DIY Tips
Our secrets to a long, happy product life.
Hurtta products are built tough to last for many adventures. If your dog outgrows a product, we encourage you to pass it on to another dog. Or try to find some other creative use for it or its materials, such as in a craft project. The more use and fun you get out of a Hurtta product, the better its impact on the environment.
Reusing a damaged Hurtta product.
If a product can't be repaired or handed down, the product materials can often be reused in a new way. For example, lining fabrics of raincoats are well suited as paw towels for dogs. The large print reflectors on the outer fabrics of the jackets can be used to make safety scarves, hanging reflectors or add-on patches for your dog's non-reflective garments. Dogs also love toys that can be safely torn and frayed. What better material than one that's already broken in? Wash the products according to the care instructions before crafting.
Paw towels.
Cut suitably large pieces of the product's lining fabric. Sewing the edges on a sewing machine will prevent the edges from coming loose. Use on muddy paws when your dog comes in from outside.
Reflective scarf.
Cut a suitably sized triangular piece of the product's outer fabric, salvaging the reflective print. If necessary, sew the edges. Remove the rubber cord from the product collar or other fastening point. Fold and sew the long side of the triangle so that a space is formed for threading the rubber cord. Adjust the length of the cord to the length of the dog's neck with extra room for comfort and connect the ends of the cord with a knot. If you wish, you can cut another piece of the same size from the outer fabric and sew the pieces together. This inside section of the scarf may be finished the same way.
Hanging reflectors
(Slightly more challenging to make).
Cut two round or triangular pieces, for example, from the product's outer fabric, salvaging the reflective print. Put the right sides of the pieces together and sew the edges, leaving a turning hole of about 2-3 cm. Position the reflector so that the seams remain inside. Fill the reflector with product wadding. Remove the rubber cord from the product collar or other fastening point. Make a 5-10 cm long loop of rubber cord and tie the ends together. Place a knot inside and sew the hole closed. Do a few reinforcement stitches on top of the cord. Attach your new reflector to a dog harness or leash or your own bag or backpack.
Reflective patches.
For example, cut a round or triangular piece of the outer fabric of the broken product, salvaging the reflective print. Repair another broken Hurtta product or other garment by sewing a reflective patch over
the torn area. The area may also be fastened with adhesive tape, but it may not withstand heavy wear and tear and multiple washings.
DOG TOYS
Soft pull toys for dogs.
Cut three strips of material from the upper or lining fabric suitable for the dog's size. The wider the strips, the thicker the toy becomes, and correspondingly, the longer they are, the longer the toy you can make. Tie the strips together so you can braid them. Stop braiding when there are more than 5cm of strips left and make a knot at the end. Do not leave dogs unattended with toys.
Dog rope / leash toys.
You can make these toys from old rope or strap leashes. Cut out the metal parts. Burn the ends of the straps or ropes to prevent them from unwinding. Then select the toy you would like to make. For some instructions you will need two leashes. The instructions work best for leashes made from a 180 cm long leash. Do not leave dogs unattended with toys.
Soft toys for dogs.
You will need a sewing machine. Cut two pieces of the quilted fabric into your desired shape. Obviously a toy made of outer fabric will be more durable than using a lining fabric. Turn the right sides together and sew the pieces together, leaving a space of about 4 cm. Turn the stitch and fill it with cotton wool. Cut the desired length, at least 15 cm, from the belt of the jacket. Slide the ends of the tape inside the opening and fold the edges. Sew the opening closed and make several back and forth stitches as reinforcement so that the ribbon ends withstand boisterous play. You can make several different shaped toys with or without ribbons. Do not use plastic or metal parts. Do not leave dogs unattended with toys.
OTHER FUN AND USEFUL THINGS
Rubber hair loops / Rubber braids.
Remove the rubber cords from the packaging or the damaged Hurtta product. Cut about 15 cm pieces of rubber cord. Burn the ends of the rubber cord so that the overlay does not come loose. Tie the ends of the cord together and use it as a hair loop. If you have a hot glue gun, connect the ends of the rubber cord with hot glue, allow the glue to dry and use it as a hair loop. Never leave glue guns unattended.
Decorative hair loop.
Follow the instructions for a rope toy and make a monkey's fist knot out of rubber bands or elastic straps. Then connect the ends of the rubber cord with either a knot or hot glue. Never leave glue guns unattended.