How to Make Animal Clothing

If you are an animal lover looking for a good arts and crafts project, you may want to consider making clothing for your pets. Usually, dogs are much more comfortable with the idea of being dressed than cats or any other animal. While humans may love the way animals look in clothes, it is important to be mindful of your pet’s needs. If they struggle to be dressed or are uncomfortable in their garments, it is not in their best interest to dress them up.

Measure your pet from the back of the neck to the base of the tail. It is best to use a measuring tape for this so you can account for the shape of your pet’s spine. Make note of this measurement, as well as the length from the center of your pet’s neck to the bottom of his paws.

Wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your pet, usually around the ribcage or stomach. This will help you determine how big around any clothing you put on your pet needs to be to fit him comfortably.

Decide on the garment you would like to create. If your pet doesn’t like being walked in the rain, you might consider making a raincoat to protect him from the water. For cold weather, you might consider making a sweater. Halloween costumes are also ideal for animal clothing.

Trace a pattern based on your measurements and chosen garment design. If you are not comfortable free-handing a design based on your measurements, try draping a piece of muslin cloth over your pet and trace out the shape you would like to create. Lay your cloth flat and add 1 inch on all sides of your pattern pieces for seam allowances.

Cut out your pattern pieces and pin together with straight pins, leaving the extra inch as excess material that you can cut off after sewing. Sew your pieces together following your line of pins with a sewing machine.

Add decorative elements to add interest to the clothing. You may consider sewing on details like polka dots or animal prints. Or you could embroider a monogram on your pet’s clothing.