KATIE: Welcome to our special edition DIY Extreme Harness Makeover blog post. With the BlogPaws conference fast approaching, I need to make sure I've got some very special bling to wear in case I join Waffles & Glogirly for the big trip.
We thought you might like to see just how incredibly easy it is to take an ordinary harness from simple to SPARKLE. Alright Waffles, let's show everyone what we started with.
WAFFLES: Hey Boss! Look at my pantaloons!!!
KATIE: Waffles, no one cares about your pantaloons. Just show everyone our harness supplies, ok?
What You Need:
1. HARNESS
We've tried a number of harnesses out there and our absolute favorite is the basic Puppia Soft Dog Harness.
There aren't that many harnesses made just for cats, but Puppia fits us perfectly. Very comfortable and very secure. Neither of us ever try to wriggle out way out of them. We have four different Puppia's and have bought them all on Amazon. We each weigh about 10 pounds and both wear a size small. Not that we share.
There aren't that many harnesses made just for cats, but Puppia fits us perfectly. Very comfortable and very secure. Neither of us ever try to wriggle out way out of them. We have four different Puppia's and have bought them all on Amazon. We each weigh about 10 pounds and both wear a size small. Not that we share.
2. SEAM RIPPER
A basic seam ripper
will make removing the Puppia logo patch from the harness quick and easy. Though the photo above shows a slight shadow where the patch used to be, it quickly disappeared with no trace left behind. The stitches are very tiny and tight so we don't recommend using a scissor. If you don't already own a seam ripper, you'll be surprised just how handy this little tool is. Even if you're like Glogirly and don't "sew."
will make removing the Puppia logo patch from the harness quick and easy. Though the photo above shows a slight shadow where the patch used to be, it quickly disappeared with no trace left behind. The stitches are very tiny and tight so we don't recommend using a scissor. If you don't already own a seam ripper, you'll be surprised just how handy this little tool is. Even if you're like Glogirly and don't "sew."
3. BLING
We used a combination of appliqués and jewels from our local craft store including three crocheted flowers, a heart & sequin appliqué patch and some sew-on rhinestone jewels by Darice.
4. NEEDLE & THREAD
In order to keep everything extra secure, we chose to go the old-fashioned route by sewing on all the embellishments. We didn't want to use glue, not that there's anything wrong with that, but the crocheted flowers in particular needed to be sewn on. The matching thread allowed us to affix everything very securely without any of our stitches showing.
Easy Peasy 1-2-3:
Remove Logo Patch from Harness
Start by cutting each of the tiny stitches on the INSIDE of the harness to loosen the patch. Then carefully peel the patch from the front, using the seam ripper as needed. The patch is sewn on independently from all the harness parts, so there's no risk of causing any damage. Be careful though... those stitches are tiny!
Sew Sew Sew Your Bling
1. We started by attaching the large flower to the center back of the harness. We secured all of the larger outermost petals as well as the center.2. Next, we sewed a rhinestone to the center of each small flower before attaching to the harness. The rhinestones we used are made for sewing on and have two tiny holes to run your needle and thread through. Attaching them in this was is very secure.
3. Last, we attached the two smaller flowers to each side of the large flower just close enough so the large flower overlaps them. This also will cover the small Puppia logo on the back. The above photo shows what it looks like just before attaching the final small flower.
Attach Appliqué to Front
Heat your iron to a setting that's safe for the harness fabric. Position the appliqué so it's centered on the front chest area. Cover the appliqué and front of the harness with an ironing cloth; we used a pillowcase. Press the hot iron down for 10-15 seconds. Turn the harness inside out and repeat from the inside of the harness. Let everything cool.
Done! Now you're all sparkly...
and beautiful...
...from every angle.
We hope you enjoyed our DIY harness makeover! We'll be doing something similar, though less girly, with one of Waffles' harnesses soon too.
Our shopping links today are affiliate links which means we receive a small commission when you make a purchase. (PS: We bought the matching leash too. We like the medium size the best and although it doesn't look like it in the photos below, the harness and leash are a perfect color match.)
