Desperate times call for desperate measures. That was my mantra yesterday, when the mercury dropped 20°F in the span of ten hours. CindyLu didn’t have a coat to wear. And it was bitterly cold outside. I’d been meaning to go shopping with her to pick up a new coat or two (last year’s got ruined, candidates only for the trash), but between limited transportation and having been sick…well, it obviously didn’t happen yet. This week my son is out-of-town with the car, won’t be back until tomorrow – when the temps are supposed to rally back to something much warmer, of course.
So I pulled my usual and hit up Google. Over the years I’ve seen blog posts, tutorials, and even videos on how to make your dog a coat. I’ve ignored most, since I’m absolutely frightening with a needle and thread in my hand.
Not. a. seamstress. (Understatement, trust me.)
I remembered seeing ones where you take an old piece of clothing and recycle it into some canine fashion statement. I just needed something I could put together quickly so CindyLu wouldn’t freeze (or refuse to go outside for that matter.) There are some that use an old sweater, but that requires sewing to keep the knitting from unraveling. Then there are some, in various degrees of detail and perfectionism, that involved nothing more than an old sweatshirt and a pair of scissors. Bingo!
All I needed was a sweatshirt with sleeves large enough to fit CindyLu’s torso. She’s little, but she’s got that ShihTzu barrel chest that sized her right out of any of my clothes. My son Kenny came to the rescue with an old zip-up hoodie that’s now too big on him (Yay, Kenny!)
So here’s how I made a doggie coat, without sewing, just quick and easy:
Supplies
1 sweatshirt/jacket
Pair of scissors
How to make the coat
Cut the sleeve off near the shoulder seam.
Cut off the wrist cuff and seam, unless it will fit comfortably over your dog’s head.
The wrist of the sleeve will be the neck end of the coat, which then widens as it nears the shoulder/tail end.
This next part would certainly work better if you first take some measurements to find where to best cut holes for your dog’s legs, especially if you plan on using the coat for an extended period.
Me? Just call me the epitome of impatience, laziness, and phobic of anything smacking of how someone who knows how to sew would do it. I just held it up by her, guesstimated on where best to put leg openings – and started cutting.
After a few try-ons (bless you, CindyLu, for being so patient with it!), I had it cut out enough to be able to comfortably put it on over her head, slide her legs through the openings, and adjust the coat to cover her.
Initially it was too long, but while it was on her I just snipped a spot on the topside to mark it and one on the underside closer to her belly, to allow for plenty of pee-room. Then with it off, I laid it out and cut at an angle to shape the back-end of the coat, using those snips as guidelines.
One last try-on, folded down the neck so she has a collar, and she was good to go. It was apparently so comfy, CindyLu laid down and fell sound asleep! When it was time to go out, she got to enjoy the new-fallen snow and a walk – all without freezing.
It’s not glamorous, but it’s keeping her warm until we get to the store for a proper coat. And then we’ll always have this as a backup if we need one.
Ever try making something for your dog?
I am actually quite impressed! Wow! See, I never would have thought of that. The sleeve is perfect for a little dog too.
You may not be a great sewer, but you sure are innovative and clever!
Thanks, Mel, but the only credit I can really take is for combining others’ innovative ideas into one very. easy. method. hehe It really is perfect for a small dog – if CindyLu were more the size of a Yorkie or a Chi, I could have used my own sweatshirt!
I’m with Mel. Not only are you clever, but you did a nice job. It didn’t look like the trashy kinds of things I’ve done with sweatshirts. It looked like a nice coat.
Thanks, Pamela, that’s quite a compliment! I have an aversion to trashy stuff, so you’ve made me quite happy to hear that!
that’s fabulous! BRAVO! we have to buy all things, my staff has then thumbs :o)
Ha! Sounds like the Mom here… 🙂
AMAZING! I will have to try that for Kiko! Mind if I share your post at Doggies and Stuff?
I don’t mind at all, Doreen – I’d be honored! Can’t wait to see what you make for Kiko, too!!
