How to Make a Neoprene Vest for a Dog

Neoprene is a versatile material developed for wet suits. If your dog swims in icy water, it makes sense to make him a vest of the same material to conserve his energy. This project can be made from a purchased dog clothing pattern; or make one to fit your dog's measurements. This is a tough job for many home sewing machines, but you can glue the seams and bond the edges if the material is too thick for your machine.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Dog vest pattern -- purchased or made from dressmaker's paper
  • Neoprene material -- 4 mm or thinner
  • Sewing machine
  • Elastic that folds in half
  • Microtex needle or substitute Universal needle -- size 16
  • Bonded nylon thread
  • Seam glue made for Neoprene
  • Heat sealable tape
  • Hook-and-loop type strip fastener
  • Plastic D-ring belt assembly
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a purchased sweater pattern for a dog or make your own from dressmaker's paper. Measure the dog from the base of the neck to the tip of his tail. Measure the width of his chest from the middle of his shoulder over his back to the middle of his opposite shoulder. Measure from his spine to the middle of his ribs and double that figure to include the entire width of his body. Measure around his shoulders and around his neck to find the right size for the head opening. Measure from the middle of his ribs around to the other side to know how long the belt needs to be.

    • 2

      Use an existing pattern or translate your measurements into a sketch on dressmaker's paper. The chest portion can be cut in half and closed with a hook-and-loop fastener. If you do this, add an extra inch for the closure. Cut out all of the pieces. Test a scrap of neoprene on your sewing machine. Older machines are more sturdy and will zigzag through neoprene that is at least 4 mm thick. Sew slowly, and use a Microtex coated needle, size 11, and coated polyester thread (See Reference 3).

    • 3

      If you have a serger, consider a flat lock stitch. This pattern consists of only one piece but you can use folded elastic around the raw edges for your dog's comfort. Begin by gluing elastic tape to the edges with glue meant for Neoprene. This type of glue can be purchased at a fabric store. Glue the chest closure hook-and-loop strips using the same glue, and stitch it in place to ensure that it holds.

    • 4

      Mark both sides of the material where the belt will be attached to the vest. On one side, glue a strip of material around a D-ring and attach it to the mark on one side of the vest. If you don't wish to use glue, use seam-sealing tape to make sure it bonds to the vest: follow instructions on the tape's package, and practice on a scrap of material to see how much pressure it takes to form a bond with Neoprene. Take the cut-out belt length and attach it to the other side of the vest at the marked spot. Use either glue or seam-sealing tape to make a tight bond. There will be more pressure on this seam because of the dog's movements, so use every method, including sewing, to make sure it doesn't come apart.