Pet Outfit Pattern With AutoDesk Sketchbook Pro

This is my cat, Padme, in a store-bought costume she didn't especially appreciate. 
I dress my cat up very frequently. She looks adorable. 
She looks super adorable.
Super duper adorable.

Unfortunately, pet costumes are a bit pricey and often are not the most comfortable design for your pet, so I've provided the general cut and measurements using AutoDesk Sketchbook Pro to make your own outfit for your furry friend.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

* I sheet of cloth - for this size outfit, 17 inches by 10 inches
* ribbon, tulle, etc. for decoration
* thread and needle OR sewing machine
* a cooperative pet

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Step 1: Cut the Base Out of One Piece of Cloth.

I've kept it simple. Yes, your pet will look adorable, but, no, she/he won't want to keep the outfit on for very long, so I didn't want the project to be too time consuming.

You can cut your base out of one piece of cloth. The two inch "skirt" at the bottom can be left out if you're dressing up a guy.

Make sure you leave those "arm holes" big! The roomier they are, the easier it will be to get your pet's paw through. This is the main problem with most store-bought outfits.

These measurements are for a 10 pound animal. If your pet is smaller or bigger, adjust accordingly. 

Step 2: Add Velcro and Decorations.

Sew the sticky velcro on the top of the dress on one side and the non-sticky velcro on the bottom of the dress on the other side.

Regardless of your pet's gender, the outfit will look best with a thick ribbon sewn across the bottom (above the skirt).
If your outfit has a skirt, sew some tulle, ribbon, etc. onto the edge to make the skirt look fuller and fancier.

Step 3: Tips for Getting Your Pet Into Its New Outfit:

Put your hand under your pet's paw and *very*gently lift up to put their paws through the "arm holes" in the outfit. Then reach under your pet to fasten the velcro. Be sure to not get any hair caught in there!

It is often easiest to dress your pet when they are distracted by food.

BE SURE TO SUPERVISE YOUR PET WHEN IT IS DRESSED UP! While wearing this (once again, store-bought and unappreciated) hot dog costume, Padme once ran under the bed to hide. I had to crawl under there and get it off of her.

Enjoy!