How to Design a Dog T-Shirt

As a general rule, dogs don't like to wear clothes. But in winter months or for Halloween costumes (if you decide to dress up your pet) you may decide to design a shirt for your dog. Keep your dog's comfort in mind by using lightweight, comfortable material. Some dogs are more receptive to being dressed than others. Should your dog reject being dressed, respect its wishes by helping it take off the clothing.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Approximately 1 yard of fabric, depending on dog's size
  • Pattern or tracing paper
  • Straight pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog while it is standing. Take a measurement across the top of its back from one front paw to the other, another across the underside of your dog's chest from front paw to front paw, and one measurement around the dog's neck (adding at least 3 inches to this measurement for extra comfort).

    • 2

      Measure the length of your dog's legs, starting at your dog's shoulder blade. This will help you determine the dog's sleeve length.

    • 3

      Draw your dog shirt according to your measurements on a large sheet of tracing paper to create the shape of your pattern. Cut the back measurements in half to go out from the fold of your fabric, so that both sides of the shirt are even.

    • 4

      Draw the stomach and chest measurements to create your pattern following the same idea as step 3: cut in half and with the intent to lay out from the fold of your fabric.

    • 5

      Divide your neck measurement into fourths. Add this measurement onto the front of your back measurements and to the front of your chest measurement to create the right size for your neck hole. Doubled over, you should have the full neck measurement for your dog's shirt.

    • 6

      Draw the sleeve pieces of your dog. Again, divide in half to lay out from the fold of your fabric. The length of your sleeve will be dependent on the length of your dog's limbs and how long you want the sleeves to be for the shirt.

    • 7

      Give your pattern a test run. Once you have your pattern pieces designed, cut out and pin together to be sure they will fit comfortably around your dog. It is always easier to make adjustments at this stage as opposed to cutting fabric incorrectly.

    • 8

      Cut your fabric in accordance with your pattern pieces. Sew your edges together connecting the stomach measurements to the back piece, securing the hem and neck hole, and then adding the shirt sleeves. Add a hem to the bottom of the sleeve as well.