How to Make a Dog Sweater Out of a Knit Ski Mask

Every year, as winter approaches, people who live in cold climates and have short-haired dogs may be thinking of ways to keep Fido protected from wind and snow. Re-purposing an old ski-cap into a sweater for a small-breed dog, such as a Chihuahua or one of the toy breeds, is an easy way to save money and keep your pooch warm on cold days. Your dog should be no more than 6 pounds or the sweater will be too tight.

Things You'll Need

  • Ski cap
  • Marker
  • Hemming tape, 5/8-inch wide, matching or contrasting color
  • Sharp scissors
  • Sewing needle
  • Thread
  • Measuring tape
  • Enhancements such as patches, pom-poms or sequins (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1
      A toy poodle would fit comfortably in a ski-cap sweater.

      Measure your dog by wrapping the measuring tape around his body just behind his forelegs. Note the marks on the measuring tape where the dog's forelegs are. Note the space between the forelegs, which should be approximately 3 inches.

    • 2

      Lay the ski cap flat on a table. If the ski cap is folded up from the bottom, unfold it and cut through any stitching that may be holding the fold in place. Measure vertically 4 inches from the top of the cap. Mark two holes horizontally 3 inches apart, using your marker.

    • 3

      Measure a 1/2 inch from the top of the ski-cap. Using a scissors, cut the top portion of the ski cap. This will be the neck hole of the sweater. Since knitted caps are stretchy, this should cause an opening big enough for your dog's neck. If it is too small, remove another 1/4 inch. Continue doing so until the neck hole is big enough to fit.

    • 4

      Slip the cap over your dog's head and note where his legs are within the cap. They should line up with the marks from when you measured across and vertically. If not, make new marks where the legs are.

    • 5

      Cut two holes where the spots indicate. Using a sharp scissors, pinch the fabric where the two marks are and cut an oval hole, making sure the holes are even with one another.

    • 6

      Place the cap over your dog to be sure the holes match up with the forelegs. The legs should fit snugly in the holes but the they should not be so tight as to restrict movement. Ask your dog to walk around and observe his gait to be sure his movement is uninhibited. If your dog seems unable to move normally, widen the holes by cutting a sliver of fabric and try it on again. Continue to do so until he can move comfortably.

    • 7

      Beginning with one hole, fold back the fabric making a small, circular hem. Cover the hem with the hemming tape and pin down with straight pins. Repeat with the other hole.

    • 8

      Fold back the fabric on the neck hole and cover with hemming tape, as you did with the arm holes. Pin the tape down.

    • 9

      Sew the hemming tape along the edges of of the tape. You will have two lines of stitching. It's important to stitch the hemming tape down tightly, because knitting will unravel if it is not sewn down well.

    • 10

      Add pom poms, sequins, colorful patches and other enhancements, as desired.