How to Sew a Dog Jacket

Commercially available clothing for dogs is fashionable; however, it can be expensive to purchase. Homemade dog clothing, like jackets and sweaters, are more cost-effective with ample opportunities for customization. Choose your favorite colors and accents when creating a dog jacket from home and create a pattern tailored to your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Fabric
  • Velcro
  • Tape measure
  • Pattern
  • Butcher paper
  • Pins
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors
  • Embellishments
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the dog to plan your pattern. Take measurements around the dog's chest at its widest part as well as from the sternum to the tail for a properly-sized pattern. Create the pattern on butcher paper or pattern paper with extra allowance for seams. Draw the pattern in the same basic shape as the dog, or in a basic saddle shape, according to your measurements. You may need to experiment with pattern designs to find the right fit.

    • 2

      Create pattern for Velcro strap. Velcro strap will extend from each side of the jacket and secure under the chest. Determine the width of your Velcro strap based on the size of the dog for better security. For example, a toy dog breed usually requires no more than a half inch strap to secure the jacket in place. For a large dog breed, however, a 1.5-inch to 2-inch strap is appropriate.

    • 3

      Cut the pattern out and arrange it on the dog to ensure proper fit. Make any necessary modifications at this time and recreate the pattern if necessary. If your pattern fits, then you are ready to go. If you need to make the pattern larger or smaller, or change the shape, do so at this time.

    • 4

      Pin the adjusted pattern to your fabric and cut it out carefully. Remove pins and store pattern for future use.

    • 5

      Fold in edges of fabric on all pieces for finished seams. Hand or machine-sew completely around the fabric using a sturdy sewing thread. If hand-sewing, use a backstitch for security. Trim excess threads.

    • 6

      Pin straps to each side of jacket pattern and sew to attach. Trim excess threads.

    • 7

      Attach Velcro to bottom end of each strap piece. Velcro may be iron-on, no-sew or sew-on. Attach thoroughly depending on what type you use. No-sew and iron-on use a permanent adhesive to keep them in place. Sew-on Velcro requires a hand-sewn or machine-sewn technique.