How to Make a Doggie Sweater

Before taking your best friend out for a walk on a cold winter day, you may want to consider his comfort. Old dogs and thin-coated dogs feel the cold weather as much as their humans, and if you need a warm sweater, your dog might also be thankful for one. Luckily it is very inexpensive and easy to make a sweater for a dog without any sewing or knitting necessary.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Chalk
  • Old fleece sweatshirt or pants
  • Scissors
  • Sewing needle or machine
  • Sewing thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog. Write down the measurements around his girth, his neck, from his collar to the base of his tail, the distance between his front legs and across his chest.

    • 2

      Find a suitable used fleece sweater or sweat pants. If you don't have any at home, thrift stores are full of them and you can purchase them for next to nothing.

    • 3

      Cut off the portion of the garment you will be using. This may be a sleeve or leg, depending on the size of your dog. Lay it on a flat surface. Mark the length with chalk and cut it to the right size. Add two inches at the neck if you want to make a roll collar.

    • 4

      Cut out holes for your dog's legs. Try the garment on him and adjust for a proper fit. Lay it flat again and cut at an angle from the top of the back, where it will meet the base of the tail, toward the section where the dog's stomach will be. This will make allowance for a male dog to lift his leg without wetting his sweater.

    • 5

      Zigzag or bind the edges that you have cut. This step is optional and will help to make the garment last longer by reinforcing the raw edges, and give it a finished look. Decorate the sweater with decals or embroidery if you desire. Your dog won't mind either way but he will appreciate the warmth.