Humans aren’t the only ones who need an extra layer when there’s a cold snap … and today I’m sharing a collection of fabulous free crochet dog sweater patterns that will not only keep your pet warm and toasty on those daily walks but they’ll be the best dressed too!
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I’d never really thought about crochet for dogs until we had a really cold snap.
It was a vulnerable time for our family dog, Taz, who was recovering from an illness and he needed an extra layer to keep the chill out.
Out came my hook to design a crochet dog sweater pattern for him.
I’ve been searching for a crochet dog pattern so that I can crochet a likeness of Taz. Have you crocheted your dog before? How did it turn out? Any tips for me? If you haven’t and would like inspiration, have a browse of these dog patterns I found.
- Benefits to your Dog (and you) of Crochet Dog Sweaters
- Dog Sweater Construction and Stitches
- 15 Free Crochet Dog Sweater Patterns
- 1. Free Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern
- 2. Cabled Dog Sweater
- 3. The Doggy Sweater
- 4. Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern
- 5. Crochet Dog Sweater O’Go
- 6. Well Dressed Dog Coat
- 7. Hippie Dog Sweater
- 8. Extra Small Dog Sweater Crochet Pattern
- 9. Dandy Dog Sweater
- 10. Crochet Dog Sweater (customisable)
- 11. Poet Dog Sweater
- 12. Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern
- 13. Cosy Crochet Dog Sweater
- 14. Chunky Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern
- 15. Crochet Easy Dog Coat
Benefits to your Dog (and you) of Crochet Dog Sweaters
Crochet dog sweaters offer several benefits for both dogs and owners. Here are some advantages:
- Warmth and Comfort: as already mentioned, dog sweaters provide an extra layer of insulation during cold weather, keeping our furry friends warm and cozy. Crochet sweaters are often made from soft and warm yarns, providing comfort and protection from chilly temperatures.
- Fashionable Style: Crochet dog sweaters come in various colors, patterns, and designs, allowing you to dress up your dog in style. Whether you prefer a classic or trendy look, there’s a crochet sweater to suit your dog’s personality and your fashion preferences.
- Customization: Crocheting allows for customization, enabling you to create a dog sweater tailored to your pet’s specific measurements. Most of these free crochet patterns share instructions for adjusting the size, length, and fit to ensure a comfortable and well-fitted garment for your dog.
- Protection: Besides providing warmth, crochet sweaters can offer protection to certain dog breeds. For example, small or short-haired dogs are more vulnerable to cold temperatures (Taz doesn’t have much fur on his belly!), and sweaters can help prevent hypothermia and keep them safe during walks or outdoor activities.
- Reduced Shedding and Allergens: Dogs with long or thick fur tend to shed, leaving hair on furniture, carpets, and clothing. Wearing a sweater can help contain some of the shedding, reducing the amount of hair scattered around your home. Additionally, sweaters can minimize allergens from dog dander, making them a good option for allergy sufferers.
- Post-Surgery or Medical Support: In some cases, dogs may require post-surgical or medical support, such as covering a wound or protecting a medical device. A crochet sweater can be adapted to accommodate these needs while providing comfort and aiding in the healing process.
- Bonding and Attention: Dressing up your dog in a crochet sweater can be a bonding experience and an opportunity to show your affection. It also tends to attract attention and compliments from others, which can be a positive social interaction for both you and your dog when you’re out walking.
While crochet dog sweaters have benefits, not all dogs enjoy wearing clothing! It’s important to consider your dog’s comfort, behavior, and preferences when deciding whether to dress them in a sweater.
My advice is to monitor your dog while they’re wearing their sweater to ensure they don’t experience any discomfort or restriction of movement.
Dog Sweater Construction and Stitches
During my research, I found there is more than one way to crochet a dog sweater.
Dog sweaters can be crocheted:
- in the round
- in one piece and joined with one seam
- in two separate pieces and sewn together
- with leg openings made by chaining and skipping stitches
- with leg openings created a gap on the side seams
There are also different crochet stitches that work well for crocheting a dog sweater.
