How to Make Blanket Coats for Dogs

Even dogs with thick fur benefit from a well-made coat. Whether used to provide warmth or water resistance, blanket coats are easy to make for any shape or size of dog. Because of their design, blanket coats do not require the same degree of measuring and mathematics that a full-body sweater would. Requiring very little fabric and sewing knowledge, blanket coats are quick to make and cost little in time or materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Polar fleece
  • Measuring tape
  • Tailor's chalk
  • Hook and eye tape
  • Needle
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
  • Newsprint
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog's body at four locations. Measure from his collar to the base of his tail, around his chest and upper back, the widest part of his body and around the narrow section of his stomach, just after the widest part of his body. Record these measurements for later use.

    • 2

      Draw a U shape on the newsprint. Draw a line to close off the U to form a flat-topped U shape. The U should be equal to the measurement from your dog's collar to the base of his tail. The width of the U should be equal to just over half of the measurement around the widest part of his body.

    • 3

      Draw two rectangles on the newsprint, separate from the flat-topped U shape. Each rectangle should be approximately 4 inches wide. The length of the rectangles should be equal to half of the measurement around the dog's chest and upper back.

    • 4

      Draw another two rectangles on the newsprint, separate from the flat-topped U shape and the other two rectangles. The width of these rectangles should be approximately 3 inches. The length should be equal to half of the measurement of the narrowest part of your dog's body.

    • 5

      Cut the flat-topped U shape from the newsprint to use as your pattern. Cut out the four rectangles as well. These will be the straps used to secure the blanket coat to your dog's body.

    • 6

      Pin the newsprint pattern pieces to your polar fleece. Cut around the pattern pieces.

    • 7

      Remove the newsprint and pins from the polar fleece. Pin the 4-inch rectangles to the straight edge of the U shape, one at each edge of the flat side.

    • 8

      Place the unfinished blanket coat on your dog, if possible. Mark, in tailor's chalk, the spot on the coat that coincides with the narrowest part of his body. Pin the 3-inch-wide straps to this point. Remove the blanket coat from your dog and praise him for being a good model.

    • 9

      Sew the straps in place. Stitch over the straps several times to ensure that they will withstand abuse and remain durable.

    • 10

      Sew on the hook and eye tape with a needle and thread. This will allow you to easily fasten and unfasten the garment, and allows the coat to be adjustable should your dog grow.