How To Make A Dog Coat: Adorable DIY Pet Accessories

When the temperature drops, we bundle up in sweaters and jackets without a second thought. For our dogs, especially those with short hair, senior dogs, or small breeds, a cozy coat isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a necessity for staying warm and comfortable on chilly walks.

But finding the perfect dog coat in a store can be a frustrating hunt. They might be the wrong size, an unflattering fit, made from itchy material, or simply lack the style you want for your precious pup.

It’s a common dilemma for pet owners. You want to keep your dog warm, but the off-the-rack options are expensive and often don’t account for your dog’s unique shape.

Maybe you have a long-bodied Dachshund or a deep-chested Greyhound, and standard sizes just don’t work.

The desire to create a custom-fit, stylish, and comfortable coat is strong, but the thought of a DIY project can feel overwhelming. You might worry that you need to be an expert seamstress or have a complicated pattern to succeed.

This guide is here to show you that learning how to make a dog coat is an easy, fun, and incredibly rewarding project. We will walk you through the entire process, from taking your dog’s measurements and creating a custom pattern to sewing a beautiful, durable coat.

We’ll even include a no-sew option for those who prefer to stay away from a needle and thread. Get ready to unleash your creativity and craft an adorable, tailor-made accessory that will keep your best friend warm all season long.

The Foundation of a Perfect Fit: Measuring Your Dog

Before you cut any fabric, the most crucial step is to get accurate measurements of your dog. A well-fitting coat is a comfortable coat. Grab a flexible measuring tape (the kind used for sewing) and some treats to make the experience positive for your pup.

The Three Key Measurements:

You will need three main measurements to create your custom pattern.

1. The Back Length (A): This is the most important measurement. Measure from the base of the neck (right where the collar sits) to the base of the tail. Do not include the tail itself. This determines the overall length of the coat.
2. The Chest Girth (B): Measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest, which is usually right behind their front legs. You want this to be a snug measurement, but not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath the tape.
3. The Neck Girth (C): Measure around your dog’s neck where their collar naturally sits. Again, ensure it’s a comfortable, two-finger-width measurement.

Pro-Tip: Jot these measurements down on a piece of paper. It’s helpful to draw a little diagram of a dog and label the measurements so you don’t forget which is which.

Creating Your Custom Dog Coat Pattern

Now you’ll turn those numbers into a usable pattern. This might sound intimidating, but it’s just a matter of connecting a few dots on paper. You can use a large sheet of paper, some old wrapping paper, or even newspaper.

Step 1: Drawing the Main Body Panel

1. Draw a straight line that is equal to your Back Length (A) measurement. This is the “spine” of your coat pattern.
2. About one-third of the way down this line from the “neck” end, draw a perpendicular line. The total length of this line should be half of your Chest Girth (B) measurement. Center this line on the spine.
3. At the “neck” end of the spine line, draw another perpendicular line. The total length of this line should be half of your Neck Girth (C) measurement. Center it on the spine.
4. Now, connect the dots! Draw a smooth, curved line connecting the end of the neck line to the end of the chest line on one side. Then, draw another curved line from the end of the chest line down to the “tail” end of the spine line. The shape should start to look like one half of a dog coat.
5. Repeat on the other side. You should now have a symmetrical coat shape that is wide around the chest and tapers toward the neck and tail.

Step 2: Creating the Chest Strap Panel

1. This panel goes under your dog’s chest to secure the coat.
2. Draw a simple rectangle. The length should be about half of your Chest Girth (B) measurement, plus about 4-6 inches for overlap. The width can be anywhere from 3 to 6 inches, depending on the size of your dog.
3. You will attach this piece to one side of the main body panel, and it will fasten on the other side.

Step 3: Cut Out Your Pattern

Carefully cut out your paper pattern pieces—the main body panel and the chest strap panel. You’ve now created a custom-fit pattern, the most important step in making a dog coat that fits perfectly!

Project 1: A Simple Sew-On Fleece Dog Coat

Fleece is the perfect fabric for a beginner’s dog coat project. It’s warm, soft, easy to sew, and the edges don’t fray, which makes it very forgiving. This project uses simple Velcro closures.

Materials You Will Need:

• Fleece Fabric: Choose a fun color or pattern. You’ll likely need about a yard for a medium-sized dog. Anti-pill fleece is a great choice.
• A Second Fabric (Optional): You can line the coat with a different fleece or a soft flannel for extra warmth and a pop of color.
• Your Custom Paper Pattern.
• Sew-On Velcro Strips: You’ll need a few inches of both the hook (rough) side and the loop (soft) side.
• Fabric Scissors.
• Sewing Machine and Matching Thread.
• Straight Pins.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing the Coat

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric

1. Lay your fleece fabric flat. If you are using a lining, lay both fabrics down, with the “right” sides (the pretty sides) facing each other.
2. Pin your paper pattern pieces onto the fabric.
3. Carefully cut out your fabric around the pattern. You will have two main body panels (one outer, one lining) and two chest strap panels.

