Clothes for Dogs

Making clothes for your dog can be fun and functional. Once considered a home craft project, dog clothing is now part of a booming pet apparel industry. Many patterns and ideas for creating clothes for your dog are available. Some are elaborate custom pieces with matching accessories, while others are simple and require very little sewing. It is easy to get started making clothes for your dog if you keep a few basic things in mind.

  1. The Proper Way to Measure Your Dog

    • The back measurement is the most important for designing clothes for your dog. Measure from the back of the head to the start of the tail. To do this, locate the point where the head and neck connect and pull the tape measure across the back to the end of the back, where it meets the tail. Do not include the full length of the tail. Next, measure the diameter of the neck where the dog's collar would be located. Hold the tape measure firm but not tight. Measure the chest around the body, just behind the front legs. Finally, measure the diameter of the leg just above the paw if the garment will include leggings or sleeves.

    Types of Materials to Use

    • When choosing the fabric for your dog clothing, consider the climate and thickness of your dog's fur. Try to use 100 percent cotton materials that "breathe." Flannel and fleece are great for colder climates when making dog coats and jackets. However, you do not want the dog to become overheated.

    Using Patterns

    • If you are a beginner, choose patterns with only one or two large pieces. Most craft and fabric stores have pattern books that include dog clothing. You can also purchase and download patterns from the Internet. Adjust the pattern based upon your dog's measurements. Many patterns can be made in less than an hour. See the reference section for websites that carry dog clothing patterns.

    Go Green

    • Making clothes for your dog is a great opportunity to re-purpose old clothing. Add a Velcro strap to a baby bib to create a simple cape for a small dog. Visit your local thrift store to find infant and child-sized clothing that can be transformed into outfits for your dog. A new trend is to knit and crochet with yarn made from pet fur.