At any time of the year, people think about clothes that are comfortable and fashionable. Pets do not think about what to wear, but just like people, they suffer from heat, wind and bad weather. A person is responsible for their tamed four-legged friends. Taking care of "lesser brothers" - dogs, you should pay close attention to their well-being and health. For this purpose, it is necessary to select comfortable clothes for pets, in which rain and cold will not be scary. Among other things, properly selected clothes, especially if stylish and fashionable, will emphasize the individuality of the dog.
- What should dog clothes be like?
- Tips on how to sew clothes for dogs of different breeds
- The choice of clothing for a four-legged friend must be approached with full responsibility, taking into account the individuality, species characteristics and features of the animal.
- Clothing models
- About the style
- How to take measurements correctly, choice of material
- If you are making clothes by hand, you need to start by preparing a pattern.
- About taking measurements from an animal
- About the choice of material
- Jumpsuit pattern
- About preparation for sewing
- About the work order
- Sweater for a small dog
- About the advantages of knitted clothes
- About choosing yarn
- About knitted clothes for dogs
- About the process of making a sweater
- Knitted blanket for a pet
- Elegant dress for a small dog
- Panama hat, cap
- T-shirt for dog
- Raincoat for pet
- Remaking worn items into clothes for your four-legged friend
What should dog clothes be like?
There are requirements that animals' clothing must meet.
The material must be high-quality, natural, allowing the skin to "breathe". No "sparking" when in contact with the animal's fur - the static electricity of synthetics contributes to felting of the fur and the formation of tangles.
Fasteners in clothing are located on the top of the back so that the dog cannot reach it with its teeth or damage it with its paws. The choice of fastener depends on the amount of fur. For a short-haired dog - in the form of Velcro or a zipper, for a long-haired dog - you should stick to another choice: buttons, buttons, hooks will not allow the fur to get stuck, and, therefore, you can fasten the clothes easily, without creating inconvenience.
It is desirable to have a lining material that will ensure that there will be no problems when zipping up. Skin irritations and calluses in dogs with smooth fur, felting of fur in long-haired dogs - this can be avoided by stitching the inner seams from the outside. Also, attention should be paid to the tape, which will securely fasten the clothes and will not contribute to their twisting when the animal moves.
Please note! One of the main functions of dog clothing is to allow the animal to move freely without restricting its movements. Therefore, it is necessary to correctly take measurements from the dog and make a careful choice of style.
Tips on how to sew clothes for dogs of different breeds
The choice of clothing for a four-legged friend must be approached with full responsibility, taking into account the individuality, species characteristics and features of the animal.
Clothing models
To answer the question of how to sew clothes for a dog, you should study all the factors: aggressiveness and abilities, chewing habits, breed specificity - this affects the choice of model. When considering certain options, it is necessary to "look ahead" taking into account the characteristics of the pet, because he will not be able to express this on his own. By analyzing the behavior of the animal, the new thing is chosen correctly and not only pleases the owner, but also pleases the pet. It is worth paying attention to the width of the model - it should not limit the dog's movements, but at the same time should not cling to foreign objects, creating inconvenience for the animal.
About the style
When sewing clothes, you should think about their style. The fashionable appearance of your pet is, of course, valuable. But safety is more important. Bows, loops, hooks, everything that a dog can use to catch on a foreign object are missing. After all, the result of such a situation is either clothes that are unsuitable for further wear, or a threat to the health of the animal.
How to take measurements correctly, choice of material
If you are making clothes by hand, you need to start by preparing a pattern.
About taking measurements from an animal
For this purpose, you should take measurements. Designing an outfit, modeling, like people. You will need perseverance, attention and drawing skills.
Rules for taking measurements:
- The animal's measurements are taken in a standing position.
- Volumes are measured taking into account the width allowance.
- If it is not possible to clarify the measured parameters (they fluctuate), then it is worth choosing a larger value.
- The size is selected taking into account the modeling of the clothes.
- The basis for your choice should be the length of the animal's back.
- To determine the chest volume, the dog's chest is measured (more precisely, the widest part is measured plus 2-4 centimeters, taking into account the free fit).
- The neck circumference is determined (corresponds to the collar size).
- Back length is the length of the spine (the distance between the neck and the base of the tail).
