How to Make a Dog Polo Shirt

There are many clothing options available for a dog these days, from slick raincoats to stylish tops. The preppy polo is one fashionable option to dress a pooch. In addition, unlike heavier pet coats and sweaters, the short sleeve shirt̵7;s light, stretchy fabric allows it to be wearable year round. Though fashion brands and upscale clothing stores carry polo shirts for pets, the top can also be made at home. The right material, pattern and skills, can help give a homemade polo the look of a designer dog shirt.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • 2 yards cotton tricot
  • Pattern
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Iron
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dog's back from the base of the neck to the top of the tail. Then get the measurement for around its neck, the widest part of the chest (right behind the front legs) and around the top of the front legs. These measurements help to select the proper size for the polo shirt pattern.

    • 2

      Fold the cotton fabric in half, lengthwise. Arrange the patterns for the front and back of the dog polo shirt along the fold. Also, place the pattern pieces for the polo̵7;s collar, top and bottom, along the fold. Lastly, place the sleeve pattern parallel to the fabric's selvage or raw edge. Pin the patterns down and cut them out with a pair of scissors.

    • 3

      Pin together the front and back of the shirt at the shoulder seam, before stitching them together with a sewing machine. Afterwards, pin the top of the sleeve (also known as the sleeve̵7;s cap) around the open arm hole and sew the cap in place.

    • 4

      Join the front and back side seams together, from the hem of the shirt to the hem of the sleeve. Pin this seam together to secure one continuous seam. Sew this seam from the base of the shirt, about 1/2 inch away from the edge. Stop when you reach the armhole, leaving the needle inserted in the fabric. Lift the pressure foot, which is the foot-like apparatus on the sewing machine that holds the fabric down. Pivot the fabric so that the edge of the sleeve is parallel to the foot and continue to sew to the sleeve̵7;s hem.

    • 5

      Secure the collar̵7;s top and bottom by pinning them together along the outer edge. Sew along the periphery of the collar, about 1/4 inch away from the edge. Afterwards, turn the collar inside out and iron it to help make the edges sharp.

    • 6

      Place the one end of the collar at the center of the front neckline. Pin the collar around the neckline̵2;the two sides should meet in the front. Regulate the machine to a zigzag stitch and sew the collar to the polo shirt̵7;s neckline.

    • 7

      Fold the sleeve and shirt̵7;s hem ½ inch, pinning them into place before sewing them with the zigzag stitch. Iron the hems to give them a crisp appearance and finish the dog polo shirt.