How to Make Doggie Jackets

Doggie jackets aren't just for fashion anymore.

Although lots of pet clothing is merely for fashion, dog jackets can be a functional item in a pet's closet. Particularly for short hair or no hair dogs, a jacket makes going out in the cold a much more comfortable experience. Depending on your location or how cold it gets in your area, you can use fleece, wool or any appropriate fabric to make a doggie jacket.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fabric
• Tailor's chalk
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure your dog's chest starting at the base of the neck and ending where the legs start. Measure the length of your dog from the neck to the tail. Measure from the top of the dog's leg and go across the top of the body to the top of the leg on the other side to find the measurements for the top part of the jacket. Lastly, measure your dog's width around the belly and around the neck.

2. Lay the fabric out flat. Mark your measurements but add an inch to all your measurements for hemming. Start measuring from the bottom of the fabric. Draw the length of the coat and the width of the jacket. Measure the chest above the line marked for the length of the dog. Cut out your fabric when you're done using scissors.

3. Cut a strip of fabric about an inch or two wide. The length should be the same as you measured for your dog's width.

4. Lay the dog jacket on a flat surface with the inside part of the jacket facing upwards. Fold the perimeter over by an inch and pin the perimeter over. Sew the edges.

5. Sew the two flaps at the top of the coat together to close the chest.

6. Sew one end of the strip you cut out in Step 3 to the inside of the jacket. Allow an inch to fit inside.

7. Put the jacket on your dog. Take the strip and wrap it under the dog's belly. Note where the strip meets the bottom rim of the coat and measure an inch further. Cut the strip and take the coat off the dog. Sew the strip to the other side of the coat, allowing an inch of fabric under the jacket.

Tips & Warnings

• You should be able to fit two fingers in between the neck and the coat, and between the belly and the coat strap. This will ensure the dog can breathe without any restrictions.

• Keep an eye on your dog if he's wearing the coat inside, as he can get caught on something. If you have other dogs, you don't want them to get stuck in the coat either.

References

• Doggie Stylish: Free Sewing Patterns for Dog Coats
• Daily Puppy: How to Make a Dog Jacket; Michelle Powell-Smith