This tutorial does not include a pattern. Instructions are to create this cone using measurements.
Jeb just recently had THAT surgery and I didn’t have the heart to make him wear a rigid plastic cone on his neck for a week. Using some scraps, I was able to make him a comfortable and flexible, yet effective, fabric cone to wear post-surgery.
He wore it like a champ and didn’t complain one bit. The collar was wide enough to keep him from accessing the healing areas. Within the 7 days post-surgery, Jeb was nicely healed! Here’s how I did it.
You Will Need:
Fabric large enough for your pet’s neck plus a few inches
Ribbing or other stretchy material for the turtleneck
Optional: Fusible stabilizer/interfacing to give the collar some stiffness. The collar may also be stuffed, preventing the pet from accessing the area. Stuffing makes a donut for the neck.
Measure:
First measure your pet’s neck. Also measure the length from the neck to the snout. This is the measurement for the width of the collar. Make sure to measure well, as this is what keeps the pet from their restricted area.
Next, cut a circle the size of the pet’s neck. I had a container with a bottom the same size as Jeb’s neck, so I used it to trace a circle.
Next, I folded the circle into quarters and secured with a pin before setting aside.
You will need two fabrics. One for the outside and one for the inside. If you would like to add stabilizer or interfacing, I recommend doing it now. It can be fused to one side of the collar or both before cutting. This makes the process much easier.
Fold the fabric into quarters.
Pin the quartered circle into the corner of the fabric with the folded edges.
Measure out from the circle and mark with a pencil. This measurement should be from the neck to the snout. It should be long enough to shield their “area” when the are hunched over, trying to lick. For Jeb, the width that worked was 4 inches.
Cut out the circle along the pencil lines and then along the paper circle.
Unfold your circle, and with right sides facing, sew the entire outer edge of the collar. Slash the seam allowance for smoother turning.
Turn right side out and press well.
At this point, if you wish to make more of a donut shape, stuffing can be added between the layers of the collar. Be sure to pin in place well before adding the turtleneck. A stuffed collar will further prevent the pet from reaching the protected area by forming a barrier.
Then cut a piece of stretchy fabric one inch shorter than the distance around the neck and double the width of your desired finished product. For example, I wanted Jeb’s turtleneck to be 3 inches wide, so I cut it 6 inches wide.
Sew the turtleneck end to end with 1/4″ seam allowance or overlock.
Fold the turtleneck in half with wrong sides together. Sew raw edges to the collar piece. The turtleneck will need to be stretched as you are sewing to fit. This will also prevent the collar from slipping off the head of the pet.
The Home Ec Lady 