How to Make a Tummy Warmer for an Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are slender, fine-boned dogs with a delicate appearance. They possess small ears which fold back, long necks and a deep narrow chest. Because Italian Greyhounds are single-coated, they do not have an undercoat that provides insulation -- making them sensitive to cooler temperatures. When the temperature falls below 60 degrees F, they benefit from the comfort of a tummy warmer. This is a wrap-like garment that can be worn inside or out in cooler temperatures. Although there are many styles available in the market, making your own allows you to custom design the right look and fit for your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 feet of fabric
  • Tissue paper or interfacing to make pattern
  • Scissors
  • Black marker or other fabric pen
  • Hook-and-pile tape, 1 to 2 inches wide and 14 inches long
  • Needle
  • Matching thread
  • Tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog. To properly fit a tummy warmer, you need accurate chest and length measurements. Measure the length of your dog from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, along the spine. Then measure the chest at the deepest part -- just behind the front legs.

    • 2

      Make a pattern by transferring the measurements onto tissue paper or interfacing. For the pattern draw a large rectangle the length of your dog's back, and the width of your dog, plus 2 to 3 inches. Inside the rectangle, make a grid with 1-by-1 inch squares. On the grid, draw your design for the tummy warmer -- making it long enough to cover the dog's entire back. Include a flap on the right or left side that will go across the tummy and attach to the other side. Also include a breast flap that either attaches or wraps around the front of the dog and fastens. The top of the pattern should be arched inward to form a semi-circle, allowing the fabric to curve around the shoulder area. Allow an extra inch or two around the perimeter of the design, leaving room to make alterations.

    • 3

      Pin your pattern to the fabric, and cut out your design. With your dog standing, place the cut out design on your dog to check for fit. Fold flaps in place, and apply tape to hold them. Use your marker to note any adjustments that need to be made. Remove the fabric from your dog, and do any additional cutting and shaping. Fold the edges of material over, and sew a 1/4-inch seam all around to form smooth, finished edges.

    • 4

      Add hook-and-pile tape to the tummy warmer. Cut strips approximately 2 inches long, trimming the corners to make them oblong. Attach the hook-and-pile tape strips to the "wrong" or underside of the fabric, so that it will not be visible when fastened. Use 2 to 3 pieces on the end of the flap which goes across the belly, and another 2 to 3 pieces on the end of the flapping reaching across the chest. Sew the hook-and-pile tape into place, even if they are self-adhesive strips. Then attach the other half of the strips onto the areas where the flaps should meet and fasten. Pin before sewing, to check for proper placement.