Clothing for a dog is not always a whim; sometimes it is simply necessary. Animals with short or sparse hair need a warm suit so that the body does not become hypothermic during winter walks. Representatives of miniature breeds also need to be dressed. Therefore, you need to think about getting a warm outfit for your pet. Homemade dog clothes have many advantages over store-bought outfits. In most cases, sewing suits does not take much time, effort and skill.
Various types of clothing for dogs
How to choose clothes for a dog
In order for your pet to look neat, feel comfortable and warm, you should approach the choice of clothing responsibly. You need to take your pet’s measurements and select the size of the item according to them. It is advisable that the clothes are not too tight - it is better to take a slightly larger copy. Naturally, you should pay attention to the quality of the fabric and tailoring of the product.
Dog clothing option
Important! It is advisable not to choose average quality items, since after the first wash they will lose their attractive appearance.
Other nuances may arise in the process of choosing a specific item.
We sew overalls for dogs from an old jacket
If there is an old children's jacket in the house, then there will be no problems converting the item into overalls for the dog. Especially when the size of the dog is almost identical to the parameters of the jacket. This is usually how they make their own clothes for a Spitz. An example of a overalls pattern from an old jacket:
Overalls pattern
Any small dog requires care, including being warmly dressed for walks. To do this, you can buy clothes or sew (knit) them yourself. There are a lot of step-by-step instructions, according to which you can make different outfits for your pets.
How to make a pattern for dog clothes
There are several rules to help you figure out how to make a pattern for a dog. For the first time, there may be many difficulties with the formation of some parts. It is best to use a step-by-step algorithm for forming the basis for the pattern.
Features of pattern construction
Building a basic pattern for modeling and sewing
Algorithm for creating a pattern:
- You need to take measurements from the dog. Without them, creating a pattern will be irrelevant.
- First, a right angle is built upside down, where one side of the angle is the height at the withers, and the second is the length from the neck to the tail.
- A line is drawn parallel to one of the sides, the distance between them is determined by the half-circumference of the neck.
- On the new laid line you need to mark a segment that will determine the length from the bottom of the front paw to the neck. And one more parallel line in relation to the first two (half chest circumference).
- Next, 1 more parallel line is formed, which determines the half-girth of the abdomen.
- Then, on the resulting diagram, you need to plot the lines that determine the circumference of the paws.
- Now you need to build the “back” part of the pattern using the same principle.
Step-by-step algorithm for creating a pattern
At this stage, you can adjust the already created pattern, adjusting it to the size and body type of the dog. Even a novice seamstress can cope with the construction, since all the stages are very clear.
Selection of materials and accessories
To start sewing, you need to select materials and accessories suitable for the job. If you want to knit a thing, you will have to pick up the yarn. Depending on what kind of clothes need to be sewn, the material is selected:
- For sewing summer outfits, you can choose light cotton and denim.
- If you have to sew warm suits, then flannel, fleece, or flannel will do.
- Winter outfits should be made from raincoat fabric with padding polyester lining.
- If you have to knit something, then children's acrylic will be the best option.
As for the accessories, the choice is huge - buttons, zippers, buttons, hooks, decorative fasteners.
Step-by-step sewing instructions
If we consider the step-by-step instructions with the materials listed above on how to sew a thing, it looks like this:
- Measure the animal’s body and make a pattern for the dog’s overalls according to your own ideas;
Creating a pattern
- Sew the edges of the parts together, insert the elastic into the cuffs with a collar and sew in a zipper;
Ready product
- Decorate the product with various accessories to suit your taste.
As for decoration, you can additionally make a hood. It is not necessary to sew it tightly; you can make it removable. To form a suit, you need to measure the circumference of the head and ears, make a pattern, insert an elastic band into the finished product and sew it to the finished garment. Additionally, you can make a pocket on the side. It is imperative to make a hole for the discharge and cut a hole for the tail, having previously measured the diameter of the corresponding compartment.
You might consider making a onesie with completely closed paws, or come up with detachable shoes with an elastic band, like children's mittens, with a snap or button.
Detachable jumpsuit
The specifics of how a dog's outfit will be created completely depend on the gender of the dog. This is why it is so important to choose the appropriate sewing instructions. The following scheme is suitable for both large four-legged friends and small Spitz or other species. The resulting clothing can be used as a regular raincoat. If you add a comfortable pad to it, your pet will feel comfortable wearing it in winter. All you need is:
- Take measurements, cut the material to start sewing;
- Sew the hood to the back of the throat, additionally inserting an elastic band;
- Place the visor so that it is later convenient for the dog, process it along the curved edge;
- Overlap the straight edge of the visor and sew the visor to the front of the hood;
- Sew up the belly with the side elements of the future product;
- Sew the cuff parts and pull the elastic bands over them.
