Materials Needed:
- Suggested Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver O’Go Yarn(or any medium-weight #4 yarn)
- Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)
- Yarn Measurements: Approximately 200-300 yards (depends on dog size)
- Hook Size: Size H-8 (5mm)
- Pattern Measurements: Small, Medium, Large (To fit dogs 8″-18″ chest circumference)
Abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- st = stitch
- sl st = slip stitch
- inc = increase
Instructions for Crochet Dog Sweater O’Go Pattern:
Foundation Chain:
- Begin by making a foundation chain to the desired width of your dog’s chest. For example:
- Small: Start with 40-45 chains
- Medium: Start with 50-55 chains
- Large: Start with 60-65 chains
- Join the last chain to the first chain with a slip stitch (sl st), forming a ring.
Working the Body:
- Round 1: Work sc in each chain around. After completing the first round, join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first stitch.
- Round 2: Chain 1 and turn. Work sc into each stitch around, joining again with a sl st to the first stitch.
- Continue in the round or back-and-forth in rows until the body reaches the desired length (typically around 6-8 inches for small dogs, longer for larger dogs).
For the chest area, keep the crochet tight enough for support, but not too tight as to restrict movement.
Shaping the Sweater:
- As you continue working, you may need to increase or decrease stitches to fit the body shape:
- To increase, crochet 2 sc into the same stitch (inc).
- To decrease, combine 2 sc into one stitch (dec).
- Measure your dog’s chest periodically to ensure the sweater fits snugly but comfortably.
Creating the Neck Opening:
- Once the body length is achieved, you will need to leave room for the neck.
- For a small dog, leave about 6-8 stitches unworked in the center of the front.
- For a medium dog, leave about 9-12 stitches.
- For a large dog, leave around 12-15 stitches.
- After skipping the stitches for the neck opening, continue working in the round or back-and-forth in rows to complete the back and body of the sweater.
Shaping the Leg Holes:
- After you finish the neck opening, mark the position where you will make the front leg holes.
- For a small dog, skip about 8-10 stitches for each front leg hole.
- For medium or large dogs, skip about 10-12 stitches.
- Continue crocheting in the round, leaving these spaces for the legs. Work around the spaces for each leg hole, making sure they are large enough for your dog to move comfortably.
Final Body:
- Continue working the sweater body in the round until you reach the desired length for the back.
Be sure the sweater is long enough to cover the back of your dog, but not so long that it hinders movement.
- Once the desired length is reached, fasten off your yarn and use the tapestry needle to weave in the ends.
Finishing Edges:
- To make the neck, leg holes, and bottom edge neat, crochet a few rounds of single crochet or half double crochet (hdc) around these areas.
- If you want to add a decorative finish, try a scalloped edge or picot stitch along the neckline or around the leg holes.
Weaving In Ends:
- Use the tapestry needle to weave in any loose yarn ends securely, ensuring they won’t unravel after repeated use or washing.
Customization Options:
- Length Adjustments: If you prefer the sweater to cover more or less of the dog’s body, simply adjust the length of the body section as you crochet.
- Color Blocking: You can use different yarn colors to create a striped or patterned sweater by changing colors every few rows or rounds.
- Decorative Embellishments: Add embellishments like a bow, a small pom-pom, or a personalized applique to make the sweater extra cute.
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