The Quest For The Ultimate Dog Sweater

by 6 January 06, 2014 1 min read

It's a bit chilly in the winter here in North Idaho and our store mascot (Bentley) loves to go on walks and get outside like the rest of us. I have been experimenting with some different techniques to come up with a cute, comfortable dog sweater pattern that our customers can knit for their furry friends. This is a prototype that needs more work and I wanted to share where I'm at with the initial version. It is a quick knit bottom up sweater using circular needles with no seaming in a worsted weight yarn. The legs openings and chest area have a little more structure with 1x1 ribbing to add comfort and a little extra stretch when putting over your puppies head and while walking. [caption id="attachment_1063" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bentley's Seamless Dog Sweater[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1067" align="aligncenter" width="300"] View from the left side[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1066" align="aligncenter" width="300"] View of right side sweater[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1068" align="aligncenter" width="300"] View of leg and chest openings[/caption] I have a few more revisions and then I'll post a free pattern for you to download and try. In the meantime, Bentley is happily modeling my prototypes! Kelley

6

17 Responses

Lynn

October 05, 2016

Kelley, I love it! How big is Bentley? I have a Maltese as well but she is tiny. Only about 3 pounds when in full coat so will have to make hers small. Also have a Yorkie, Zoey, who is 5 pounds, 6 in full coat. they both would love this.

Kelley Hobart

October 05, 2016

Hi Lynn, he’s tiny (4 lb 6oz.) but he has a big personality!

Julia

October 05, 2016

That is adorable!

Julia Dawn Mason

October 05, 2016

We have two little miniature dachshunds that would love to have a sweater. The male has two types of hair on him, long hair on his neck, ears and elbows and feet. His body is short hair. He was the result of a long hair x short hair cross. He weighs about 7 lbs. His companion is a long hair female that is a piebald dapple. She is white, brown and black and pink on what part of her belly isn’t covered with black spots. She weighs about 8 lbs

Paige

October 05, 2016

Love your dog sweater! Would love to have the pattern for my two poodles!

Mimi

October 05, 2016

cute

Brenda Pierson

October 05, 2016

I need that pattern! Thank you for doing this!

Vickie

October 05, 2016

Just at first glance, I would request a little more coverage for the “undercarriage.” Not enough to get in the way when a boy does his business, but enough to give a little extra warmth for a cold belly.

Diana Marie

October 05, 2016

That’s cute! I’ve been trying to perfect a self designed pattern too. It’s got the turtle neck too. Then it has a wrap under piece with belt that comes up to button on top. I crochet a length of yarn along the sides to slip the hind legs thru & voila! There is no struggle to get my Cavaliers in or out of it and it allows for free movements of the legs.

Debra

October 05, 2016

Hi Kelley, Happy New Year.
I would love to try this for my American Bulldog. He weighs over 55 lbs. It’s difficult to find sweaters for larger animals. Here in the North Country it’s also very cold!

Kelley Hobart

October 05, 2016

Hi Brenda, I’ll keep working on it and post it when I have it finished. Have a good night.

Kelley Hobart

October 05, 2016

Hi Vicki, I’ll make sure there is plenty of coverage for the underbelly without getting in the way when he has to potty. I’m using a nice stretchy 1 X 1 Rib that gives a little denser fabric in that area which makes the sweater more cushy too! I’ll be interested in your thoughts when you are able to try the pattern. Thanks again, Kelley

Kelley Hobart

October 05, 2016

Nice, does it resemble a horse blanket? I like that concept too. My only problem is that I can’t make a blanket with a velcro closure as Bentley is scared to death of velcro. He thinks it will pull his hair as his hair is just like cotton and get’s stuck in velcro.The idea of a button is awesome if it can be placed in just the right spot.We’ll have to continue to share ideas and maybe we can make the perfect dog sweater together! Happy knitting. Sincerely, Kelley

Kelley Hobart

October 05, 2016

Hi Debra, I’ll try and figure out a way for Bentley’s sweater to be knit for larger dogs. Wish me luck and extra time to devote to this project!!! Sincerely, Kelley

K. Kelley

October 05, 2016

I was going to suggest the same thing. Can’t wait for the pattern! I have a mutt with allergies who doesn’t have a lot of fur on her belly and we are visiting family in the cold north. Thank you for this!

Another Deborah

October 05, 2016

Hi! I am a beginning knitter who would love a pattern I could manage. I would appreciate a pattern that buttons (even if I have to struggle to get it right) because we have a tiny (11 pounds) Sheltie from a Rescue who is afraid of Velcro and being touched behind her front legs. I need something for her that is easy-on, easy-off. (She would never tolerate the typical dog sweaters I see in the Big Box stores.)

Kelley Hobart

October 05, 2016

Hi Deborah, The current pattern I’m working on is very stretchy in the head and neck area and can easily be pulled on and off. It uses no velcro and the chest and under belly area are what actually keep the sweater in place. This design should work well for your Sheltie as there are no “sleeves” etc. which I don’t think they need anyway. I’ll examine my current pattern and see if there’s any easy way to add buttons on the neck or belly area. Thanks, Kelley

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