In this article, you'll learn how to make a dog coat from a baby sweater. You'll also learn about drafting a pattern and sewing darts in the outer fabric and lining. Then, you'll sew in the velcro. If you'd like to save money, you can turn an old baby sweater into a dog coat. But before you do that, you'll need to try it on the dog.
Sewing Darts on Outer Fabric and Lining
Sewing darts is a very easy process. Start by marking the location of the darts with chalk or permanent markings. Then, use a needle and thread to sew along the lines to form the dart. Don't forget to knot the threads as you go, to avoid puckering. Read more about the right fabric for dog coat you should choose.
Next, sew the darts on the outer fabric and lining of a dog coat. You can use a sewing machine to make the darts, but you should make sure that you do not use a serger. This method can cause the fabrics to shift and cause a "bubble" effect. Instead, hand basting is more effective for flat alignment of the two fabrics. Using pins can prevent "bubble" effect.
During the sewing process, you can make use of a darning foot that has a circular opening. This foot doesn't clamp down on the fabric and allows you to sew a smooth seam. The dart legs or ends of the darts should stop near the pattern edge.
When sewing darts, make sure that you follow the grainline of the fabric. The grainline is a line that corresponds with the lengthwise grain of the fabric. You should also use a hams to shape the curves and darts during pressing.
Drafting a Pattern
The first step to draft a dog jacket pattern is to measure the dog's chest and back lengths. The chest length should be twice as long as the back length. Next, draw a line parallel to the back length. The length of the back line should connect to the lower end of the neck circumference line. The length of the front chest line should be the same length as the back length line.
Next, you'll want to figure out the amount of binding needed for the dog jacket. The binding should be knit, so it's easier to bend it around tight corners. Next, trace the pattern on the outer fabric. Sew the outer fabric to the right side. Then, sew the binding to the outer fabric. Repeat this step for the lining and collar pieces. You'll also want to cut off the straps if you're using nylon fabric. Remember, ripstop fabrics do not have much stretch.
After you've completed the drafting process, you'll be able to cut out your dog's sweater pattern. If you're sewing a dog sweater yourself, you can use markers or paper to draw the pattern. Begin with the neck measurement and add an inch to it. Then, draw another line from the neck to the tail, about eight inches away. You can also take the back measurement into consideration.
Turning an Old Baby Sweater Into a Dog Coat
Turning an old baby sweater into a cute dog coat is a simple DIY project that requires only a few basic sewing supplies. The first step is to measure your dog's size. To find out how large your dog's sweater should be, measure from the base of the neck to the front legs. Once you have the measurements, you can begin to cut the sweater.
If you don't want to sew the dog coat, you can also use an existing dog coat as a pattern for the new coat. Just make sure to leave a 1/2" seam allowance. You can also find free patterns online that include all dog sizes.
Alternatively, you can use an old pair of trousers or sweatpants as the material. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can use a sewing needle and thread. Start by measuring your dog's neck and tail from the bottom of the trouser. Once you've cut the right size, mark the leg holes on the dog's body. Next, cut a slit that measures about three inches long. Hem the edges to prevent fraying.
Luckily, making a dog sweater doesn't require professional sewing skills. You can even make a dog sweater from an old sock. A simple pattern for a dog sweater can be found on GoodDiy. A sock sweater doesn't require sewing, but hemming the openings will keep the sweater long lasting.