Q&A for How to Knit a Sweater for a Dog

Yes, that does seem confusing! I can’t see the pattern, nor how many stitches you have, so, look at the shape you need and either, at the beginning of each row, Knit 2 tog, till you are left with 3 stitches, (which will give you a longer finished piece) then *knit 3 rows and cast off. Or, keep decreasing 2 stitches across the row, keep doing this on following rows, till you have 3 stitches left and then *

It said "A" row. So it is 1 row.

It depends on the size of the dog and the pattern you are following.

You can crochet, knit, or repurpose sleeves from an old sweater. Make sure your dog is comfortable with the sleeves you design.

No, it's not necessary, but lining can help prevent your dog's hair from getting stuck in the wool. It also creates a barrier between the fur and the knitted fabric, reducing friction and the chance of hair pulling.

Yes, you can cast on a couple of extra stitches. While a 9mm needle is ideal, using an 8mm needle with extra stitches will allow the sweater to fit well.

Use natural yarn such as cotton or wool. It is better for the environment and your dog.

The 8.8 oz indicates the weight of your yarn, and the 9mm refers to the needle size. Use a gauge swatch to help adjust your pattern for a medium size.

To create a turtleneck for your dog's sweater, stitch a neck piece that fits snugly around your dog's neck. Then, attach this neck piece after you've sewn together the back and underpieces.

If you don't have enough stitches, consider switching to a more light weight yarn. If you have too many stitches, use a larger knitting needle.

If you wish to add a leash/harness hole for your dog's sweater, cast an additional 4 stitches before you finish binding off the back piece.

You should have just 1 stitch remaining before binding off the underpiece/belly piece of your dog's sweater.

Yes. Otherwise, they would not be able to go about walking. If it covers the butt, make sure you leave holes for excrement and urine. You may be better off only making a mid-length sweater. Leaving the bottom half of the dog free to do its thing.

Yes the pattern may be modified. The sweater must be the right size for your puppy to feel warm.

It does not need to be chunky yarn - it can be any type. However, if your dog is more on the aggressive side, or likes to chew things, it should be a thicker yarn.

Follow the recommended needle size for the yarn you are using. If your label band is missing, then use 3.75mm-4mm needles.

That's called a knit two together (K2Tog) and you will just simply knit the next two stitches on your needle together as if they were one. Stick your working needle through both stitches, sometimes a bit tight, then knit.

You'd be better off just adjusting your needle size to be at the recommended gauge for the size you're originally creating.

Depending on the type of yarn, follow the medium. I made one for my small Schnoodle and his chest was 16" and I knitted him a small.

Yes, as long as the part of the sweater from the belly narrows own and fits onto the leg.

Either one will work, depending on what you are thinking for the sweater's final look and purpose. Try thick yarn if it’s for days that are a little bit colder, and the thinner yarn for days that are warmer/around the house.

Not unless you want it to be. It depends what kind of sweater you are making. Chunky yarn might be good for a warmer sweater but for a lighter one, you can use a different yarn of your choosing.

The sweater should probably have some sort of Velcro, or an opening of some type. If it does not, try slipping it over your dog’s head or rear end. Maneuver its paws through the holes if it has some.

You don't exactly need long sleeves, but you need something to wrap around your dog's legs. If you don't do that, you'd have to wrap it around their chest or neck, which isn't exactly a sweater. So, yes, you do need sleeves, even if they're very small ones.