Step 2: Sew the Chest Strap

1. Take your two chest strap pieces and place them right-sides together.
2. Sew around three of the four sides, leaving one of the short ends open.
3. Turn the strap right-side out through the open end. Press it flat. You now have a neat, finished strap.

Step 3: Assemble the Main Body

1. Lay your lining fabric piece right-side up.
2. Position your finished chest strap on top of the lining, along one of the long edges where it would wrap under the chest. The strap should be pointing inward, toward the center of the coat.
3. Now, place your outer fabric piece on top, right-side down.
4. Pin all three layers (lining, strap, and outer fabric) together around the entire perimeter. The chest strap is now sandwiched between the two main body pieces.

Step 4: Sew the Coat and Turn It Out

1. Using your sewing machine, sew around the entire perimeter of the pinned coat. CRITICAL: Leave a 4-5 inch gap unsewn along one of the straight edges (like the bottom hem). This is your turning hole.
2. Trim the corners and clip the curves to reduce bulk.
3. Carefully turn the entire coat right-side out through the gap you left. The chest strap will pop out into its correct position.
4. Use a dull point (like a chopstick) to gently push out all the corners and seams. Press the entire coat flat with an iron on a low setting.
5. Fold the raw edges of the turning hole inward and sew it shut with a neat topstitch very close to the edge. For a professional finish, you can topstitch around the entire perimeter of the coat.

Step 5: Attach the Closures

1. You will need a closure for the neck and for the chest strap.
2. Neck Closure: Sew a 2-3 inch piece of the hook (rough) side of the Velcro to the underside of one neck flap. Sew the corresponding loop (soft) side to the top side of the other neck flap.
3. Chest Strap Closure: Sew a piece of the loop (soft) Velcro to the top side of the main body panel, where the chest strap will overlap. Sew the corresponding hook (rough) Velcro to the underside of the end of the chest strap.
4. Important Safety Tip: Always place the soft side of the Velcro against the dog’s body to prevent any potential irritation.

Your beautiful, custom-fit, and reversible dog coat is now complete!

Project 2: The Easiest No-Sew Dog Coat from a Sweatshirt Sleeve

This is a brilliant and simple way to make a dog coat if you don’t have a sewing machine. It’s perfect for small to medium-sized dogs and is a fantastic way to upcycle an old sweatshirt.

Materials You Will Need:

• An Old Sweatshirt: Choose one with a fleece or soft interior. The size of the sweatshirt should correspond to the size of your dog—a larger dog needs a larger sweatshirt.
• Your Dog’s Measurements (Back Length and Chest Girth).
• Sharp Fabric Scissors.
• Fabric Glue or a Hot Glue Gun (Optional): For hemming or adding embellishments.

Easy No-Sew Instructions

Step 1: The Main Cut

1. Lay the sweatshirt flat.
2. Cut off one of the sleeves, starting from the armpit and cutting straight across to the shoulder seam. You now have a tube of fabric.

Step 2: Create the Leg Holes

1. Slide the sweatshirt sleeve onto your dog (gently!) to gauge the fit. The cuff of the sleeve will be the “turtleneck” collar of the coat. The seam of the sleeve should run down your dog’s back.
2. Note where your dog’s front legs are. Mark these two spots on the underside of the sleeve.
3. Take the sleeve off your dog.
4. At the two spots you marked, cut small semi-circles or ovals for the leg holes. Start small! You can always make the holes bigger, but you can’t make them smaller.

Step 3: Customizing the Fit

1. The bottom part of the sleeve will now be open, covering your dog’s chest and belly.
2. You can leave it as is for a simple pullover, or you can cut the underside open from the leg holes down to the hem. This creates two flaps.
3. To create a more coat-like fit, you can trim the underside so it tapers towards the back, providing coverage for the chest but leaving the tummy area free for potty breaks. You can add no-sew Velcro strips with fabric glue if you want a more secure closure.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Since fleece and sweatshirt material don’t fray, you don’t technically need to hem the edges you cut.
2. If you want a cleaner look, you can create a simple “hem” by folding the cut edges over by about half an inch and securing them with a line of fabric glue.
3. Try it on your dog one last time and make any final adjustments for a perfect, comfy fit.

In just a few minutes, you have upcycled an old sweatshirt into a cozy and functional coat for your small dog!

Conclusion: Crafting Warmth and Style for Your Best Friend

You’ve now learned how to make a dog coat, transforming a simple piece of fabric into a practical, stylish, and custom-fit garment for your furry companion.

Whether you chose to sew a reversible fleece masterpiece or upcycle a sweatshirt into a quick and easy no-sew pullover, you have taken a wonderful step in providing personalized care for your pet. This project is about more than just crafting; it’s an act of love.

Don’t let this be the end of your creative journey. Now that you understand the basics of pattern-making and construction, you can experiment with different materials. Try using waterproof nylon for a raincoat or soft flannel for a pair of doggy pajamas. You can add pockets, a hood, or even a harness hole.

The skills you’ve learned are a foundation for endless possibilities. Take pride in your handmade creation and enjoy the warmth and happiness it brings to your dog on every cold-weather adventure you share.