Scrunchie Bandanas: A Better Fit for Dogs Who Like to Wear Their Style
Our dogs come in all shapes, sizes and various amounts of fluff.
So why did I settle on Scrunchie Bandanas for Doggie Dekor’s product line?
I have two dogs: Buddy the Border Collie and Luv the Rough Collie. Long before Doggie Dekor was even an idea, I thought it would be fun to make them each a bandana. I couldn't use over-the-collar bandanas because my dogs both wear harnesses.
So I did my research, measured both dogs and settled on the right size for their neck measurements - which were exactly the same - and I sewed two tie-on bandanas. I was pretty happy with the results.
My experience with my Tie-On Bandana Experiment
I tied Buddy's on first with no problem; after all, it is just a simple double knot. THEN came Luv’s turn. Luv is a long-haired Rough Collie and she has a ridiculous amount of hair—so tying her bandana on was an experiment I didn't want to do again. While trying to tie the knot, she kept moving and her hair kept getting caught in the knot. When I finally got a hairless knot, it kind of got lost and disappeared under her neck fur. I couldn't help but think - Oh no!!! I have to untie this at some point. I am NOT doing this again. FAIL. There had to be something easier.
Why Tie-On Bandanas Were a Problem for Us, Besides the Fur Forest
As I wrestled with the knot now embedded in her fur forest, trying not to yank out her fur, I started to think: OMG, what happens if they are outside in the yard and it gets caught on something?
Or what if Buddy playfully decides to haul her around the yard by the bandana, or she drags him across the yard by his (and she could)? In that situation, they couldn't get out of their bandanas. Off with the knotted bandanas and on to the next bandana type. I wanted something easy for both of my dogs to wear and I didn't want to make two different types. It had to work for the sleek fur of the Border Collie and the long, flowing coat of the Rough Collie - so I settled on a scrunchie-type bandana.
Tie-on bandanas can be a lovely choice for many dogs; they simply weren’t the right fit for me, Buddy, or Luv.
The Scrunchie Bandana Type
Scrunchie Bandanas are certainly not a new idea and for sure NOT my idea - but working through the design and making slight adjustments to the overall concept is where we are today. The scrunchie bandana sits comfortably around their neck, the drape is lovely, they slip over the head in 2 seconds and they come off just as fast. NO knots to tie, no long, fluffy hair getting caught or pulling and no little snaps to snap on a wiggly (excited to go on a walk) dog. The bandana sits well on the dog's neck whether the dogs are at rest, play, full-out running or on a casual walk. And if Buddy doesn’t enjoy a game of tug-of-war while Luv is yanking him around the yard by his scrunchie bandana - it may give him extra room to get out of it!
Our bandanas have stretchy elastic in the band, which may give a dog more room to slip its head out if the bandana catches. It is not a safety device and dogs should never be left unattended while wearing anything around their necks. For me, the stretchy band is reassuring, but I never rely on it as a safety feature.
The Cute, Colorful Fashion Statement for Dogs
Dog bandanas are dog accessories - cute, colorful and more of a fun fashion statement than a necessity. My dogs both have several scrunchie bandanas - most of which are samples or demos - they don't get the new ones!! Buddy looks very attractive in his black and white gingham, and yes, my girl wears blue and pink! Luv looks adorable in her blueberry bandana. Our bandanas are 100% cotton, washable and available in small, medium, and large sizes - tried and tested by real, active dogs. The sizing is based on the circumference of the dog's neck and that measurement will determine the appropriate sizing for your dog.
Geometry in Sewing - yup!!
Construction of scrunchie bandanas is important, and initially, it was a lesson in geometry. They sure are NOT a simple square of fabric folded and sewn, as we learned when we were designing our samples. Yes, it's simple construction in theory - but simple construction that is durable, designed well, fits properly and fun.
We use only prewashed 100% cotton in our bandanas and all of our products are made in small batches. Although we cut fabric to minimize waste, there are some off-cuts that are considered waste. We use those off-cuts to make smaller items like our POOO Pouches and Wristlet Keychains. So you may find a POOO Pouch or Wristlet Keychain to perfectly match your dog’s bandana!
From us to you.
Doggie Dekor makes dog-related items and dog-themed items for you and your dog from our tiny studio in Calgary. We actually use the products we design and make - Buddy and Luv can attest to that.