How to Make a Braided Fleece Rope Toy

Image: hgtv.com

Make a sturdy rope toy that will guarantee your dog hours and hours of fun!

What you will need:

3 – 1/4 yard pieces of fleece
2 rubber bands
scissors
measuring tape

What you will need:

• 3 – 1/4 yard pieces of fleece
• 2 rubber bands
• scissors
• measuring tape

How to make your homemade dog toy:

1. Cut 3 strips from your fleece, the width of the strips is dependent on how heavy you want the braid -
   • 3″ wide for a lightweight toy
   • 5″ for a medium weight toy
   • 8″ + for a heavy weight toy
2. Lay the strips on top of one another and tie one rubber band 6″ from the end.
3. Hold the end with the rubber band between your knees and braid the strips of fleece tightly together.
4. Braid it to your desired length.
5. Rubber band the other end of the braid.
6. Tie a loose knot and slide or cut the rubber band off.
7. Pull on the knot as hard as you can to tighten it.
8. Trim the end tabs to about 3″, and cut in thirds.
9. Repeat knotting and trimming for the other end.
10. Tie a knot in the middle of the rope if you like.
11. Now you have your very own homemade fleece rope dog toy!
     

Additional tips:

• The tighter your knots, the longer the toy will last.
• Try braiding a round rawhide chew into the fleece for an extra treat.
• Make sure you do not use any fabric that has been treated with chemicals, such as a flame retardant.
  
• If your dog is a heavy chewer or likes to rip apart his toys, do not cut the ends in thirds, it will make them easier to rip.