Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials Needed:
- Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
- Yarn Weight: Aran (8 wpi)
- Hook Size: 6.0 mm (J)
- Needle: Yarn needle for sewing the pieces together
Pattern Measurements:
- Finished Neck Circumference:
- S: 12 1/2 in. (32 cm)
- M/L: 15 1/2 in. (39.5 cm)
- 1X/2X: 16 1/2 in. (42 cm)
- Finished Chest:
- S: 18 in. (45.5 cm)
- M/L: 22 1/2 in. (57 cm)
- 1X/2X: 27 in. (68.5 cm)
- Finished Length:
- S: 14 in. (35.5 cm)
- M/L: 20 in. (51 cm)
- 1X/2X: 21 in. (53.5 cm)
Abbreviations Used:
- sc: Single crochet
- hdc: Half double crochet
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- ch: Chain
- sl st: Slip stitch
- Rep: Repeat
Stitching Instructions for Hippie Dog Sweater Pattern:
Granny Square Motif:
- Start with a chain (ch) to form the foundation. For the granny square, you’ll begin by making a small loop (magic ring) or chain a specific number of stitches, depending on the pattern.
- Work in rounds using the following stitches:
- Chain (ch) to start each round.
- Single crochet (sc) and half double crochet (hdc) to form the building blocks of the granny square.
- You’ll typically work in clusters of 3 double crochets (dc) into chain spaces, separated by chain stitches (ch), and form the corners of the square using these.
- Join rounds as specified: After completing each round of stitches, you’ll typically close the round with a slip stitch (sl st) to the first stitch of the round.
Follow the specific instructions in the pattern for each round to form the full granny square.
- Make enough granny squares for both the back and underpiece of the sweater.
The number of squares you need to make will be specified in the pattern, depending on the size you’re creating (S, M/L, 1X/2X).
Assembly:
After you’ve crocheted the granny squares for both the back and underpiece, the next step is to assemble them:
- Sew the granny squares together: Use a yarn needle to sew the granny squares together according to the pattern’s assembly diagram.
For each piece (Back and Underpiece), you’ll join the squares by stitching through the edges of each square, making sure the squares align to create the correct shape.
- Leave openings for the legs: After sewing the granny squares together, the pattern will indicate where to leave openings for the dog’s front legs. These leg openings will typically be positioned near the side of the sweater.
Creating the Top Section:
- Work across the edges: Once the back and underpiece are sewn together, you’ll need to work a few rows of single crochet (sc) and half double crochet (hdc) across the top edges of the sweater to form the neck opening and shape the shoulders. This step is crucial for ensuring a good fit.
- Shaping the top of the sweater: The pattern will provide instructions on how many rows to work and how to decrease or increase stitches to shape the sweater’s neck and shoulder areas.
Finishing Touches:
- Weave in all loose ends: Once you’ve sewn the pieces together and finished the top section, use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends from your crochet work. Make sure the ends are secure so they don’t unravel.
- Edge finishing (optional): If the pattern calls for it, you may need to work a final round of sc or hdc around the edges of the sweater to finish the seams and give it a polished look.
- Final fitting: After assembly, make sure the sweater fits your dog. The neck, chest, and length measurements should correspond to the finished dimensions for the chosen size (S, M/L, 1X/2X).
Download PDF