The body:
- Double crochet (US single crochet)
- Treble crochet (US double crochet stitches)
- Half treble crochet (US half double crochet)
- Suzette stitch
- Granny Squares
- Cable stitch
Although you could experiment with any crochet stitch! And that’s the beauty of handmade isn’t it. We get to have a play around with stitches and yarn weights to make beautiful patterns 🙂
The neck rib/bottom rib
- working in the back loop only
- Alternating working in the front post and back post of double crochet (US single crochet) and treble crochet (US double crochet) stitches
There are a variety of design elements you can use to make your dog sweater unique.
- Granny squares
- crochet in blocks of a single color
- crochet in ombre/self-striping yarn
- add extra color by edging the leg openings in a contrasting color
- adding in tapestry crochet
- adding a pocket
You don’t need any special yarn for the patterns in this collection of free dog sweaters to crochet.
Using aran/worsted or chunky yarn from your stash will keep your costs down!
15 Free Crochet Dog Sweater Patterns
Click on the numbered pattern to go directly to the pattern.
The free crochet dog sweater patterns in this collection use the following supplies:
- Aran/Worsted yarn
- Chunky yarn
- Crochet hook: 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm
- Stitch Markers
- Yarn Needle
Most of these patterns are written using US Terminology.
For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.
| US Crochet Terms | UK Crochet Terms |
|---|---|
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble crochet (htr) |
| double crochet (dc) | treble crochet (tr) |
| treble (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| double treble (dtr) | triple treble (trtr) |
Ok, let’s get on with the free crochet pattern dog coats.
1. Free Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern
My free pattern shows you how to crochet a dog sweater that will fit small to medium sized dogs.
The pattern is worked from the bottom up starting with a rib crocheted in the back loop only, then the body in half treble crochet (US half double crochet) finishing off with an alternating front post half treble (US half post double) and back post half treble.
Yarn: Knitologie by Knitcrate OR substitute Aran/Worsted weight #4 (300g)
If you’re a beginner crocheter, follow the instructions but don’t change color or work the snowflake tapestry.
Crochet tip: Measure as you go so that you can increase or decrease to fit the size of your dog.
2. Cabled Dog Sweater
This intermediate free crochet pattern is available in four sizes: XS, S, M and L.
If you haven’t crocheted a cable before, you’ll find a link to a photo and video tutorial to guide you.
This crochet pattern starts with the neck in rows before chaining and joining with a slip stitch to work the body in rounds.
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease (Worsted/Aran weight #4)
If you’re a confident beginner, this is the perfect pattern to practice crocheting cables.
3. The Doggy Sweater
Available in six sizes, there will definitely be one to fit your dog (XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL)
The Doggy Sweater is crocheted in rounds from the bottom up so you won’t have to sew. Yay!
Crocheted in half treble crochet (US half double crochet) and with minimal decreases, this pattern is suitable for a beginner.
Yarn: Aran/Worsted
It may be a straightforward pattern but it certainly has the wow factor!
If you prefer to work from a PDF, this pattern is available to buy on Etsy.
4. Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern
Lots of details to help you get the right sweater fit for your dog in this free pattern, including a custom fit.
Once the collar has been crocheted in rows and joined, the body is worked in half double crochet (UK half treble crochet) in rounds with chains forming the leg openings.
Yarn: Aran/Worsted
Easy and straightforward to follow, this pattern is suitable for beginners.
This pattern comes in sizes XS – XL and is available to buy on Etsy.
5. Crochet Dog Sweater O’Go
Get your woof on with this colorful and eye-catching dog sweater.
This intermediate pattern is available in Small, Medium and Large.
The neck ribbing is worked first then turned to crochet along the long edge.
Leg openings are worked in the body piece by skipping stitches.
This crochet dog sweater is assembled by sewing a seam under the body.
Yarn: Aran/Worsted
I love the shape of this dog sweater.
6. Well Dressed Dog Coat
In my pattern for crochet dog sweater, I’ve designed the leg openings by chaining and skipping stitches but in this pattern, you’ll sew seams to create the leg openings.
Crocheted using treble crochet (US double crochet) and 3 colors in aran/worsted yarn with a 6.5mm crochet hook.
This would make a fabulous quick and easy crochet gift.
Available in sizes Small (14″ chest); Medium (18″ chest) – shown; Large (22″ chest); Extra Large (24.5″ chest)
7. Hippie Dog Sweater
This dog sweater is crocheted in two pieces – the back and the underpiece.
