Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Suggested Yarn: Worsted weight yarn
- Hook Size: J/6.00mm hook
- Needle: Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
- Additional Tools: Scissors, measuring tape, and stitch markers
- Gauge:
- Collar: 2” x 2” ~ 9 stitches x 6 rows in single crochet (sc) worked in back loop only (BLO)
- Body: 4” x 4” ~ 12 stitches x 10 rows in half double crochet (hdc)
Sweater Sizes:
- XS: Neck 9″, Chest 15″, Length 10″
- Small: Neck 11″, Chest 18″, Length 12″
- Medium: Neck 13″, Chest 22″, Length 16″
- Large: Neck 17″, Chest 28″, Length 20″
- XLarge: Neck 22″, Chest 34″, Length 24″
Abbreviations:
- Ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- hdc: Half Double Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- fpdc: Front Post Double Crochet
- bpdc: Back Post Double Crochet
- sk: Skip
- st: Stitch
- sp: Space
- BLO: Back Loop Only
Instructions for Crocheting A Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern:
Collar
- Create a Foundation Chain: Begin by chaining the foundation stitches according to your dog’s size 10 for XS up to 22 for XL.
Starting in the second chain from the hook, work a row of single crochet (sc) stitches back across. This first row will form the base of the collar.
- Ribbed Texture: For the ribbed collar, turn and chain 1 at the start of each row. Work each row in back loop only (BLO) single crochet.
This technique gives the collar a stretchy, ribbed texture that will fit snugly but comfortably around your dog’s neck.
Continue until the length matches the required number of rows (34 for XS, 72 for XL).
- Join the Ends: Fold the collar in half, aligning the two short ends. Use slip stitches to join the first and last row together, forming a loop.
Turn it inside out so the seam is on the inside, and do not fasten off this will allow you to begin the body without starting a new yarn.
Body
- Build the Body Foundation: Rotate the collar so you’re working along the edge. Chain 1, then make half double crochet (hdc) stitches evenly along the side of each row in the collar, ensuring you end up with the correct stitch count for your size (34 for XS, 72 for XL). Join to the first hdc with a slip stitch to form a circular body.
- Increase for Body Width: For the first body round, work an increase by adding two hdc in every other stitch around, which will widen the sweater’s body for a comfortable fit.
Ensure the stitch count matches the pattern’s specified number (51 for XS, 108 for XL).
- Continue Body Rounds: For a uniform look, continue to work half double crochet rounds without increasing.
Keep going until the body reaches the required length (5” for XS, 12” for XL), which excludes the collar portion.
Create Leg Holes
- Chain and Skip for Leg Openings: After measuring and marking where the leg holes will go, start a round of hdc up to the point where the leg hole should begin.
Then, make a chain (7 for XS, 15 for XL), and skip an equal number of stitches in the round below to create a gap.
This gap will serve as the leg hole. Repeat the process for the second leg hole.
- Continue in Rounds: After creating the leg openings, work half double crochet stitches across each stitch and chain in the round to secure the leg holes.
Continue working rounds of hdc until the sweater body reaches the final length needed for your dog’s size.
Back of the Sweater
- Mark and Attach Yarn: Lay the sweater flat with the leg holes facing up. Use stitch markers to mark the outer edges of the leg holes up to the last row worked, creating a guideline for the back section.
- Work Rows for Back: Attach the yarn to the first stitch marker and work rows of half double crochet across until you reach the second marker. Turn and chain 1 at the start of each row to keep the edges straight.
- Continue to Length: Repeat rows of hdc until the back panel reaches the same length as the body portion.
This creates a contoured fit along the dog’s back and helps secure the sweater around the belly and chest.
Edging and Finishing
- Add Ribbed Edge: For a finished, ribbed edge, chain 2 and alternate front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc) across each stitch.
This creates a stretchy, textured border that completes the look. Repeat until the edge matches the body’s desired length.
- Weave in Ends: Use a tapestry needle to carefully weave in all yarn ends. Make sure to secure any loose stitches near the leg holes or collar to ensure durability.
Final Tips:
- Test Fit: Slip the sweater onto your dog to confirm that the neck and body widths are comfortable, adjusting if necessary before you complete the final rows.
- Custom Adjustments: Add or subtract rows or stitches as needed to customize the fit, especially if your dog is between sizes.
- Care: Choose machine-washable yarn and follow care instructions to keep the sweater looking new.
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