All Projects
Dog Coats
Create a coat for your furry friend and keep them warm during winter! This dog coat project is fabulous if you're an animal lover, and is great for beginners and those that are interested in learning how to sew. Choose some funky fabric, and even personalise it with embroidery! It's a lovely handmade gift for your little companion.
Want to create something for charity? These dog coats can also be donated. View the list of charities that accept this item below →
What you need:
- 1m of fleece (for the lining)
- 1m of cotton, fleece, linen, flannelette, or cotton blends (for outer fabric)
- Printed pattern →
- Sticky tape
- Pins
- Scissors
- 10cm of velcro
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
Print the pattern to scale
Print the pattern with "scale to fit" turned off. You can check that your pattern is the correct size by measuring the 5cm test square.
Print the pattern out, cut the pattern pieces, and sticky tape them together matching the registration marks and letters. Cut out the pattern sizing that you need; medium, large or extra large.
Note: Please avoid using any potential choking/chewing hazards like buttons, beads and rhinestones.
STEPS
- Cut out the pattern pieces; the lining and the outer fabric.
- If you wish to add embroidery, please do so now before continuing on.
Creating the straps
- Let's create the coat straps first. Match the two outer pieces of fabric so that the right sides are facing each other.
- Add the fleece lining to either side. This will give the straps some extra weight and strength.
- Pin around the edge to prepare for sewing.
- Sew 1/4" from the edge leaving the straight bottom edge left open/unsewn.
- Trim the outside edges so they are neat and tidy. Also make small snips to the corners, being careful not to cut through the stitching.
- Turn the strap inside out through the opening at the bottom. Now we are ready to sew the pet coat together.
Putting the coat together
- Match the two coat fabric pieces so that the right sides are facing each other.
- The pattern will indicate where the strap needs to be placed inside the two pieces of fabric, as shown below.
- Pin around the edge of the fabric, keeping the bottom center open. Mark this opening with two pins so that you don’t accidentally sew over it.
- Sew 1/4" around the pet coat starting from the first pin, ending at the second pin, as shown.
- Trim the excess material from the edges of the coat. Also snip into the cornered edges being careful not to knick the stitches.
- Turn the dog coat inside out through the bottom. Once it is turned the right way out, iron the edge of the coat flat.
- Sew the bottom edge closed and then continue to sew 1/4" around the entire outside of the dog coat. This will just reinforce the stitching to ensure that it doesn’t come undone.
Adding the velcro
- Cut out the two strips of velcro (5cm each width).
- Stick or pin the velcro on the inside of the neck strap as shown below.
- Stick or pin the velcro to the inside of the waist strap as shown below.
- Sew around the edges of the velcro to secure it onto the pet coat.
ADD EMBELLISHMENT
Add an extra special touch to your dog coat with normal embroidery or attach an embroidered badge! With a design of your choice, you can create a cute little badge to stick onto your dog coat and personalise it. Check out our instructions on how to make an embroidered badge →
DONATE SOME TO A CHARITY
These dog coats can also be donated to charity. If you want to contribute to a great cause, the charities listed below accept handmade dog coats. Just send your creations in to the mailing address provided.
Are you a charity that would accept this item? Contact us to have your details added here.
Queensland
Animal Welfare League
View locations →
Free Embroidery Designs
We're excited to offer our free Echidna designs available for download. These free designs are perfect for those at a beginner or an advanced level. Add these designs to your stash and create incredible embroidery!
View all free designs >
Sewing, Quilting and Embroidery Machines
Interested in learning how to sew, quilt or embroider? Take a look at the innovative Brother machines available for purchase at Echidna Sewing. Wherever possible we will beat any deal and you will always receive ongoing service and support!
Find out more >
Learn to Sew or Embroider with Echidna Sewing
Come along to our fun-filled classes to learn more about sewing, embroidery and crafting. Classes cater for all skill levels, whether you're just starting out or already have advanced knowledge.
Find out more >
Echidna project material/ fabric requirements are an indication only and can seem to be generous. This has been intentional. Should you make a cutting or embroidery mistake you will have sufficient fabric to rectify your error.