Knitting a Sweater For Your Dog: Tips & Tricks
This article is for anyone that would like to learn more about knitting sweaters for dogs. The article will give you tips, tricks, and the need to know when knitting a sweater for your dog.
Why Are Dog Sweaters Important?
There are certain dog breeds that do well in colder weather, but there are also dog breads that could benefit from extra insulation in colder weather. A sweater or jacket can be helpful to dogs during cold seasons. If your dog is hesitant to go outside during cold weather, or if your house temperature is always cool, you should consider a sweater or jacket for your dog.
The age, breed, and size of a dog are all factors that determine how warm your dog is able to physically keep himself. Fur and hair are the only natural mechanisms that dogs have to keep themselves warm. But, what about dogs that are small and have little to no hair or fur? These dogs could use the assistance of a dog sweater to keep them warm.
Which Dog Breeds Need Sweaters?
Small breeds, toy breeds, light bodied breeds, and breeds that naturally have very short thin hair coats are great candidates for dog sweaters. The list below are examples of dogs that may need a sweater:
• Terriers
• Bulldogs
• Beagle
• Pug
• Chihuahua
• Basenji
• Foxhound
• Greyhound
To note, there are both small and large breed dogs that can wear sweaters.
Where Can I Get A Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern?
To get started on knitting your dog a sweater, you must first find a pattern that you would like to follow. There are a number of free dog sweater patterns available online. Below are a few free dog sweater patterns.
• Sports Nut Dog Sweater – best for smaller dogs; free downloadable PDF pattern
• Dozens Of Additional Dog Sweater Patterns
• 15 Knitting Dog Sweater Projects
Diverse and fun book on Amazon with detailed directions for any level knitter
• Simplicity Pajama Dog Patterns – How about knitting your dog some pajamas instead of a sweater? check out the designs below!
What Is The Best Yarn For Dog Sweaters?
Dogs are active and curious animals. You want to make sure your dog sweater is durable and not so easy to destroy by your pet. The following 3 types of yarn is great for knitting dog sweaters.
- Acrylic Yarn
When making a dog sweater, you want to make sure the product is safe and comfortable for your dog. Acrylic yarn is affordable and highly eater resistant. So, your dog can be out in the rain or snow and you won’t have to worry about the sweater. Another benefit of acrylic yarn is that it is machine washable. This type of yarn is hard to rip apart by dogs. Keep in mind, acrylic yarn may become irritable to your dog. Make sure your dog is comfortable wearing the sweater.
- Wool Yarn
Wool is a popular choice when deciding to knit a dog sweater. Wool may be one of the best choices for a winter, warm, and cozy dog sweater. The fabric of wool yarn prevents your dog from becoming too uncomfortable while moving around and playing. Not all wool yarn is washable. There are certain brands that can be machine washed.
- Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn is highly sustainable. This yarn is 100% biodegradable. A dog sweater made out of cotton yarn is durable, comfortable, and breathable. This could be a great choice for sweaters made for warmer months and temperatures. Cotton is a lightweight fabric, so it is great for slightly chilly weather. A cotton dog sweater may not be warm enough for colder winter weather.
Tips to Consider Before Knitting a Dog Sweater
Before diving into knitting your dog sweater, consider these tips:
• Pick the right yarn! Base your decision on the durability needed for your breed of dog. Take in consideration the type of environment your dog is in and what fabric best fits the needs of your dog
• Be precise with measurements. Dog sweaters that are too big or too tight can be irritable to your dog. Make sure the measurements you take are accurate. The more accurate your measurements, the more likely the dog won’t notice the sweater. You don’t want your dog having access to the yarn on the sweater.
• Factor in growth spurts. Is your dog still growing? If so, the sweater may become too small in a short period of time.
• Check your gauge. This is extremely important when fitting a dog sweater.
• Find a pattern that you are comfortable using. If you are new to knitting, try a beginner pattern and work your way up. Beginner patterns are always great for practice and getting the hang of knitting.
• Keep calm. Knitting should relax you, not stress you out. It is okay to make mistakes. You are making the sweater with love for your dog and that is all that matters.
