How to Design Patterns for Dog Clothing
Many pet owners dress their dogs in different and stylish outfits. Whether it be a t-shirt with a witty saying, or a miniature tuxedo for a formal affair, you can almost always find a dog wearing some sort of clothing. Pet owners can design their own patterns for dog clothing in a few simple steps.
- Measure your dog's length. Accurate measurements are the most important aspect of clothing patterns, so take the time to record accurate measurements to develop your pattern. Begin at the nape of your dog's neck and measure the length to the base of its tail. Record this length in inches. This measurement represents the length of your pattern.
- Record your dog's width measurement. Begin at the middle of the spine. Measure down from the spine to where the dog's side meets his underbelly. Record this measurement in inches. Multiply your measurement by two. This measurement represents the width of your pattern.
- Measure your dog's underbelly. This is an important measurement because most articles of clothing will be secured under your dog's belly using velcro, buttons or zippers. You do not want the clothing to be too tight, so take care when measuring the underbelly. Start where the dog's side meets his underbelly and measure across at the widest width. Record this measurement in inches.
- Sketch your measurements. Use graph paper or transfer paper for your initial sketch. Use a ruler to draw your measurements according to the accurate length and width that you have recorded. Divide your sketch into three different panels to make your pattern more manageable. Leave a half-inch perimeter around each panel so that you can create a finished hemline on the clothing. If you have a small dog, you might be able to create your clothing using one panel. Likewise, if you have a larger dog, your pattern might require more than three panels.
- Cut your panels to create your pattern. Cut the graph or transfer paper so that you have a paper pattern of the clothing you are going to create. You can use this pattern to form your fabric panels that will be sewn together to create your finished piece of clothing.