Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Suggested Yarn: Medium weight #4 acrylic
- Hook Size: 15.5mm (or size to obtain gauge)
- Gauge: 4″ x 4″ square = 10 rows x 14 HDC
- Needle: Tapestry needle
- Optional: Stitch markers
Abbreviations:
- FHDC: Foundation Half Double Crochet
- HDC: Half Double Crochet
- SC: Single Crochet
- Sl St: Slip Stitch
- Ch: Chain
- FPHDC: Front Post Half Double Crochet
- BPHDC: Back Post Half Double Crochet
- HDC2TOG: Half Double Crochet 2 Together
- Join: Slip Stitch to First Stitch
- St(s): Stitch(es)
The Doggy Sweater Pattern Making Instructions:
Step 1: Start with the Foundation Row
Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC):
- Begin by creating the base foundation row. The FHDC stitch is both a foundation chain and a row of half double crochets combined, which provides more stretch.
- Measure around your dog’s chest or neck to determine the number of stitches you’ll need for a snug but comfortable fit.
- If the sweater is for a small dog, around 30-40 FHDC may be a good starting point.
For medium or larger dogs, you may need 50-60 FHDC or more. Adjust as necessary for a looser or tighter fit.
Step 2: Body of the Sweater
- Half Double Crochet (HDC) Rows:
- After completing the foundation row, start working in HDC stitches across each row. This forms the main part of the sweater’s body.
- Follow the gauge provided: 10 rows x 14 HDC = 4” x 4” square. This helps ensure the sweater will fit as expected.
- Repeat HDC rows until the body reaches about the length of your dog’s back, or to your preferred length.
- For added texture and elasticity, alternate FPHDC (front post half double crochet) and BPHDC (back post half double crochet) stitches every few rows.
This ribbing effect helps the sweater stay close to the body while also adding visual interest.
- Creating the Armholes:
- Once the body is the correct length to where the front legs will be, you’ll need to make space for armholes.
- For one row, skip the number of stitches required for each leg opening.
For instance, skip 5-10 stitches for each armhole, depending on the size of your dog.
- Continue crocheting on each side of these skipped stitches for a few rows, creating two sections with a gap between them.
- After several rows, rejoin the skipped stitches and continue crocheting the full row across, closing off the body.
Step 3: Neckline (Ribbed Section)
- Front Post and Back Post Half Double Crochet (FPHDC/BPHDC):
- The ribbed neckline gives a more snug and stretchy fit, helping the sweater stay comfortably around your dog’s neck.
- Use FPHDC and BPHDC stitches in alternating sequence across each row. This creates a stretchy ribbed texture.
- Repeat these stitches for about 4-5 rows for a taller collar, or just 2-3 rows for a smaller neckband.
- Adjust the number of ribbed rows to fit your dog’s comfort and style.
Step 4: Taper the Body (Optional)
- Decreasing Rows with HDC2TOG:
- If you prefer a tapered fit, especially around the waist or lower back, you can start decreasing the stitches in each row gradually.
- Use HDC2TOG (half double crochet two together) at the start and end of the row to reduce the stitch count.
- Continue to work HDC stitches across the row, adding HDC2TOG decreases where needed.
- Repeat this decrease in every row or every other row to create a gradual taper.
tep 5: Finishing Touches
- Single Crochet (SC) Border:
- For a polished look, work a round of SC along the edges of the sweater, including the bottom and around the armholes.
- This border helps smooth out any uneven edges and gives a clean finish to the sweater.
- Join & Weave in Ends:
- At the end of each row or round, use a Slip Stitch (Sl St) to join to the first stitch, creating a seamless edge.
- Use a tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends carefully, especially around the armholes and neckline to prevent unraveling.
Final Tips
- Use Stitch Markers to help keep track of your rows and stitch counts, particularly when working with armholes and tapering.
- Custom Sizing: Adjust the number of foundation stitches and the length of the body rows to fit your dog’s specific measurements. Test the fit by wrapping the foundation row around your dog’s chest or neck.
- Finishing Options: Feel free to customize by adding decorative buttons, small pockets, or even embellishments like small appliques or pom-poms for a personal touch.
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