9 Steps to Make a Knitted Dog Sweater
The following are general steps to make a dog sweater. If you would like more detailed patterns, see the information above. The great thing about making your dog a sweater is that you can customize to your dog’s personality. You can add embroidery and use different color yarn. The possibilities are endless.
Step 1 – Measure Your Dog
Start by measuring your dog from the beginning of the underbelly on one side over the back to the beginning of the underbelly on the other side. This step is similar to measuring your waist. You want to know the circumference measurement of your dog.
Step 2 – Measure the Length of Your Dog
You want to measure the distance from your dog’s neck to just before the hind legs. Why is this important? This will be the length of your rectangle. Use the needles and yarn you have to create a rectangle the size of the length of your dog. The measurement from step 1 is your width.
For example, if my underbelly to underbelly measurement was 15 inches and the length of my dog was 9 inches, I would create a rectangle 15 inches wide and 9 inches long.
Step 3 – use a chunky yarn, size 3, or 6.5 mm knitting needles, cast on 36 stitches and knit your first rectangle until it is the desired length and width.
Step 4 – Take the Measurement for the Second Rectangle
Measure the distance of the underbelly from the inside of one leg, across the belly to the inside of the other leg. Whatever you measured, should be the width of the second rectangle. For example, if your dog measured 8 inches wide, the second rectangle should be 8 inches wide by half the length of your first piece. Knit the second rectangle.
Step 5 – Sew the First Two Rectangles Together
Place a smaller rectangle at the bottom of the first panel and attach along one side. Next, attach the other sides together to form the bottom part of the tube for the sweater.
Step 6 – Fitting
Put the sweater on your dog and measure the opening between the two sides at the neck. This measurement will tell you the size of the rectangle needed to complete the tube at the neck edge. The third rectangle should be 1/5 of the length of your first rectangle. Note, if your measurements are less than one inch, use one inch.
Step 7 – Knit the Third Rectangle
Knit the third rectangle and attach it in the same manner as the second rectangle Remember you are adding this rectangle to the very top of the sweater opposite the second rectangle.
Step 8 – Knit Last Rectangle & Attach
The purpose of the last rectangle is to stabilize the sweater and keep it in place. The last rectangle should be ¼ the width of your second rectangle. Also, the last rectangle should be 1/5 of the length of the first rectangle. Attach the last rectangle in the middle of the belly opening, attaching the neck rectangle to the stomach rectangle. Knit and attach the last rectangle.
Step 9 – Customize Your Sweater
Let your dog try on the sweater and make adjustments as needed. The first rectangle is a simple rectangle making it easy to customize for your dog. Consider adding colorful patterns, stripes, or even your dog’s name.
If you need more visual help consider watching this DIY Knit Dog Sweater video. It provides visuals and instructions on how to knit a dog sweater.
Washing Dog Sweaters
Not all dog sweaters can be machine washed. Be certain to research if the yarn you use can be washed with a machine. The yarn mentioned above are all safe to wash with a machine. When using a washing machine to clean a dog sweater, always use cold water and a gentle cycle. If you are washing the dog sweater with other clothing items, be sure they are similar in color. Only use mild detergents when washing dog sweaters.
Take into consideration if your dog could be allergic or have a reaction to the laundry detergent you are using. Similar to babies, you have to take extra measures to be sure that the skin and hair of your dog is protected. Do not use bleach or liquid fabric softener when washing dog sweaters. Fasten any buckles or Velcro before placing the sweater in the dryer. Air drying is also another option.
Repairing Knitted Dog Sweaters
A dog sweater will not last forever. In fact, there may be rips, holes, or damage done to the sweater due to the active nature of your dog. Don’t worry, these problems can be fixed.
If you added Velcro or buttons to your dog sweater, be sure to keep extra buttons or Velcro handy to make touch-ups. If there’re is loose thread or a snag in the dog sweater do the following:
• Use the hook to pull the loose thread on the front of the fabric through to the back side of the dog sweater.
• You can also push the snagged thread to the wrong side of the fabric through a gap in the knitting using a large, blunt needle.
• Take your time and try not to make the hole bigger
In Conclusion
Does your dog need a new sweater or a pair of pajamas? Consider knitting your own! Ultimately it can be a more fun and cheaper way of gifting your best friend with warmth and comfort.
