Knitting Patterns

Scrappy Do Dog Sweater

This is a simple pattern that I created to make a sweater for my dog. He's about 25 lbs and this fits him well. When I've tried making this same pattern, but modified for a larger dog (in the 40+ lb range) it didn't work so well because the opening was too big and it sagged. But, for a small dog, I think it works well.

Stitches used: Knit and Purl
Skills needed: knitting in the round, bind off and cast on
Materials and supplies: Yarn (scraps work well), one stitch marker, DPNs (optional) and 16" circular needles.

I used size 8 US knitting needles and two strands of acrylic knitting worsted. I called this Scrappy Do in part because it's a good way to use up some of the yarn in your stash and using two strands together is a good way to blend bits and pieces together. Besides, dogs are color blind. :)

Cast on 80 stitches. I started on DPNs to prevent twisting and then switched to the circular needles after a few rows. Place stitch marker so you know where the round starts.

Work in K1P1 pattern for several inches, basically the length from your dog's legs to where they go wee. :) For my dog, that's about 7". 

Next, bind off 40 stitches. Complete round to where you started the bind off.

Cast those stitches back on.

 

Basically you're making a stretchy column with an opening in it. 

Continue in K1P1 for a few more inches to cover the area from legs to head. I made this one a little longer in order to create a turtleneck...because a dignified dog needs a turtleneck, right? For my dog, that was about 4 1/2". 

Bind off.

Your dog will be the envy of the neighborhood.