Simple Dog Jacket (with Pattern)

Since my dog easily gets cold in winter, I started making different variations of this simple dog jacket. The design is based one a jacket a friend gave me, which I really liked, because it is vey easy to put it on and take it off (thanks to the Velcro). Aside from that, it is also easy to make.

I would say this jacket is a perfect size for smaller dogs. For reference: my dog is approximately 30 centimeters tall and weighs around 7 kilos. Thanks to the Velcro, I expect it will fit most small dogs well. I never tried making it in a bigger size, but if I do I will add it here.

• Sewing machine
• Sturdy fabric for the outer layer
• Soft fabric for the lining (I mainly used fleece)
• Yarn, needles, scissors, etc.
• Small amount of Velcro
• Printer to print the pattern

Print the pattern in the attachment (3 pages) and connect the parts correctly. The jacket only has two parts: the main body part and the collar. The main body part is symmetrical, so it should be cut with the fold of the fabric to the indicated side. It can also be cut in two halfs and then sewn together (I did this a few times when I lacked a big enough piece of fabric), but make sure to add some extra seam allowance to the side of the fold if you do this.

The jacket consists of two layers that will be sewn together, so the pattern needs to be cut in both the main fabric and the fabric for the lining.

To have pictures to add to this Instructable, I made the jacket again today. Unfortunately, I did not have big enough pieces of the fabrics I wanted to use, so I had to do a bit of patch work. For better results, I would recommend to cut the main body part from one piece though.

Pin the rounded side of the collar to the main body part, good sides towards each other & sew. Make sure the center of the collar is aligned with the center of the main body part. Repeat for the second fabric.

Put the two layers on top of each other (again, good sides facing each other), pin together all around & sew. Make sure you leave an opening (approximately 5-10 cm) that can later be used as a turning hole. I am leaving the part open between the two vertical needles, as you can see on the photo. Please note: ignore the fact that the main body part in the photo consists of multiple pieces of fabric, usually this would be one piece!

To make sure the rounded parts look good when turned inside out: make small snips in the hem where the curves are. I usually also cut off the corners. Turn the jacket inside out through the turning hole.

I put a tiny bit of cotton fleece inside the collar to make it a bit more soft and sturdy, but that is totally optional. After adding cotton fleece, an extra seam between the collar and the main body part is necessary to keep the cotton in place.

You can either close the turning hole by hand, or give the whole jacket an extra seam around the sides. This will save you the trouble of closing the turning hole by hand and will give the jacket a nice finishing touch.

Attach the Velcro to the parts that go around the neck and the parts that go around the chest. One part needs to be attached to the lining and one part to the outer layer. For the neck part I put around 5.5/6 cm of Velcro and for the chest part around 8.5 cm, but this can of course be adjusted to what would fit your dog best. I recommend trying the jacket on your dog to see what would be the best place to attach your Velcro.

Now your dog can enjoy his or her new warm coat :)