Sewing Tips on Creating Dogs Clothing

by DoItYourself Staff

Dog's clothes are becoming more popular with owners today. To help keep your dog fashionable, you can sew them a complete wardrobe at home.

Consider Your Pet

Not all dogs like to have clothing on them. If you know that your dog is already averse to clothing changes, you might have troubles dressing them up in your creations. Have your dog wear a store-bought piece of clothing for a short period of time to see whether they enjoy the feeling. Better to find out beforehand, than after some hard work at the sewing machine.

Find Patterns for Your Dog

You can find patterns for dog clothing online and in dog enthusiast magazines. Take some time to do research and don’t discount clothing for babies and small children as well. Look for outfits which can accommodate dog legs and paws—i.e. skirts and shirts work well for dogs and other pets.

Measure Your Pet

To see how big a pattern you need to make, you must measure your dog.

You should measure the dog from the shoulder to the perceived waist, then from the perceived waist to the behind.
Measure the dog from the top of their legs to the joints.
If you want to make hats or hoods, measure the crown of the head as well as the distance from the neck to the top of the head, both from the back of the neck and the throat.

Find Other Dog Clothing to Emulate

When you see an outfit for your dog in the store, consider buying it. You can rip it up and use it as a pattern for new outfits for your dog. By using this outfit as a template, you can create different styles without having to look for outfit patterns or clothing which works for a dog. Or use outfits you’ve bought in the past. Add trim or other details to make them new and exciting.

Choose and Use Heavy Duty Fabrics

If your dog likes to run around and play, you need to choose fabrics which can keep up with him or her. Look for heavier duty fabrics which might also be weather resistant. This way, your dog can play and you can stop worrying their outfit is going to fall apart. In addition, heavier fabrics will hold their shape. Cotton and other lightweight materials are good for summer outfits, but they can become shapeless as soon as a dog moves in them.

Create Dog Accessories to Complete the Outfit

Hats, scarves and hoods are simple ways to add flash to your dog outfits. Find some child-sized accessories and adjust them to the size of your dog. Tailoring children’s clothing by adding pleats or gathers can help expedite your dog’s wardrobe and enhance your sewing skills. A simple piece of elastic, for example, can become a lovely neck decoration or a tiara.

Dog outfits will help your dog feel special and well-dressed. Remember to get the camera out for the final reveal of your dog’s new clothes.