During the cold winter months your dog may need something to help him stay warm. Providing a jacket or sweater for small breeds, senior dogs and pets with thin or very little fur is the easiest way to keep them warm. Learning how to make a dog sweater is a great way to reuse an old sweatshirt and save yourself some money at the same time.
Keep in mind that a dog with a thick coat probably won't need a sweater. While they look adorable, dog clothes aren't suitable for every breed. If you make your dog wear a jacket or sweater when he doesn't need one, there is a good chance you'll cause him to overheat.
If your dog could benefit from an extra layer of warmth, learning how to make a dog sweater is a cheaper option than buying one. In this DIY guide, I will show you how to make a dog sweater using an old sweatshirt or fleece pullover.
How to Make a Dog Sweater
You can use an old sweatshirt or fleece pullover if you have one. If you don't have one, or don't have one that fits, pick one up at a secondhand store for just a few dollars.
Consider your dog's size when selecting a sweatshirt to use. You're going to be using the sleeve as the dog sweater, so you don't want to use a small-size fleece pullover when learning how to make a dog sweater for a 30-pound dog.
First, you'll want to cut the sleeve off of the sweatshirt. I cut it as close to the armpit as I can. If you have a very small dog, you may not need to make it as long.
The cuff of the sleeve will be the collar of the dog sweater. Slide the cuff over your dog's neck and estimate where you'll need to make slices for the arm holes. If the cuff is too small to fit around Fido's neck, cut down the sleeve until it is the correct size.
If you have to cut the cuff, you can fold the end of the sleeve over to make a more attractive collar. Put a couple of stitches in it or secure it with hot glue to hold it in place.
You'll also want to cut the underside of the back end of the sweater in a ‘U' shape. This will keep the sweater away from your dog's genitals and prevent him from getting urine on the sweater when going to the bathroom.
After making the slices for the arm holes, put the sweater on your dog. Adjust the size of the holes if they are too tight. The sweater will restrict your dog's range of motion if the holes are too tight.
Now, it's time to put the sweater on your dog. This is a really simple sweater, so if you'd like to dress it up a little you could always add buttons, bows, ribbon, etc…
You could use glitter glue or fabric paints to add a design or write Fido's name on his sweater. The best part about DIY projects is that you can be creative and make them your own. You can create a dog sweater that shows off your pet's personality and gets a lot of notice at the dog park!
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