Pattern for sewing a stylish jumpsuit
It is interesting that for such a product you can combine several different materials with each other, creating a kind of sporty pattern. You can also add an inscription on the back, but only after all the work is done.
Additionally, you can decorate the created product with glow-in-the-dark elements. This will be very useful for owners during a night or evening walk. It is also possible to make a jumpsuit with detachable parts. Then it will look more like a suit with a jacket and pants. But in terms of ease of putting on and taking off, this product will be better.
Stages of work taking into account the type of clothing
To make a specific item for any dog, you need to select the appropriate instructions. It is especially important to choose a simple pattern and high-quality material. It is also worth considering from the very beginning exactly how and where the fastener will be attached. The remaining nuances relate to sewing or knitting, as well as decorative finishing.
Simple blanket
A blanket is a universal clothing for dogs that has many advantages. The item is easy to choose without trying on, it does not restrict your pet’s movements and warms the body in cold weather.
What does a simple blanket look like?
Additional Information. Initially, blankets were used in equestrian sports to protect the animal from hypothermia during active physical activity.
You can sew the dog version of the blanket yourself. It is worth choosing a warm material such as felt or drape. Then use the simplest pattern, for example this one:
Pattern of a simple blanket
When the workpiece is ready, you can start sewing. Additionally, it is worth considering how exactly the product will be fastened on the dog.
Overalls
Sewing a jumpsuit is a little more difficult than sewing a blanket, although the functions and features of such things are quite similar. The complexity of the overalls pattern lies in the fact that in addition to the blanket base, there are also pipes for the paws (sleeves).
Overalls pattern
The pattern diagram may be slightly different, consisting of 1 piece. But this pattern option is much more difficult to calculate in accordance with the dog’s parameters.
Sweater
Knitting is the easiest way to make things for a dog, if you have skills in this type of needlework. Typically, the most popular clothing option for dogs is knitted sweaters.
Additional Information. For work, you can use knitting needles or a crochet hook - there is not much difference. But fabric knitted with knitting needles will be much more elastic and pliable during wear.
The principle of making a sweater is partly similar to knitting mittens. As a sample, you can take the following manufacturing algorithm:
Algorithm for knitting a sweater
If you don’t want to knit, you can use your owner’s old sweater and remake it into a product for your pet.
Dress
A dress is not necessary clothing for dogs, but many owners of miniature breeds like to decorate their pet. Usually such a thing resembles a children's sundress, and the sewing principle is approximately the same:
Dress pattern
In addition, a dress for a dog can be crocheted. You will get a very beautiful openwork product in retro style.
What clothes does a dog need?
Clothing is selected according to the breed of the dog, since each individual has his own “weak points” in terms of heating. For example, a French bulldog has short hair, so when walking with him in cold weather, you should use warm overalls.
Overalls for French Bulldog
The Chihuahua is a very small dog that begins to freeze even at low temperatures with a “+” sign. Such pets need not only warm clothes, but also T-shirts, dresses, and summer blankets.
Chihuahua shirt
Yorkies are very beautiful dogs that visually look like soft toys. That's why their owners love to dress them up in different cute costumes. But still, the most necessary wardrobe is a winter one, since these dogs are heat-loving.
Dressy suit for Yorkie
The most versatile type of clothing for a dog of any breed is a sweater. Depending on the density of the fabric, they can be divided into summer and winter.
Requirements for dog clothing
To keep your dog warm and comfortable, you need to know several requirements regarding the choice of clothing:
- The outfit should be a little loose, but not too big. That is, you need to choose the right size.
- You should choose a material that will allow air to pass through and not restrict movement.
- Products should be such that they do not need to be worn only over the head. It is advisable to have locks or buttons.
When choosing, you should evaluate the quality of tailoring and whether the item is suitable for your pet. If an animal has any structural features, they need to be taken into account when selecting things.
Upcycling old clothes into new dog clothes
Making your own dog clothes from old clothes is very popular. This is not only an easy way to create a unique outfit for your pet, but also an opportunity to save money. It is especially good to remake old children's clothes, which, according to the size chart, are closest to the parameters of dogs. Having selected the necessary type of clothing, you can sew a product for the dog. An example of making things for a pet from an old sweater:
Option to convert the owner's sweater into a blouse for the dog
