How to Make Dog Sweater From a Kid's Flannel Shirt

A child's flannel shirt can make a lightweight sweater for a small dog. Flannel does not contain stretch fibers, which means that it is necessary to make the sweater slightly too large for the animal to provide comfort while wearing the sweater. Make sure the shirt is at least as long as your dog from collar to tail before using it to make the sweater for the dog. You will use the torso part of the shirt rather than the sleeves to craft this sweater.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• Child's flannel shirt
• Scissors
• Ribbon (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the dog to make a pattern for the sweater. Measure around the dog's neck, the chest in front of the dog's legs, the length of the dog's back from the tail to the collar, the length of the belly, the length from the collar to the top of the front legs and the circumference of the legs at the widest part. Write down all measurements. Add one inch to each measurement.

2. Make a rectangle on paper that is as wide as the neck measurement and as long as the back measurement. Subtract the chest measurement from the neck measurement and add one inch. Make a triangle that is as wide as this measurement with sides as long as the belly measurement. Cut out the pattern pieces.

3. Place the narrow side of the rectangle against the bottom hem of the shirt. Cut out the rectangle and the triangle piece.

4. Line the triangle point with the hemmed edge of the rectangle. Position one long side of the triangle in the middle of the rectangle edge and pin in place. Sew the seam using a ¼ inch seam allowance and a zig zag stitch. Leave a gap as wide as the circumference of the leg measured from the top of the triangle using the collar to leg measurement.

5. Pin and sew the second side of the triangle to the same place on the other side of the rectangle.

6. Fold the edge of each raw section of fabric over ¼ of an inch. Sew a ¼ inch hem along all raw fabric openings. Turn the sweater right side out before placing it on the dog.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't get the sweater to fit over the dog's head, you may have to cut the bottom triangle piece in half vertically down the center. Fold the raw edges over ¼ inch and sew a hem in place. Sew 3-inch ribbons on either side of the sweater opening. Fit the sweater onto the dog's back, then tie the ribbons together to keep the sweater on the dog.

References

• Craft Stylish; How to Make a Recycled Dog Sweater; Cal Patch; 2011
• "Dogwear: Over 30 Super Easy Sewing Projects: Fashionable, Functional, Fun Gear for Your Four-Legged Friend;" Mette Syrstad Hoydal; 2009