How to Make Dog Clothes Yourself
Making dog clothes yourself is a rising trend amongst pet owners because retail dog clothing is one size fits all, quite expensive and sometimes not unique. You do not have to buy designer pet clothes in order to keep your dog warm and fashionable. Design your own personalized pet clothes that show off your personal style.
Items Needed:
- Measuring tape
- Sewing kit
- Thread
- Fabric
- Measure the size of your dog to find out how much material you need. Depending on the pattern of the garment, measure the dog from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, around the neck and largest portion of the rib cage and circumference of the belly.
- Choose the kind of garment you are making for the dog. If you are sewing a sweater, use a knit or crochet pattern. Use or make a fabric pattern for cloth clothing or costumes. If you are creating a dog raincoat, use nylon or other water resistant material. Let your imagination run wild with cloth choices.
- Research free patterns online at websites such as waycooldogs.com and pugleypoo.webs.com.
- Cut out the material as directed in the pattern. Slipstitch the garment and fit it on the dog to see if it fits. If it does not, adjust it accordingly. Leave open space for the hindquarters of the dog and the feet to allow free movement and so the dog can void and urinate.
- Use embroidery thread to make the enclosure since buttons, ribbons, zippers and beads are not suitable for dog clothing. This is because most dogs chew on them posing a choking hazard. You can use Velcro tape to close any openings since it is easy to sew, and then dress the dog.