How to Sew a Dog T-Shirt
Making clothes for dogs can be relatively simple, as well as inexpensive, compared to those that can be bought in a store. There is little sewing involved; most of the project is cutting the clothing to fit the dog properly. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Patterns can be purchased, but most of them need to be altered to fit the particular dog being outfitted. One of the easiest projects for dog clothing would be a T-shirt. Buying a pre-made T-shirt is an option, but due to store policies, most dogs are not allowed be brought into a store, unless they are necessary for the disabled. This makes purchasing a T-shirt that will fit a particular dog properly very difficult.
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Things You'll Need
- Cotton or knit fabric Scissors Measuring tape Fabric pencil Sewing machine
Instructions
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Lay the piece of fabric that will be used for the t-shirt on a flat surface, folded in half length-wise. Start by measuring the dog from the shoulder to the opposite shoulder. Divide the measurement in half and draw the outline on the fabric using a fabric pencil. When you draw this line, make sure to mark an arc rather than a straight line. The arc will be the part of the shirt that goes around the dog's neck.
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2
Measure from the side of the dog's neck to the middle of the front leg. Make sure that the tape runs against the animal. Draw these measurements onto the folded fabric. Next, measure around the dog's front leg. Draw an arc onto the fabric using the tape measure on its edge.
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3
Place the measuring tape on the back of the dog's neck where the collar should lay. Stretch the tape to the middle of the dog's back. Be sure to add a few inches for hemming and draw the total measurement onto the fabric.
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Take a measurement of the dog's midsection. Now draw half of the measurement onto the fabric. Next, measure from the middle of the dog's back to the area under the front leg. Draw this calculation onto the fabric.
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Cut the fabric along all the pre-drawn lines. Sew the front and back shoulder area together. Next, sew one shoulder piece to the opposite shoulder piece. Sew the side seams together, being sure to sew straight so the fabric does not pucker. Last, hem the neckline, the waistline and both arms.
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Tips & Warnings
Making a dog T-shirt is trial and error. It is best to use a cheap fabric when making the first T-shirt so the pattern can be perfected for the specific dog and for the T-shirt to fit properly.
