Learn how to knit for your beloved pets with these free dog sweaters knitting patterns.
Why knit your own dog sweater?
Because it will fit your dog better. You do of course have to measure your dog first. Learn how to do one picture at a time here. I personally think that DIY pet clothing is more environmentally friendly and sustainable. Whenever I visit a pet store and see the rows of pet clothing, I think about the climate.
The first 4 patterns in the collection are knitted in the round. The next four are knitted flat in one piece and the last 2 are knitted flat in multiple pieces.
Patterns Knitted in the Round
Juno’s Dog Jumper
Designed by Alice Neal for her dog, Juno. I think the design is quite straightforward and simple.
This dog jumper measures 26cm around the neck and 41cm around the chest. It is 40cm long, from neck to bottom. The recommended tension is 15 stitches for 10cm.
The pattern is knitted in the round. Begin at the neck with a K1 P1 ribbing and stockinette stitch for the body. The body shaping is created using increases and increases at the belly portion followed by another K1 P1 ribbing for the hem. The openings for the front legs are made by casting off and casting on prescribed stitches. Free web-based pattern is available at https://www.lovecrafts.com
Bucalicious Dog Sweater
Designed by Machelle of Chopped Tomatoes.com.
This dog sweater is worked in the round and knitted from the top down in one piece. The sweater measures 24-29cm at the neck, 37-47cm at the chest and 26-30cm along the back. Recommended yarn: 8ply double knitting/light worsted weight yarn.
Free PDF pattern is available at http://www.chopped-tomatoes.com/
Bernat Hoodie Dog Coat
The pattern offers 4 sizes for dogs with chests measuring 10, 13, 16 or 24 inches.
Recommended yarn is Bernat Super Value or Bernat Berella. Recommended tension is 18 sts and 24 rows for 4 inches in stocking stitches using 5mm needles.
I think the instruction in the pattern can be clearer. A beginner or novice knitter may have some difficulties understanding it. For example, I do not like instructions written like this:
“Proceed in stocking st, inc 1 st at each end of needle on 3rd and every row to 50 (60-72-104) sts, then on following alt rows to 54 (68-82-122) sts“
I had the urge to re-write it once I worked out what it is saying. Having said that, it is such a cute dog sweater. It is the first cute one I have seen with a hood.
Free pattern is available at https://www.yarnspirations.com/
Flemming Dog Sweater
This sweater is knitted from the neck and then over the body using the magic loop technique. Shaping is done using German short rows. The legs are knitted by picking up stitches. Free PDF pattern is available at https://hobbii.com/flemming-dog-sweater.
Patterns Knitted Flat
Marty’s Knitted Dog Coat
Designed by Nicola of NixNeedles.co.uk, this dog coat is knitted in one piece flat with 2 types of fastening: one at the collar and the other at the belly. Straight needles or circular needles can be used.
I think this is more like a cape than a coat. I’m not sure it will keep a dog warm as the belly is not covered. Nevertheless, the construction is interesting. Free web-based pattern is available at http://www.nixneedles.co.uk
Linda Hurst’s Mock Cable Jack Russell Sweater
Designed by Linda Hurst. Recommended yarn is Knit Picks City Tweed Aran/Heavy Worsted Yarn. Recommended gauge is 20 stitches = 10 cm on size 8 needles.
The dog sweater is knitted flat and then seamed together. The leg openings are created by splitting the piece into 3 parts where they are worked on separately and then rejoined. It features a mock cable running down the back of the sweater.
Free PDF downloadable pattern is available at https://www.ravelry.com
Striped Dog Sweater
Designed by Louise of handylittleme, this pattern offers 3 sizes. The length of the sweater excluding the collar is 29cm for small, 34 cm for medium, and 44cm for large.
This sweater is knitted flat and can be done using straight needles. Start knitting flat for the collar, divide the stitches for the back and belly. The edging of the leg holes, belly and back edgings are strengthened by crocheting.
The free PDF pattern is available at https://www.handylittleme.com/
Button Up Dog Sweater
Designed by Anna Tillman, this handsome ribbed sweater has instructions for 5 sizes.
Recommended yarn is Rowan All Seasons Cotton. Suggested tension is 24 sts by 25 rows to 10cm over ribbed pattern using 5mm needles.
I find the instructions a little hard to read because the text is too closely written together. The picture takes up nearly half the page and the instructions are squeezed into the other half.
I think this pattern is more suitable for a more seasoned knitter. Free downloadable pdf pattern is available at http://web.archive.org/
Puppy Sweater Knitting Pattern
Designed by Louise of https://www.handylittleme.com/ for her little puppy rescue.
Even though this sweater is tiny, it is knitted in 2 pieces and seamed up. It features a ribbing collar and stockinette stitch for the body.
Free web-based pattern is available at https://www.handylittleme.com/
Animal Lover Dog Sweater
The pattern is designed to fit 2 sizes: 10-18 pounds and 18-29 pounds. The finished length is 19 cm and 48.5cm. Neck measures 15.5cm and 39.5cm, and chest measures 22.5cm and 57cm. Recommended gauge: 20 sts by 18 rows = 10cm in stranded colourwork with 5mm needles with 2 strands of yarn held together.
The pattern calls for 2 pieces. The top piece is knitted in colourwork while the underbelly is knitted in solid colours. The colourwork is charted in 2 sizes. Free pdf pattern is available at http://www.lovecrafts.
Dog Sweaters Knitting Patterns in Books
Book: Woolly Woofers by Debbie Bliss
Each design is knitted for 2 dogs to show off their versatility. None of the patterns is knitted in a single piece. All require seaming.
- Find it in a public library
- Buy it at Amazon (affiliate link)
Book: Sweaters for dogs by Debbie Humphreys
Debbie has a basic design structure to almost all her dog sweater patterns. The top panel and the under panel are knitted separately and then joined together at the collar. It is a good practice book for that committed knitter who wants to master dog sweaters.
The book contains good photos of finished projects. Instructions are clear with helpful illustrations of the pieces. Highly recommended.
- Find it in a public library
- Buy it at Amazon (affiliate link)
Find more dog sweater knitting patterns at Lovecrafts.
We have come to the end of this post. I hope you found what you are looking for. Did you knit any of the patterns listed here? How did it go? Let me know by leaving a comment.
Happy knitting!
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