Free Cozy Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Yarn Suggestions: Stylecraft Special Aran, Paintbox Yarns Simply Aran
• Yarn Weight: Aran (8 wpi)
• Gauge: 15 sts & 7 rows = 10 cm (Over blocked pattern)
• Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H)
• Yarn Yardage: 300-600 yards (274-549 m)
• Sizes Available: Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L)
• Crochet Terminology: US
• Notes:
  • Beginning ch2 and ch3 count as stitches
  • Begin each round with a chain, use a stitch marker for tracking
  • Adjust chains or pattern repeats for fit
  • Color changes can be done with long loops or by cutting yarn

Abbreviations:

• ch = Chain
• dc = Double crochet
• sc = Single crochet
• hdc = Half double crochet
• sl st = Slip stitch
• st(s) = Stitch(es)
• sk = Skip
• Sdc = Spike double crochet (work dc over ch3 space by inserting hook into top of stitch below)
• rep = Repeat
• sp = Space
• yo = Yarn over
• rnd(s) = Round(s)
• RS = Right side
• WS = Wrong side
• beg = Beginning

Instructions for Cozy Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern:

Start with a foundation chain:

• Ch the number of stitches corresponding to your dog’s neck circumference (depending on the size, use the pattern’s recommended stitch count). For example, for a small dog, you may ch 40.
• Join with a sl st to form a ring, making sure not to twist the chain. This forms the neck opening.

Neck Opening:

• Rnd 1: Ch 2 (this counts as your first dc). Dc in each st around the ring. When you reach the end of the round, join with a sl st in the top of the beginning ch 2.
• Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as the first dc in the round), dc in each st around. At the end of the round, join with a sl st to the top of the starting ch 3.
• Repeat Rnd 2 for several rounds until the neck opening fits comfortably around your dog’s neck. The pattern suggests repeating this step until it reaches the desired neck size.

Body of Sweater:

• After the neck opening, start working in the round. Ch 2 (counts as the first dc) and dc in each st around.
• Join the round with a sl st at the top of the beginning ch 2. Continue with dc for the body until it reaches the appropriate width for your dog’s chest.
• If necessary, increase the size by adding additional dc stitches in specific areas of the round. 

For example, you can increase by working two dc in one stitch to expand the width as you work down.

Spike Double Crochet (Sdc) Section:

• Rnd 1: Ch 2, dc in the next stitch, then Sdc by working a dc over the ch 3-sp (insert your hook into the top of the stitch from the row below, then complete the dc as usual).
• Alternate between dc and Sdc in each round. This creates a textured effect that will help the sweater fit snugly and comfortably.
• Continue with this pattern until you reach the length of the body from neck to base of tail. If needed, adjust the number of rounds to ensure it fits properly on your dog.

Continue for the body length:

• Keep working in rounds of dc and Sdc, following the pattern’s guidelines for increasing or maintaining stitch count, until the sweater reaches the desired body length. Typically, this will be from the neck down to the base of the dog’s tail.
• If the pattern calls for shaping or special stitch techniques, follow the instructions accordingly (e.g., sk stitches for shaping the belly).

Shaping the Belly:

• To make the sweater more fitted around your dog’s belly, you can decrease stitches in certain rounds. For example, sk (skip) certain stitches or decrease by working two stitches together.
• Adjust the pattern’s instructions by reducing the number of stitches as you reach the belly area. Make sure to check the fit around your dog’s chest and belly to ensure it is comfortable.

Finishing the Sweater:

• Once you have reached the base of the tail, finish the sweater with one final round of dc and sl st to close off the edge. This will give the sweater a neat and clean finish.
• Fasten off the yarn, and weave in any loose ends with a yarn needle to secure the stitches.

Optional Color Changes:

• If you want to add color changes, yo (yarn over) with the new color and complete the stitch as usual. Cut the old yarn or pull up a long loop to keep the color change seamless.
• Continue following the pattern and switching colors as desired. You can make stripes, patterns, or simply change color for the final rows.

Tips for Customizing Fit:

• Adjust the starting ch and the number of rounds to match your dog’s measurements, specifically the neck, chest, and back length.
• The pattern provides guidance for S (small), M (medium), and L (large) sizes, but you may need to customize it further depending on your dog’s unique shape.
• Always check the fit along the way to ensure comfort and ease of movement for your dog.

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