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

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    When completing this dog jacket, it says to decrease each row by knitting 2 stitches together till you have 3 stitches, then it says to knit 3 rows and decrease. This is very confusing, which one do I do?
    Community Answer
    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 *
  • Question
    If I use worsted DK yarn, do I use size 4mm needles (UK 8's)?
    Beth W
    Community Answer
    Follow the recommended needle size for the yarn you are using. If your label band is missing, then use 3.75mm-4mm needles.
  • Question
    How would I add a turtleneck to the medium size?
    Finn Kobler
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Regarding the gauge, how do you get 4 inches from 8 stitches? It's not working for me and I'm at a loss.
    Finn Kobler
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    At what point can a button hole be added on the top piece for the purpose of harness?
    Finn Kobler
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How many stitches remain just before your bind off on the underpiece?
    Finn Kobler
    Community Answer
    You should have just 1 stitch remaining before binding off the underpiece/belly piece of your dog's sweater.
  • Question
    Do you leave a gap for the back legs too?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    On step number 3, it says to complete a decreasing row. How many rows do we decrease?
    Leo Jannett
    Community Answer
    It said "A" row. So it is 1 row.
  • Question
    My puppy has an 8” chest. Can this pattern be modified to fit her?
    reese uy
    Community Answer
    Yes the pattern may be modified. The sweater must be the right size for your puppy to feel warm.
  • Question
    Does it have to be chunky yarn?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    On no. 5, I don't understand when it says stitch tog the next 2?
    Beth W
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If my gauge is small (8 stitches x 16 rows is only 3 x 3"), can I follow directions for medium sweater to create same dimensions as the small? Larger needles make the stitches too loose.
    Beth W
    Community Answer
    You'd be better off just adjusting your needle size to be at the recommended gauge for the size you're originally creating.
  • Question
    My dog has a small chest -17 1/2 and medium length body - 16 inches. Any ideas about whether to follow small or medium size pattern?
    Beth W
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    If I’m making a large coat, can I make the holes for the legs smaller? My dog is a Greyhound, so he has very narrow legs.
    Kristina Smith
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as the part of the sweater from the belly narrows own and fits onto the leg.
  • Question
    Does it have to be thick yarn or does it have to be worsted yarn?
    Ray
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Does it have to be chunky yarn?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Once you’ve knitted the jumper, how do you actually put it on the dog?
    Ray
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Do you have to knit the sleeves for the dog?
    Community Answer
    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.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article