How to Make Free Dog Clothes

When your dog shivers on a damp day, the home budget may not allow for a warm pet coat. But if you live in a cool climate and own a Mexican hairless, the name should say it all: That pup needs a pullover! Even when money is in short supply, those with a little creativity can make clothes for their dog at no cost. Keep in mind that even a large dog coat takes only a yard or two of fabric, so a garment intended for a papillon or shih tzu should require only a remnant. Those who take a purse dog along to lunch can make matching doggy clothes when sewing their own coat dress patterns.

Things You'll Need

  • Fabric
  • Sewing machine or needle
  • Thread
  • Velcro
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick out the fabric for your dog clothes. The scraps from a two-piece or wardrobe pattern will usually be enough fabric to dress up man's best friend. There could be enough fabric from main garments and accent pieces to make a patchwork and then cut the dog coat from this. Cotton or cotton/polyester blend weaves make an especially nice patchwork.

    • 2

      Cut 2-foot squares from at least two different colors or patterns of fabric and then sew them with a straight-stitch sewing machine at about 10 to 12 stitches per inch. Of course, if you don't have a sewing machine, this can be hand-sewn using a needle and thread.

    • 3

      Sew the pieces with backs together.

    • 4

      Fray the edges on the front after sewing enough patched fabric. This will add interest to the design but will also leave a smoother seam against your pet's skin, reducing irritation. Salvaged denim from favorite old blue jeans will make a softer patchwork, which will be a perfect trendy look as well.

    • 5

      Cut two 6 x 4-inch rectangular pieces of fabric.

    • 6

      Fold the edges in and sew them down to create a nice edge.

    • 7

      Sew each rectangular piece to one longer edge of the larger fabric square.

    • 8

      Cut a 3-inch strip of Velcro.

    • 9

      Pull the Velcro apart and sew each piece to the ends of the rectangular fabric. When complete, this forms the strap that will hold the coat to the dog.

    • 10

      Put the coat on your dog to ensure a proper fit. If it doesn't fit properly, remove it and make adjustments to the Velcro, length of the straps and size of the coat.