finished bag. Use the same washing and drying method you plan to use for the finished treat bag.
Attachment Style
How will you carry your creation? You can add a simple fabric loop to the back to slide onto your belt. Alternatively, make a slightly larger loop to attach a carabiner, which can then clip onto a belt loop, backpack, or leash handle. Some sew-in belt clips are also available from craft suppliers if you prefer that style.
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step Sewing Guide
Okay, fabric chosen, dimensions decided? Let’s get sewing! We’ll use a 1/2 inch seam allowance unless stated otherwise.
Step 1: Cut Your Fabric
Cut two identical rectangular pieces from your outer fabric and two from your lining fabric. If you’re adding a belt loop, cut that small rectangle now too (e.g., 3×4 inches).
Step 2: Prepare the Optional Loop
If adding a loop: Take your small loop rectangle. Fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press. Open it up. Fold the long raw edges into the center crease and press again. Fold it in half along the original center crease, enclosing the raw edges. Topstitch along both long edges. You now have a sturdy strap. Fold it in half widthwise to form the loop. Decide where you want it on the back of your bag (centered, usually a couple of inches down from the top edge). Pin the raw ends of the loop pointing upwards towards the top raw edge of one of the outer fabric pieces (on the right side of the fabric), ensuring the loop itself is lying flat against the main fabric piece. Baste it in place within the seam allowance.
Step 3: Sew the Outer Bag
Place your two outer fabric pieces right sides together, aligning all edges. If you added a loop, make sure it’s sandwiched between the layers. Pin along the two long sides and the bottom edge. Sew these three sides, leaving the top edge open. Clip the bottom corners diagonally (being careful not to cut your stitching) to reduce bulk.
Step 4: Sew the Lining Bag
Place the two lining fabric pieces right sides together. Pin along the two long sides and the bottom edge. Sew along the sides. On the bottom edge, sew partway from each corner towards the middle, leaving a 3-4 inch gap unsewn in the center of the bottom seam. This gap is crucial for turning the bag later! Remember to backstitch at the start and end of your sewing, especially around the gap. Clip the bottom corners.
Step 5: Assemble the Bag Layers
Turn the outer bag right side out. Press the seams if you like. Leave the lining bag wrong side out. Now, place the lining bag *inside* the outer bag. The right side of the lining should be facing the right side of the outer bag. Match up the side seams and the top raw edges. Pin all around the top edge, securing the lining to the outer bag.
Step 6: Sew the Top Edge
Sew all the way around the top edge, joining the lining and the outer bag. Use a consistent seam allowance (e.g., 1/2 inch). Go slowly to ensure the layers don’t shift.
Step 7: Turn and Topstitch
Carefully pull the entire bag right side out through the gap you left in the lining’s bottom seam. It will look messy at first, but persevere! Once it’s all pulled through, poke out the corners of the outer bag neatly. Now, stitch the gap in the lining closed. You can do this quickly by machine (edge stitch) or more neatly by hand using a slip stitch. Push the lining down inside the outer bag. Press the top edge flat. Topstitch around the entire top opening, about 1/4 inch from the edge. This gives a neat finish and helps the bag keep its shape.
Step 8: Create the Drawstring Casing
Decide how wide you need your casing to be – usually 3/4 to 1 inch is sufficient for most cords or ribbons. Sew another line of stitching all the way around the bag, parallel to your topstitching, at your chosen distance (e.g., 1 inch down from the top edge). Crucially, you need openings to thread the drawstring. The easiest way is to use your seam ripper to carefully unpick 2-3 stitches on the *outer fabric layer only* right over the side seams, between your two lines of stitching (the topstitching and the casing stitching). Do this on both side seams.
Step 9: Insert the Drawstring
Attach a safety pin to one end of your drawstring cord. Thread it through one of the side seam openings, push it all the way around the casing, and back out the *same* opening. Remove the safety pin. Even up the ends of the cord and tie them together in a secure knot. You can add a cord lock toggle before tying the knot if you wish. Pulling the loop of the cord will cinch your bag closed!
Safety Note: Ensure the drawstring ends are securely knotted. If using a plastic cord lock toggle, be mindful that small parts can be a choking hazard for pets if they manage to chew them off the bag. Supervise your pet when they are near the treat bag, especially if they are prone to chewing.
No-Sew Variation?
Not keen on sewing? You *can* make a simpler version using fabric glue or strong iron-on hem tape. Essentially, you’d follow similar steps but instead of sewing seams, you would apply glue or hem tape and press firmly (following the product instructions). Cut single layers of outer and lining fabric slightly larger to allow for folding hems. Fold and glue/tape hems on all sides first. Then construct the bag shape, gluing/taping the side and bottom seams of the outer layer, creating a casing by folding the top edge down and gluing/taping (leaving openings), and then inserting a lining piece (also hemmed) if desired, securing it with a few dabs of glue. Be aware that no-sew methods are generally less durable than sewing, especially with repeated use and washing.
Jazz It Up: Customization Ideas
Your basic bag is done, but why stop there?
- Poop Bag Pocket: Add a simple patch pocket to the front or back before sewing the main pieces together.
- Embroidery: Personalize it with your pet’s name or a cute paw print design.
- Fabric Paint: Add some artistic flair with fabric markers or paints.
- Contrast Cuff: Make the lining piece slightly taller than the outer piece. When you sew the top edge and turn, the lining will fold over the top edge creating a contrasting cuff before you create the casing.
- Dividers: If you carry different types of treats, you could add a simple fabric divider inside the lining before assembling the bag.
Caring for Your Creation
Most fabric treat bags can be machine washed. Turn the bag inside out, make sure the drawstring is pulled tight or tucked inside, and wash on a gentle cycle with cool water. Using a mesh laundry bag can help protect it. Air dry thoroughly, especially if you have a PUL lining. Regularly emptying out crumbs and wiping the lining will prolong its freshness between washes.
Ready for Walkies!
There you have it! Your very own custom-made pet treat bag. It’s a practical accessory that makes training on the go easier and adds a touch of personal style to your walks. Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or a complete beginner, this project is achievable and rewarding. So grab some fabric, thread your needle (or warm up your iron), and get crafting. Your furry companion (and your crumb-free pockets) will thank you!
