How to Sew Raincoats for Dogs

You probably don't enjoy walking your dog in the rain, but you can take an umbrella along or slip on a rain jacket to stay dry. But what about your faithful companion? Even on showery days, dogs need exercise and bathroom breaks, but they don't like getting wet and bedraggled in the rain. Not to mention that you have to look after a cold, wet dog and deal with soggy towels after your walk. Give your pet a treat and save yourself some bother by sewing a lightweight, easy and inexpensive doggy raincoat. It even includes reflective strips to keep her safe and visible at night.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Scissors
  • Marker
  • Flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth or waterproof fabric
  • Reflective fabric strip
  • Velcro
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
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Instructions

  1. Sewing the Raincoat

    • 1

      Measure your dog from her shoulders to just above the tail. Measure across her back, from the top of one front leg to the other. Add 1 inch to both measurements and then draw a rectangle with these dimensions on your fabric.

    • 2

      Cut out the fabric and fold it in half so the two long sides meet. Draw a line along this fold.

    • 3

      Cut a piece of the reflective fabric strip the length of the rectangle. Center the reflective strip over the line you drew in the previous step. Using the straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew along both edges of the reflective strip to attach it to the raincoat.

    • 4

      Fold in 1/2 inch of fabric along all four sides and then fold again to make a double hem. Use the sewing machine to hem the four sides of the rectangle, making sure the corners are flat and neat.

    • 5

      Wrap your tape measure around your dog's body level with her belly. Add 4 inches to this measurement, and cut two strips of reflective fabric that length. These will form the straps to hold the raincoat in place.

    • 6

      Fold the rectangle into three equal sections along the long side, and draw lines along the folds. Center the two strips of reflective fabric along these lines and sew along the edges.

    • 7

      Try the raincoat on your dog, and adjust the straps to fit snugly. Attach Velcro to each ends of the straps and machine stitch in place.