What a cute and clever idea! Wow! Thanks for the heads up on this!
You’re most welcome! Love to spread the easy-peasy 😉
How clever! I LOVE it! I have a feeling that my little Tucker is about to get a brand new winter sweater! 🙂
Awesome!! We’d love to see Tucker model that new sweater!!
I wish I’d known about this before I rushed out and bought 3 new jackets for my little darlings!
You’re so clever 🙂
Very nice… thanks fur sharing!!
Yeah, those coats in the stores are not cheap! This isn’t warm enough really for the coldest of weather, so CindyLu is still getting a winter coat – but it’s perfect for the chilly, in-between times!
It could also be an under-layer for her winter coat…
I’m a great believer in layers for dogs, too!
I bought a 3 pack of onsies in the baby department cut the bottom off to fit the male underside and now have doggie T’s
OMD that is a superb idea!! One I’ve gotta try – thanks!! (And that is truly creative of you!)
After making some “pumpkins” out of old sweaters, I looked at the sleeves and realized what a great sweater I could fashion for my dachshunds. I did not cut off the cuff, and also used a litle “FrayCheck” to keep the threads from unraveling at the cut end. You could also use some hot glue or fabric glue, which will be softer, to finish the cut end of sweaters.-Christine Hurst
Fantastic tips – thank you! We’re all going to be making our own sweaters and jackets now 🙂
I found an ugly Striped sweater at Goodwill and a baby tshirt. I am going to make a couple “outfits” for my Chi. I also don’t sew… so your coat inspired me!
Fantastic! Send photos to our Facebook page – we’ll proudly show off your creations…and inspire others, too!
I used a black dress sock for a chihuahuas coat once, cut the top off, a couple front lg holes & Voila! with a turtleneck collar!
A sock?! Teeny tiny little baby there, huh? Oh, so cute….and ingenious!!
You are so creative! Love this.
Thank you very much – but I swear I can’t take the credit! lol It’s been working great for her, though, I’m glad I did it.
This looks great! She looks so sweet in it too. Just as good as some of the sweaters I’ve seen in pet stores being sold for $30. I am extremely un-crafty so super easy projects like this make me happy. My dog is probably too big, unfortunately, for any of my sweaters, otherwise I’d be trying this right awa.
Yeah, I doubt you’d be able to find a shirt with sleeves large enough hehe…it’s definitely a plan for small dogs. Thank you for the generous compliment! I’m just glad I can keep her warm 🙂
How clever you are. I never would have thought of using a sweatshirt. My CoCo has a quilted coat from the store, but it is no warm enough for the really cold of Iowa winters. A sweatshirt for under it would be great. I’ll have to make him one like your dogs.
Great idea – it works terrific under a coat for extra warmth!
My husband and I just returned from dropping off dog food and dog toys at the local animal shelter. I was moved to tears and finally had to leave after seeing so many sweet dogs in need of homes. We have two dogs and just can’t add another to our family right now. Many of the dogs were wearing sweatshirts cut to fit them. We stopped at the thrift store and I bought 8 sweatshirts to use to make dog sweaters. Your tutorial showed me how to use the sleeves as well to make coats for the little fellows. Thank you.
Sue
Sue, you have left me speechless. And with tears in my eyes and a warm feeling in my heart. Bless you for thinking of the dogs at the shelter today! And even more so, for choosing to take the time and effort to make them something that will keep them warmer. You are an angel. Wishing you the warmest of holidays – and homes for those now-comfy dogs at the shelter!
Awwww I find this stuff so adorable!! I’ve been looking for a cute dog coat myself since we are taking our with us on a trip to inland and I think he’s really going to need a warm and cosy one. I looked up the internet and came across this website for some cute dog supplies. I was thinking that I might be able to sew one myself but them I’m really clumsy at this stuff and I dropped the idea. thanks God I came across your blog and found how simple it really is. I’ll definitely give it a try.