The Best Fabrics and Hardware for Dog Gear: Leashes, Harnesses, and Beds

Whether you're a small pet business creating custom dog gear or a pet parent looking for a weekend DIY project, making your own dog leashes, harnesses, and beds is a smart way to blend quality, creativity, and cost savings.

But one thing matters more than anything else: the materials. When it comes to pet gear, the fabric and hardware you use can make or break the safety and durability of the final product.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the best materials available at Seattle Fabrics to create gear that’s tough enough for active dogs, comfortable for everyday use, and stylish enough to stand out in a crowd.

Why Material Selection Matters for Dog Gear

Dog gear gets tugged, chewed, soaked, and dragged. Unlike other sewing projects, it needs to handle:

• Abrasion from walking, digging, or dragging

• Moisture from rain or slobber

• UV exposure during outdoor adventures

• High stress around buckles and anchor points

Choosing the right combination of fabrics and hardware helps ensure your gear stays strong, safe, and usable for years.

Webbing: The Backbone of Dog Leashes & Harnesses

Webbing is used in nearly every piece of dog gear: collars, leashes, harness straps, and even bed handles. The key is choosing the right type for the load and look you want.

Top Webbing Options:

1. Nylon Webbing

• Strong and abrasion-resistant

• Smooth finish, great for leashes

• Slightly stretchier than polyester

2. Polyester Webbing

• Strong like nylon but with less stretch

• Better UV resistance (great for outdoor dogs)

• Easy to sew and available in vibrant colors

3. Polypropylene Webbing

• Lightweight and cost-effective

• Somewhat less durable

• Best for indoor gear or casual use

Fabric for Dog Beds and Harness Padding

Comfort and washability are top priorities when sewing a dog bed or padded harness.

Best Fabrics:

• Fleece Fabric

  • Soft, cozy, and washable

  • Great for bed tops or harness lining

• Cordura® or Ballistic Nylon

  • Extremely durable and water-resistant

  • Ideal for bed bottoms or heavy-duty harnesses

• Canvas or Duck Cloth

  • Breathable and rugged

  • Adds a natural aesthetic

Tip: For washable dog beds, consider adding a zipper closure to make the cover removable.

Hardware That Holds Up

You don’t want a leash clasp breaking mid-walk or a buckle popping open on a harness. Choose pet-safe, load-bearing hardware built for strength and longevity.

Must-Have Hardware:

• Side-release buckles (for collars and harnesses)

• Swivel snap hooks (for leash ends)

• D-rings and O-rings (for anchors or tag holders)

• Slide adjusters (for sizing harnesses)

Your stitches need to be as tough as your fabric. Here’s how to reinforce your project:

• Use heavy-duty polyester thread (UV resistant)

• Stitch twice at all stress points

• Consider box-x or bar-tack stitches for anchor areas

• Reinforce straps with topstitching

DIY Dog Bed: Quick Build Guide

Want to try a simple dog bed project at home?

Materials:

• 1 yard of fleece

• 1 yard of Cordura® or canvas

• Polyester fiberfill or foam

• 1 zipper (optional)

Steps:

1. Cut top and bottom panels to size (rectangle or circle)

2. Sew three sides together with a 1/2" seam

3. Insert stuffing or foam

4. Stitch shut or insert zipper for removability

Bonus: Add a handle with webbing or use waterproof fabric for outdoor use.

Whether you're making gear for your own dog or launching a pet accessories line, these materials scale beautifully

For Pet Brands & Retailers:

• Customize with branded buckles or webbing

• Buy in bulk for better margins

• Offer high-end options with Cordura® or fleece

For Pet Parents:

• Save money over store-bought options

• Choose fabrics and colors that match your style

• Make gear that fits your dog perfectly

Seattle Fabrics supports both B2C and B2B customers with affordable pricing and expert help.

Why Seattle Fabrics Is a Top Source for Pet Gear Supplies

Thousands of crafters, tailors, and product makers rely on Seattle Fabrics for:

• Heavy-duty nylon and polyester webbing

• Durable hardware in various finishes

• Outdoor-grade fleece, canvas, and waterproof fabrics

• Bulk and by-the-yard ordering

Our customer support team can even help match parts or recommend ideal materials for new products.

Final Thoughts: Make Dog Gear That Lasts

When it comes to your dog’s safety and comfort, quality matters. By choosing the right fabric, hardware, and stitching techniques, you can build dog gear that’s reliable, washable, and built to last.

Whether you're a weekend sewist or building your own product line, Seattle Fabrics has what you need to succeed—from leash clips and D-rings to outdoor fleece and webbing in bold colors.

Design it your way. Build it to last.