In order to make dog clothes from scratch, I need to have a basic dog pattern. Once there is a basic pattern to fit my pup’s chest and length, it is easy to make different things like a rain jacket, or even a tutu! Here is how to make dog clothes.
What is a dog pattern?
A dog pattern is developed so you can make clothes and costumes for your dog. With this step-by-step tutorial, you can learn how to take your dog’s measurements and make a basic pattern that can be used for all kinds of dog clothes.
These simple instructions will have your pup stepping out in style, even at the dog park! Play around and have fun!
How to Make a Dog Pattern
From this one basic pattern, you can make dog clothes from scratch. Add a tutu like I did, or add a rain hoodie, or make a dog sweater with fleece to keep your dog warm on a cold day. Or make a dog shirt using the pattern and an upcycled shirt! Rox will show you how!
This free pattern with step-by-step pictures works for both small dogs and large dogs. Perfect for sewists of any skill level - a super easy project!
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Draft your own pattern for your dog with our detailed instructions. You don't need to worry about different sizes and fitting your dog. A perfect fit for your furry friend!
Materials
- Piece of fabric that is as long as your dog from neck to tail, and wide enough to fit around their torso. Woven or knit fabrics work.
- Piece of pattern paper or tissue paper of the same size
- Thread
- 2 pieces of 1-inch x 1-inch Velcro
Tools
- Tape measure
- Sewing machine
- Paper scissors
- Sewing scissors
Instructions
- Start by having your seamstress do some basic measurements. Here is how to measure from neck to tailbone. This will be the longest length for my clothes.
- Then, have your seamstress measure your neck -- not too tight, please!
- Then, measure around your waist - the widest point of your body.
- Using those three measurements, we'll make a pattern.
Start with the length of the garment, the neck to tail measurement. Mark it on a piece of pattern or tissue paper. This will be your center back of the pattern and put on the fold of the fabric when cutting out.
From this line, take half of the chest measurement and draw a perpendicular line. Use these two lines to draw a rectangle. This will be the fabric that wraps around the dog. At the center of the rectangle, add a 3" long by 2" wide strip at the 'waist' - the widest part of your dog. This is where you'll add the closure for the garment. I use Velcro because it is easy to get on and off.
Next, add a section to the top neck edge. Draw on about a 2" strip at the top of the pattern that is half of the neck measurement, plus 3", again to place Velcro to make it easy to get on and off.
Here is a finished basic dog pattern (the white tissue paper shown on pink fabric) to make your own dog clothes! There is only one pattern piece for this basic dog pattern that will fit your dog.
It is a main body pattern that you can adjust to make a jacket dog coat, dog dress, basic shirt and more!
- Here is how it looks on me! My seamstress added a tutu to this one! To make the tutu, just put right sides together to sew the tutu to the main body. See our detailed directions on how to make a dog tutu.
If you use a spandex knit, you just cut and add velcro to the neck and belly straps and you are done! No need for hems or bindings, since Spandex knits don't ravel. Bonus tip - Spandex holds up well with wear!
- And, here you can see how well my new tutu fits!
Notes
This is a super easy diy project for dog lovers. Since there are two straps that velcro around your dog, there are no leg holes that make it difficult to put clothes on your pup.
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The best part is that there are so many things you can do with this basic pattern to make different styles:
- Taper the top side to cover the tail for a rain jacket
- Make a vest and put buttons on top for a formal look
- Add a bow tie for a special occasion! Or for the furry girl in your life add some inexpensive strings of beads around the neck edge.
- Make a ring bearer outfit by adding a pillow top on the back, with ribbons to tie on the rings (just make sure the dog doesn’t run off!)
- Use an old sweater to make a dog sweater.
- Add a collar piece – either an old collar cut from a shirt, or a fun frilly lace collar!
- In warm weather, make your pup a tank top! In winter months, make a diy dog coat with warm fabrics.
- Give your pup their own unique style by making their own dog clothes!
How to make a simple dog coat?
Customize a dog pattern using the how-to tutorial above. Use a washable polyester fleece or quilted cotton to make the basic pattern for a simple dog coat. You won’t need much fabric, based on the length of your dogs back. You can make a coat for most dogs with less than a yard of fabric. For a teacup size dog, a fat quarter will be plenty of fabric!
Browse through all of our projects for pets on Create Whimsy. See the details on how to make a dog tutu.
