How to Make Dog Cloths

Dog Clothes

Dogs truly are man's best friend, and there is no better way to appreciate them than with some stylish new clothes. Whether for Halloween or a formal affair such as a wedding, no dog should be without the perfect attire. If this is a first sewing project, consider using a Kwik Sew pattern, as they tend to be more user friendly and are known for reduced cutting and sewing.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern
• Tape measure
• Large cork or Styrofoam board
• 3 yards interfacing
• Fabric
• Notions
• Pen
• Disappearing ink pen
• Pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Choose a pattern with the type of clothing desired for the dog. Patterns can be found at local fabric stores such as Jo-Ann Fabrics. You can also order patterns online at websites such as "Kwiksew.com."

2. Measure the dog, using the tape measure and following the guidelines in the "measurements" section of the pattern. For example, if making a coat for a dog, measurements will include shoulder to paw for the sleeve length.

3. Using the pattern, determine the amount and type of fabric necessary for the clothing. Avoid using fabrics that are not mentioned on the pattern guide, as the final result may not lay correctly on the dog.

4. Open the pattern and take out all required pieces for cutting.

5. Place the pattern on the cork board and place the interfacing over the top of the pattern. Pin the two down to the cork board to hold it firmly in place. Using a pen, trace the pattern pieces making any notations such as tabs, fabric grains, and fold placements. Also note the size and pattern letter being used and how many of each should be cut.

6. Remove pins and cut out the traced interfacing pattern. Fold up the paper pattern and place back into the envelope for later use.

7. Prewash all fabrics using the same water temperature and drying time that will be used on the items once they are completed. This ensures that the fabric is preshrunk and the finished result will fit the dog properly. Remove the fabric immediately once the dryer is finished to ensure minimal wrinkling. If the fabric is too wrinkled to work with, it may be pressed with a warm iron unless otherwise stated on the fabric's instructions.

8. Place the fabric onto the cork board and position the pattern pieces so that the grain directions and fold cuts match the instructions on the pattern. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric and cut out the pieces. Using a disappearing ink pen, mark all notches, fold lines, and any other pertinent information on the fabric.

9. Pull out the sewing instructions from the pattern and read them through completely before proceeding.

10. Set up the sewing machine. Verify that the bottom bobbin has the desired thread color and is completely full.

11. Follow the pattern directions and proceed with sewing.

12. Place the clothes on the dog to confirm an optimal fit.

Resources

• Kwik Sew