Important! The main parameter when taking measurements is the length of the animal’s back.
About the choice of material
The constructed pattern is transferred to the fabric from which the animal's clothing will be made. The crucial moment is the choice of material and fittings present in the dog clothing models:
- lightning;
- fasteners;
- Velcro;
- finishing tapes;
- rubber bands.
The material should be selected taking into account the season. On a hot summer day - no overheating, the animal should be able to breathe freely. On cool days, clothing is necessary to retain body heat. Therefore, natural fabrics are used, primarily cotton.
Inclement, rainy weather brings dampness, taking this into account, clothes are sewn from waterproof fabrics (bologna, raincoat fabric). Wool and cotton jumpers, suits, sweaters, which you can knit yourself, are suitable for dressing "underneath".
In frost and snow, animals are protected from the cold by coats made of drape, wool, artificial fur, fleece, and synthetic padding.
Jumpsuit pattern
About preparation for sewing
Clothes that are comfortable for an animal regardless of breed (York, terrier, dachshund, poodle, etc.) are overalls, a universal pattern for which can be found on the Internet. In this case, labor-intensive calculations, taking measurements and other manipulations are excluded. However, if the pattern of clothes for dogs is made independently, then there are no difficulties in manufacturing even for a novice craftsman.
The product consists of several parts, presented in the form of:
- side parts (2 pieces);
- lower insert (chest and stomach) – 1 pc.
- collar – 1 pc.
The only measurement that is individual for each dog in the jumpsuit pattern is the length of the back (the distance from the base of the neck to the tail is measured).
The pattern is made. Next comes the preparation of materials and tools, which are presented:
- lining (winter version);
- cotton batting;
- with a tractor zipper (corresponds to the length of the back);
- with an elastic band;
- with lavsan threads;
- button (press button) (1 pc.);
- tailor's scissors;
- tailor's tape;
- with chalk or a special pencil.
It is better to sew a demi-season jumpsuit from waterproof and ventilated fabric (membrane, in which the inner layer is a thin film glued to the base). For a winter jumpsuit (for insulation), you will need a lining; a natural smooth fabric such as satin, twill, or viscose will do.
About the work order
The fabric is folded with the wrong side up, onto which the prepared pattern pieces are placed. To avoid distortions, they are pinned or fixed with a basting stitch. Allowances must be taken into account. And only after this is the fabric cut. A linen seam is used for sewing. First, the side parts are sewn, then the "legs" are stitched together, and the chest and stomach pieces are connected. When sewing in a zipper, a special strip is used, which will subsequently facilitate fastening (without the animal's hair getting caught in the zipper). A hole must be provided in the strip for attaching the leash to the collar. The zipper must be positioned so that the fastening is directed from the tail to the neck of the animal.
The next stage in sewing is sewing on the collar. A button and a loop for fastening the product are attached to it. The cut edges of the sewn parts are processed using bias tape and gathered on an elastic band. You can make a cuff and adjust the width at your discretion using a special clamp. The product for an animal must have holes in the tail area (two for a dog). The "tail armhole" is processed using piping and elastic (for the purpose of fitting the outfit).
Sweater for a small dog
Stylish knitted blouses and suits are not only for people.
About the advantages of knitted clothes
Small dogs, with knitted warm clothes that are versatile and aesthetically pleasing, also receive additional protection. Patterns for small breed dogs do not have any specific features.
About choosing yarn
The choice of yarn for knitting is huge and varied. But in this case, it should be remembered that a small pet, like a child, needs protection from an aggressive environment. Irritations, allergies - it is worth insuring against this. The main types of yarn used for knitting sweaters for small dogs include cotton and flax. They should be dyed using natural dyes. Such qualities as yarn strength, ability to absorb moisture, quick drying are ideal for making spring and summer sweater models.
Popular yarns are presented in the following series:
- silk;
- artificial silk;
- wool;
- angora wool;
- merino wool;
- camel wool;
- mohair;
- cashmere;
- viscose.
Please note! The listed types of yarn have their own advantages and can be used for a variety of models.
About knitted clothes for dogs
Making a hand-knitted sweater for a little friend is not difficult. Other knitted items such as a blanket, sleeveless jacket, sweater, and greyhound are also comfortable to wear. They can be made with a hood or worn with hats. Each knitted garment has its own decoration in the form of brooches, buttons, and various locks.
