Measurements you need
The dog is standing. Tape around the chest just behind the front legs, at the widest point, not tight — two fingers should fit under the tape.The dog is standing. Tape around the chest just behind the front legs, at the widest point, not tight — two fingers should fit under the tape.
Toy terrier 9⅞–11¾ in, dachshund 15¾–19⅝ in, Labrador 27½–33½ in.Toy terrier 25–30 cm, dachshund 40–50 cm, Labrador 70–85 cm.Around the neck at the base — where the collar sits, loose.Around the neck at the base — where the collar sits, loose.
Usually two thirds of the bust.Usually two thirds of the bust.The dog stands straight, head up. Tape along the spine from the base of the neck (from the collar) to the base of the tail.The dog stands straight, head up. Tape along the spine from the base of the neck (from the collar) to the base of the tail.
Toy terrier 7⅞–9⅞ in, dachshund 13¾–17¾ in, Labrador 21⅝–25⅝ in.Toy terrier 20–25 cm, dachshund 35–45 cm, Labrador 55–65 cm.Around the front leg at the top, right at the body. Optional: without this measurement the pattern maker will estimate it from the bust.Around the front leg at the top, right at the body. Optional: without this measurement the pattern maker will estimate it from the bust.
Usually a quarter of the bust.Usually a quarter of the bust.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 23⅝ in, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 60 cm, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.
Skirt 15¾–39⅜ in, pants 35⅜–43¼ in, shorts 11¾–21⅝ in.Skirt 40–100 cm, pants 90–110 cm, shorts 30–55 cm.How the sweater is drafted
The back is cut on the fold along the spine and wraps around the sides to the belly; between the front legs is the chest piece, also cut on the fold. The back depth, the position of the leg opening, and the angle at the belly are drafted from the bust measurement, the neckline from the neck measurement, and the length from the back length. The sleeve cap length equals the leg opening, and the sleeve width is based on the leg circumference.
We checked the draft against proven commercial patterns of the same style: the main dimensions match.
The pattern maker checks the draft automatically: the chest and back seams match, the neckline is roomier than the neck, the sleeve cap equals the leg opening, and the sleeve is not narrower than the leg. The results are in the “Draft check” section.
How to print and tape
Download the PDF on Letter or A4 sheets and print at 100% scale, without “fit to page.” The first sheet has the test square: measure it with a ruler. Tape the sheets together with an overlap along the strips ⅜ in1 cm; sheet numbers and the assembly diagram are on the first page. For a copy shop or plotter, choose “One-sheet PDF.”
What you get
The back, chest piece, and sleeves at full size, with seam allowances. The binding is cut in strips — lengths are under the drawing.
FAQ
What measurements should I take on my dog?
Bust — just behind the front legs, at the widest point; neck — where the collar sits; back length — from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. The dog should stand straight. You don’t need to measure the front leg circumference — the pattern maker estimates it from the bust.
Will the sweater work for both a girl and a boy dog?
Yes. The belly is open and finished with binding, and the default back length is a little more than half the dog’s back length — so the sweater doesn’t get in the way when the dog sits and does its business. You can increase the length — use the “Sweater back length” field.
What fabric should I use?
Knit fabric with good stretch: French terry, fleece, jersey, rib knit, velsoft. The binding for the neckline, hem, and sleeves is cut from rib knit or the same knit fabric crosswise so it stretches.
How do I sew it?
Sew the chest piece to the back with two short seams — at the neck and at the belly. Sew the sleeves into the leg openings. Finish the neckline, hem, and sleeves with binding: fold the strip in half lengthwise and sew it on, stretching slightly.