SUPPLIES
- Pattern
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Pins
- Needle
- Thread
- Sewing machine (optional)
Just like children, young dogs grow as well. Because dogs continue to grow, they can quickly outgrow any clothing purchased for them. In order to avoid spending a lot of money on new dog clothes, it may be better to learn how to make dog clothes.
How to Make Dog Clothes
Step 1
Find a book of patterns. These patterns can be found in books in pet stores. Many web pages have free patterns for dog clothes. Regardless of where the patterns are found, they need to be designs that will suit whichever kind of dog you own.
Step 2
Get the dog’s measurements. Learning how to make dog clothes is different from making clothes for people, because you need to take different kinds of measurements. The first type of measurement you need to take is the dog’s neck. Secondly, take the dog’s chest size. The chest size can be found by measuring around the thickest part of the chest.
Step 3
Choose the proper fabric. Because it can be difficult to get exact measurements of dogs, it is best to choose a flexible fabric that will stretch. This will ensure that the finished product will be comfortable to the dog. It should be tight enough to keep the dog warm, but not so tight that it restricts movement.
Step 4
Lay out the fabric. After the fabric is laid onto a flat table, place the pattern on top of it. Be sure that the pattern and the fabric are both straight, or the cutting will not be straight. Use pins to hold the fabric and pattern in place.
Step 5
Cut the fabric. When making dog clothes, the fabric should be cut slowly and meticulously. Cutting too quickly could lead to mistakes. Remember that if you make a cutting mistake, you’ll have to make up for it when sewing.
Step 6
Take the pins out of the fabric and patterns. Because there have been cuts along folds, there will now be two pieces to the dog clothes. Place the two pieces opposite of each other, inside out, and begin to sew them together. starting at the left side and working your way to the left. Take notice of the places on the pattern marked with an X. These places may include Velcro closures, buckles, or buttons.
Step 7
Unfold the clothing so that it is no longer inside out. Place any buckles or buttons on the clothing that might be needed.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Choose your fabric carefully. Choosing fabric that is cheap or poorly made can cause the clothing to rip. This is especially a concern with dogs that like to wrestle and play.
- WARNING : Remember to sew the clothes from the inside out. Doing it the other way will make the seams visible and will detract from the clothing.
