How to Make Dog Shirts for Small Dogs

Finding shirts that fit small dogs can be a difficult proposition, especially in the case of oddly shaped dogs. Cold weather can be dangerous for small dogs, and shirts are useful to help keep them safe and warm outdoors. A home-made shirt can also make a great costume for Halloween, or a cute year-round fashion statement for your pet. When store-bought just won't do, you can make a shirt for your small dog by following or altering a pattern.

Things You'll Need

  • Sewing machine
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Scrap fabric or muslin
  • Fabric of choice
  • Optional decorations
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a pattern that you like. There are patterns for dog apparel from reputable sources such as Butterick's, McCall's and Simplicity. Other patterns can be found online. Find one that is suitable for small dogs, or resize a larger pattern if necessary to fit your dog.

    • 2

      Measure your dog according to the pattern's directions.

    • 3

      Cut scrap fabric or muslin following the pattern to make a rough draft of the dog shirt. Sew according to the directions included with the pattern, then place the test garment on your dog. If the shirt fits well as-is, move on to the next step. If not, note any places that fit awkwardly, and alter the pattern to fit. You may need to make the neck opening larger or smaller, or change the diameter of the chest according to your dog's proportions.

    • 4

      Cut the fabric for the actual shirt carefully, with any needed modifications. Make sure to leave enough of a seam allowance.

    • 5

      Add any desired decorations, such as patches or embroidery. Make sure to do this step before sewing the shirt together, as it is easier to add to a single piece of fabric than attempt to manipulate the finished garment later on. For a fun personal touch, you may want to decorate the shirt with fabric markers or paint, or sew on appliques.

    • 6

      Face the fronts of the pieces of fabric together, and sew carefully according to directions. When finished, snip any loose threads and then turn completed shirt inside out.