How to Make Free Dog Clothes

Doggy clothes can keep a dog warm during cold weather.

When your dog shivers on a damp day, the home budget may not allow for a warm pet coat. But if you live in a cool climate and own a Mexican hairless, the name should say it all: That pup needs a pullover! Even when money is in short supply, those with a little creativity can make clothes for their dog at no cost. Keep in mind that even a large dog coat takes only a yard or two of fabric, so a garment intended for a papillon or shih tzu should require only a remnant. Those who take a purse dog along to lunch can make matching doggy clothes when sewing their own coat dress patterns.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Sewing machine or needle
• Thread
• Velcro
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Pick out the fabric for your dog clothes. The scraps from a two-piece or wardrobe pattern will usually be enough fabric to dress up man's best friend. There could be enough fabric from main garments and accent pieces to make a patchwork and then cut the dog coat from this. Cotton or cotton/polyester blend weaves make an especially nice patchwork.

2. Cut 2-foot squares from at least two different colors or patterns of fabric and then sew them with a straight-stitch sewing machine at about 10 to 12 stitches per inch. Of course, if you don't have a sewing machine, this can be hand-sewn using a needle and thread.

3. Sew the pieces with backs together.

4. Fray the edges on the front after sewing enough patched fabric. This will add interest to the design but will also leave a smoother seam against your pet's skin, reducing irritation. Salvaged denim from favorite old blue jeans will make a softer patchwork, which will be a perfect trendy look as well.

5. Cut two 6 x 4-inch rectangular pieces of fabric.

6. Fold the edges in and sew them down to create a nice edge.

7. Sew each rectangular piece to one longer edge of the larger fabric square.

8. Cut a 3-inch strip of Velcro.

9. Pull the Velcro apart and sew each piece to the ends of the rectangular fabric. When complete, this forms the strap that will hold the coat to the dog.

10. Put the coat on your dog to ensure a proper fit. If it doesn't fit properly, remove it and make adjustments to the Velcro, length of the straps and size of the coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Pet clothes made from your repurposed clothes may retain your scent, which will be comforting to the dog.

References

• HGTV: How to Make Custom Dog Clothing
• Pet Place: How to Make Dog Clothes

Resources

• Puppy Love: Free Dog Clothes Patterns