If you enjoy working with granny squares you’ll love this free pattern. Each piece is crocheted from granny squares (there’s a diagram for joining the squares together).
The back uses 12 granny squares crocheted from 3 rounds for each square and the underpiece, 4 granny squares.
Yarn: Aran/Worsted weight yarn
Rated as easy, this crochet pattern is suitable for beginners.
Instructions are included for sizes S, M/L, 1X/2X
8. Extra Small Dog Sweater Crochet Pattern
I couldn’t leave out the extra small dogs!
This beginner free crochet dog sweater pattern is made to have a snug fit with a fantastic stretch.
Sized to fit 12 inches in length, 6 inches wide (the edge of the neckline is 9 inches around), you’ll crochet 11 rows before joining with a slip stitch to continue the body and neck in the round.
9. Dandy Dog Sweater
This free crochet dog sweater pattern comes in three sizes – XS, S, and M.
This one piece crochet dog sweater pattern is worked from the neck down (yes, all in one piece!) with no sewing involved (my favourite type of crochet project :)).
The body of this sweater uses the Suzette stitch making it cosy but not too thick.
Yarn: Brava Worsted
There’s a photo tutorial and a link to a video which is fabulous for beginners.
I like the tapered fit of this doggie sweater.
This pattern is available as a PDF on Etsy.
10. Crochet Dog Sweater (customisable)
Designed in nine sizes, to fit very small to very large dogs, this crochet dog sweater tutorial includes notes on how to customise to get the perfect fit.
There are two options for fastening the sweater – a basic seam or a button attachment for dogs who don’t want to have their legs bent to fit into the sweater.
Crocheted in two rectangles and one trapezoid with minimal decreasing, you’ll be able to crochet a dog sweater that is both easy, cozy and fast to work up.
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice
This pattern is available to buy on Etsy.
11. Poet Dog Sweater
This pattern is available for sizes S, M/L, 1X/2X
This free simple crochet dog sweater pattern is made in 2 pieces, the back and underpiece which are worked separately and then sewn together, leaving openings for legs.
The simple double crochet (US single crochet) stitch in this pattern looks fantastic!
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun (bulky/chunky weight yarn)
A fabulous pattern for those learning to crochet.
12. Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern
There are two options for this dog sweater – a ruffled edge or you can choose to leave it out and crochet a straight row instead.
Simple to crochet, measure your dog’s neck, fore chest, chest and length so that the sweater will fit your dog’s unique size.
Yarn: Any worsted weight/Aran #4
Whether you’re a right-handed or left-handed crocheter, you’ll find a video tutorial for this pattern.
13. Cosy Crochet Dog Sweater
Available in sizes S, M and L , this free crochet pattern dog sweater is started at the collar where you work in rounds to the middle of the back, skipping stitches to create leg holes.
Then you turn your work and continue in rows to the base of the tail.
You’ll crochet directly into the missed stitches and chain spaces for the leg cuffs which are worked in rounds.
This is very similar to how my dog sweater crochet pattern is worked but in reverse!
This dog sweater can be customized to fit any size. Follow the instructions in the pattern.
This pattern is beginner friendly.
14. Chunky Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern
This pattern is available in S, M and L.
I love that the instructions are written separately for each size so if you have difficulty following a pattern because you’re overwhelmed with all the numbers and brackets, give this free crochet dog sweater pattern a go.
You’ll be working in the round and creating the leg openings as you crochet.
Crocheted in chunky yarn, this dog jumper will take no time in working up.
The link is a direct download for the free crochet dog sweater PDF.
15. Crochet Easy Dog Coat
This bright and bold crochet dog coat is the perfect accessory for keeping your dog warm this winter.
Available in S, M, L and XL, this video tutorial has timestamps (which include tips) and instructions for right and left handed crocheters.
There is also a free pattern (PDF) linked in the comments of the video tutorial. I recommend you download a copy and use the instructions alongside the video.
I hope you found a suitable project from these free crochet dog sweater patterns.
You probably won’t have to buy any yarn (ha, who am I kidding :)) because you’ll have enough in your stash already.
If you crochet from my pattern, I would love to hear how you got on.
Happy crocheting!