How to Cut a Sweater for a Dog

Cut and sew your old sweater to make attire for your dog.

It is not unusual to find a sweater that has an appealing pattern but an unflattering fit, or to simply wear out our old favorite sweater. Luckily, what we deem unacceptable for our own personal use can be converted into a sweater for a dog. With a little snipping and sewing, you can make a sweater for one of your canine friends.

Things You'll Need

• An old sweater
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine

Instructions

1. Measure your dog's neck circumference, then add 1 inch. Measure the chest circumference of the dog behind the front legs, then add 1 inch. Measure the length of the dog from collar to tail, then add 1/2 inch. Measure the space between the bottom edge of the dog's collar and where the front leg begins. Measure the circumference of the dog's leg, then divide that number in half.

2. Cut a rectangle from the sweater that is as wide as the neck circumference and as long as the measured length of the dog. Be sure to cut the rectangle so that the finished bottom edge can be the sweater's neckline. Subtract the measurements from the neck circumference from the chest circumference. Add 1 inch to this measurement. Cut a triangle the appropriate width, then use the measurement of the dog's underside to determine the length. Cut the original collar from the sweater.

3. Pin the triangle piece to the main body piece of the sweater. Be sure that the point of the triangle is even to the neck edge of the sweater's body. Place one pin where the front leg begins, using the measurement of the space between the front leg and collar. Place another pin down the sweater, using the measurement of the circumference of the front leg as a guide. Continue to pin the sweater, using the same process to mark the leg openings.

4. Using a 1/2 seam allowance, sew the seam with a zig-zag stitch. Turn the sweater inside out to sew from the wrong side. Be sure to leave the leg openings unstitched.

5. Cut the former collar of the sweater to fit the back seam. Pin it to the back edge of the sweater. Sew using a 1/4 inch seam.

References

• Green Is Univeral: 20 Minute Dog Sweater
• Craftstylish: How to Make a Recycled Dog Sweater