How to Make a Fleece Sweater for a Dog

Greyhounds are fast, but they also need help staying warm in winter

Although most dogs are fine going on walks in cold weather without protective clothing, some breeds with short hair and little to no body fat, such as greyhounds, miniature pinschers and Chinese cresteds, can use warm attire when it's time to go outdoors in winter. Unlike dog coats that often leave the belly exposed, a sweater or sweatshirt is a better option for overall body warmth. You can make your dog a cozy fleecy sweater that will keep him or her warm all winter long.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Fleece fabric
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Cord

Instructions

1. Measure your dog from the base of the neck, down the spine, to the bottom of the rib cage. Add 2 inches to that length for seam allowance. Measure from the base of the neck, along the stomach to the end of the rib cage and add seam allowance. Measure around the rib cage and add 2 inches. Measure from the shoulder down the front leg and add 2 inches. Measure around the widest part of the upper front leg and add 1 inch for seam allowance.

2. Select the fabric. Select a warm fleece in a color or pattern that will look good on your dog. A garment for a small dog such as a chihuahua will only need 1/4 of a yard of fabric to complete. A sweater for a large dog such as a greyhound will use 1 yard of fleece.

3. Cut out the fabric. You will make four rectangles to make the sweater for your dog: one for the top or "back," one for the bottom or "stomach" and one for each sleeve. The top will be the measured length of the back of your dog (plus the 2 inches) and half your dog's rib cage measurement plus 1 inch. The bottom will be the measured length of the front of your dog (plus the 2 inches) and half your dog's rib cage measurement plus 1 inch. Each sleeve piece will be the leg measurement (plus 2 inches) long and upper foreleg width plus 1 inch.

4. Sew the sweater body. Measure your dog from the base of the neck to the foreleg. Pin the front and back together, stopping at that measurement. Calculate half of the upper foreleg width (i.e. 7 inches around would be 3 1/2 inches). Continue pinning that distance from the last pin. Pin the other side and stitch. Hem the bottom.

5. Finish the sleeves. Sew the sleeve pieces into long tubes. Turn and hem one end as in the body. Pin the other end of the tube to the corresponding gap in the front and back seams, right sides touching. Sew.

6. Add a collar to the sweater. Measure around the front and back unhemmed edge. Cut a piece of fleece that length plus 1 inch, and cut it 4 inches wide for a large dog or 2 1/2 inches wide for a small dog. Fold the collar piece in half right side out and press. Fold under 1/2 inch at each end, fold again, and hem. Fold under 1/2 inch along one long side of the collar. Sew the other side of the collar to the outside of the sweater, right sides touching, ends meeting but not touching at the top or center back of the sweater. Hand sew the pressed side of the collar to the inside of the sweater, making a tube. Thread the cord through the tube to pull the collar snugly (but not too tight) around your dog for a closer fit. The sweater is ready for your dog to wear.

References

• Coats and Clark Needlecrafts: Hand Sewing