About the process of making a sweater
In this case, taking measurements from the animal is a similarly important step. The sweater pattern, like the dog jacket, is made by hand. In order to knit precise parts, you should prepare a drawing and make a knitting pattern. To complete the process, you will need tools such as:
- measuring tape (for constant control of the product size);
- spokes;
- hook.
If you have knitting skills, the process is clear: making a sample to determine the knitting density, counting the stitches, knitting according to the pattern. At the end of the work, an elastic band is used to tie the edges. The parts of the knitted product are sewn together. The sweater is ready.
Knitted blanket for a pet
Cooling blankets in summer, warm ones in winter, postoperative ones in case of illness – clothes that are indispensable for pets. Without restricting the animals’ movements, they provide protection, helping to avoid snow, rain and heat.
Additional information. A blanket for dogs is an indispensable thing in all seasons. Initially it was used in breeding thoroughbred horses. Breeders shared the idea and design of the blanket with dog handlers. After that, it was found a worthy use in training dogs.
You can knit a cape for your beloved pet, taking into account the simple design, without preliminary fitting. It is enough to know the size of the animal's back length. A blanket is a comfortable cut garment, so the pattern of a blanket for a dog is not difficult. After determining the type of yarn, fasteners, belts, zippers, you should start making the product.
It is necessary to focus on the production of the postoperative blanket. In this case, the blanket should fit tightly around the dog's body, without squeezing the skin or seams.
Elegant dress for a small dog
When visiting events (parties, receptions), you want your beloved pets, if they are nearby, to look smart, fashionable and “trendy”. To make an elegant dress for your little favorite, materials such as airy tulle and tulle decorated with sequins are suitable. A dress for a dog is sewn using a pattern and in accordance with the sizes, decorated with decorative elements that emphasize the “glamor” of the style and attract attention to both the owner of the outfit and her mistress.
Panama hat, cap
In order to make a hat for your four-legged friend yourself, you need to start the process by taking measurements. In this case, the head circumference is measured taking into account the bases of the animal's ears and their height. The diagram begins with drawing a rectangle, the width of which is equal to the circumference of the dog's head, the height is the height of the ears plus a few centimeters. A circle is drawn. The pattern is transferred to the fabric, cut out taking into account the seam allowance. Then the product is designed depending on the model. The fabric is selected accordingly. A braid must be sewn to the hat or a loop must be made to attach the animal's hat to the collar.
Depending on the season, hats can be in the form of panama hats, caps or hats with earflaps.
T-shirt for dog
A T-shirt is an indispensable thing for a dog. In summer it protects from dust, sunburn and grass, in winter it provides additional warmth.
A T-shirt can be made from lightweight knitwear and practically from scratch. The sewing process is similar to making other types of clothing: taking measurements, preparing a pattern, applying a ready-made template to the fabric. Then it's a matter of technique.
Raincoat for pet
The word "raincoat" itself suggests that this type of clothing is used in damp weather and protects from rain and piercing, chilly wind. The design of the clothing is not complicated: a long cape that fastens under the dog's belly, with a hood. Sometimes, for large dogs, the fasteners are made on the back. The best material for manufacturing is waterproof membrane fabric (clothes for fishing, hunting and sports are made from such fabric). The distinctive qualities of the material are maintaining air exchange and free passage of body vapors. The size of the raincoat should be loose and not restrict the dog's movements.
Remaking worn items into clothes for your four-legged friend
Old things are a great find for replenishing your four-legged friend's wardrobe. The main thing is the right approach. In order to simplify the work, a jumper that has been lying around in the closet for a long time can easily be remade into a sweater for a pet. Things purchased in a second-hand store are also suitable for these purposes. It is enough to cut the sleeve to the desired length, fold it beautifully and hem it. The same goes for other things.
The choice of clothing for animals is so diverse that it sometimes becomes a complex process. After all, the eyes run wide from the variety. Therefore, in this case, you should not be guided by beauty and style, but give preference to prudence. Remember that the purchased or manufactured item should be comfortable and safe, and not cause discomfort to either the dog or the owner.
