How to Make a Dog Sweater
I will admit it, I have a fluffy little foo foo dog. I own it and he is the most precious thing EVER! You might have seen him on my Instagram modeling for various blankets and projects. He is turning into kind of an old man now but he is still my favorite little buddy. Today I want to share with you how to create a dog sweater/jacket for your dog (foo foo or not!) You will need to draft your own pattern since all dogs are not created equal! But never fear I will walk you through the measurements and what you need to do to make a dog sweater for your furry friend. Here is how to make your dog a sweater to keep your pup warm and adorable! If you are a dog lover you might love THESE fun dog projects.
How to Make a Dog Sweater
Dog Sweater Supplies
Flannel – Patterned Buffalo Check Moose – Make sure and get a fabric that is machine washable. In the winter months you have all sorts of things that will get your creation dirty, plus dogs outside are just dirty in general. So you want to be able to wash this easily!
How do you measure a dog for a sweater?
Since all dogs are not the same size you will need to measure your dog to draft a pattern. Don’t worry the pattern is not hard to draft, it is just a bunch of straight lines. Here are the places you will need to measure:
Around the neck where the collar sits. My dog was 15″ here for reference.
Around the chest about 2 inches behind the front legs. My dog was 20″ here.
From neck to tail tip. My dog was 17″ here.
Across the back, this is for the width of the sweater. Measure from one side of the ribs to the other side. If you want your sweater to lie more like a saddle and not go down as far take a few inches off. My dog was 14″ here.
Creating dog sweater patterns
Now you are ready to draft your dog sweater patterns. We will create the pattern so that it is cut on the fold. That way we will only have to draft half the pattern. See the diagram below and watch the video at the end of this post for a more visual explanation of drafting the pattern.
Draw your first line across the top of the paper. We are using the neck measurement for this line. Add 8″ to your measurement.
Draw a line going down from the left most point of your first line. Subtract 2 1/2″ from your neck to tail tip measurement.
Half the width across the back of your dog and draw this line at the bottom of the pattern, starting at the bottom point of the neck to tail line that you already drew.
Now draw a straight line from the end of the across the back measurement up to the top line (this line is not fully pictured as you will be erasing some of the line to create the straps.)
From the right side of the top line draw down 2 1/2″ this gives your straps a finished size of 2″. Draw a line to connect the bottom of this 2.5″ line to the straight line you drew in the last step. Then 3″ down (more if you have a bigger dog) draw another 2.5″ wide strap. You can erase the lines separating the straps from the body. Your pattern should look like the picture below but you will have your own unique measurements.
How to make a dog sweater
Now cut your pattern out. Place the fold line onto the fold of your fabric. I recommend using flannel or fleece because it is warmer. You can use a knit sweater type fabric but I would recommend stabilizing it first to make it easier to work with.
Cut the pattern out two times. One for the outside and one as a lining.
Place the two pieces together right sides facing each other. Sew around the majority of the sweater, leaving a 4-5″ opening to turn the piece out. Snip close to the seam in the corners so the fabric doesn’t pull (see the video for a visual.)
Turn the piece out and press all your corners and seams out so they are square and flat. Press the opening under 1/4″ and top-stitch the opening closed.
Add velcro to the straps so that the sweater will stay on your pup.
After you try the sweater on the dog you might find that it needs a few tweaks. I added two darts to the neck so that it wouldn’t gape and it would lie flat.
Your dog sweater is finished! Now you know how to make these fun little coats! Does your dog need a sweater like this? Share with me in the comments below.
How to Make a Dog Sweater Video Tutorial
Pin How to Make a Dog Sweater
Kim says
I’ve always wanted a oat for my Airedale because he doesn’t like to be wet. But because of his size I couldn’t e er find one big enough! Thanks so much for your easy pattern with great videos for extra help ☺ I’m going to make him one for Christmas and I’ll post his pic for you too!! Merry Christmas 🎄❤🐶👩
Linda Todesco says
I would suggest a buttonhole where the lead attaches especially if your dog wears a harness and you get temperatures that can dip t
-20 or colder
Michele says
Thank you for this tutorial. I need to clarify the first step un “Creating the Pattern”. Your first instruction was to draw a line for the neck measurement and add 8″. You stated that your dog was 15″, so should the line be 23″? In your drawing with the measurements, it states 11.5″. Can you please clarify this for me? I appreciate it.
sewwhatalicia says
Hi Michele. If you notice the drafted pattern is meant to be cut on the fold. So the 11.5 is half of the original measurement of 23″. So you will half whatever measurement you get and then cut it on the fold. I hope that makes sense!
Michele Billingsley says
AH! I completely was not paying attention! Thank you so very much! I can’t wait to make this for my dog and my 2 grandpups!
Julie says
I’m really confused with the measurements. Is the diagram showing the measurements from Bailey?
sewwhatalicia says
Yes the diagram shows the measurements I used.
julie says
Do you mind giving me the measurements? My Sadie is a very small poodle. Neck-8.5, chest-14, neck to tail-13, across the back-8 (that one I’m not sure if that’s right, not sure.
sewwhatalicia says
Sure! So to your neck measurement add 8″, so 16.5″ total, you will halve this when you draft your pattern. Neck to tail you will subtract 2.5″, so your measurements will be 11.5″. Across the back you are measuring where you want the jacket to fall on your pup. Now with those measurements you should be able to draft the pattern. Do you want me to email you a quick sketch with your measurements?
Maryjane says
I see all the time.in fact my dog has a better wardrobe then I do teehee.its nice to know I’m not alone at the machine.nice to meet you
Vicky says
I have a 16 week old Maltipoo that is TINY, so finding anything that fits her has been a problem. Went on the hunt to find a pattern, and I love the way you described measuring/making the pattern in depth. Thank you!