How to Make a Fleece Sweatshirt for Dogs

A doggie sweatshirt may be better than a knitted dog sweater or padded coat for those in between days when the temperature is cool but not freezing. A fleece sweatshirt for your furry friend is easy and inexpensive to make from used clothing, and may also be more comfortable because of the way sweatshirt fabric stretches. Dogs with short coats and old dogs feel the cold just as much as humans and will be snug and warm wearing fleece sweatshirts. You will be rewarded with doggie kisses and a wagging tail.

Things You'll Need

  • Old sweatshirt or sweat pants
  • Tape measure
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog. Take the measurement around the dog's neck, from the base of its neck to the base of its tail, the distance between its front legs, the measurement across its chest and around its chest just behind the front legs. Be patient and make a game out of it if your dog is nervous or wants to play with the tape measure.

    • 2

      Find an old fleece sweater or sweat pants. Thrift stores have a wide selection of colors and sizes. Measure the tubular part of the garment that will fit around your dog the best and cut it off the garment. It may be a sleeve or pant leg.

    • 3

      Lay the sleeve or pant leg on a flat surface. Draw your dog's measurements out on the fabric with chalk. Start at the point where the sweater will meet the base of the tail and cut at an angle down to the part that will be under the dog's stomach. This makes room for male dogs to lift their legs without wetting their sweatshirts. Cut holes for the front legs to go through. You can add 1-2 inches at the neck area for a roll collar if you like.

    • 4

      Try the shirt on your dog. Make any necessary adjustments to make it fit better. Sewing is not required, but the garment will have a more finished look if you hem, bind, oversew or zig-zag over the edges of the fabric wherever you have cut it. Creative people can also add decals to personalize the sweatshirt.

    • 5

      Cut a pattern from the sweatshirt using old newspaper. Lay the finished garment on top of a page and draw around it. Draw in the arm holes and cut out the pattern. Write the dog's name on it and use it for making additional sweatshirts for her. You won't have to measure her or the fabric over again.