Snuggie for Dogs

Now you can make a snuggie for dogs with this free pattern! I know what you're thinking, but this really is perfect for cold days when even your pup doesn't want to go outside.  Stitch up this quick fleece snuggley jacket, and your dog will be ready for any weather. . . or as Zoey prefers, a nice cozy nap.

Depending on the size of your pooch, you'll need about 1/2 yd - 1 yd of fleece, a 2-5" piece of elastic, some thread, and about 12" of velcro.  This pattern is slightly more complicated than the previous snuggies I've posted.  So if you're new to sewing, hang in there, skip the extra hemming steps, and feel free to ask questions!


I promise that this will be the last in my snuggie series.  Regular programming is scheduled to resume immediately.

Step 1: Tracing the Pattern

I've included the pattern I made for Zoey, based on her measurements.  She is long and tall for a small dog, so this pattern is a bit unique.  Also, since this was made as a gift, I didn't have Zoey around to try the snuggie on her and make adjustments.  You will be able to create a much more perfect fit to your own pet!

You can expand this pattern, or make something similar to suit your own dog's needs.  Measure them from neck to the base of the tail, add 2" for the cowl, and that is the finished length of the pattern you print out. 

If your dog has long legs, you can extend the length of the sleeve along the edge that is marked "fold."

Print out the pattern and adjust the size to suit your pooch. 

Where the pattern is marked "fold" means that the fabric should be folded in half and that edge of the pattern should lay along the folded edge of the fabric. 

Alternatively, you can print out two of each piece marked "fold" and tape them together, giving you a complete pattern piece that you can lay out on one layer of fabric.

Confused yet?

SO:
Fold the fleece in half and place the body pattern and sleeve pieces on the fold.  You'll need to do this twice with the sleeve - or, make a mirror image of the paper pattern piece and tape them together so you have the whole piece instead of half before cutting out of fleece.

Not show in the photo, but included in the pattern, is a strip for the velcro closures.  I used three of these, but how many you need will depend on the size of your finished snuggie.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric

You can see that I traced around the edges of the pattern and then cut about 1/2" outside of that line.  Whatever seam allowance you use is up to you, but this worked well for me.

Step 3: Making the Sleeves

The sleeves are not seamed up the side like people sleeves are - they're left open at the edges for more freedom of movement.  This is a bit clearer in the first picture of step 5.

Because of this, I decided to fold back the edges of the sleeves and hem them.  This step is completely optional.  Because you're using fleece, the threads won't unravel, so there's no reason to do this step except for personal aesthetic reasons.

From the pictures you can see I folded back the raw edge of three sides of the sleeves, leaving the rounded "cap" part of the sleeve unfinished, and went over the edge with a zig zag stitch.

Next, I pinned the sleeve cap into the armhole openings of the body piece (see pic. 3).  I butted the two seamed edges together and eased the rest of the sleeve cap into the armhole.  Place the seam opening to face the back of the body. 

Sew sleeve into armhole along traced lines.

Step 4: Elasticize the Neck

To help the snuggie "snug up" around your pup, add a piece of elastic along the small inner curve.  This will cause the belly of the snuggie to stay close to your dog's belly instead of sagging open.

Stretch a piece of elastic across the center of the belly opening and pin (as shown).  Three inches seemed like the appropriate amount for this size pattern.  Yours may vary!

Zigzag across the outer edge of the elastic, attaching it to the fleece.  The zigzag stitch will allow the elastic to stretch without popping the stitches!  (see pic. 2)

Next, fold over this edge of the fabric, sandwiching the elastic between the fleece (see pic. 3).  Zigzag stitch over this edge to create the hem of the snuggie.

Continue hemming around all edges of the snuggie.

Step 5: Attach Velcro Tabs

I'm so sorry I don't have a picture for this step!  I've tried to include image notes to explain the placement of the velcro along the back.  On one side, you'll sew the velcro to the fleece to extend the tabs beyond the edge.  On the other side will be the corresponding velcro pieces sewn onto the body of the snuggie itself.  I hope this is clear in the image notes!

Here is what your mostly-finished snuggie should look like -sleeves set in, and all hems finished. 

Next, take those tabs you cut out and sew them in half length-wise.  Then attach a piece of velcro to each of them, also lengthwise.  Space these out along the back edge (long sides) of the snuggie to act as closures, and sew on.  Sew the corresponding pieces of velcro to the opposite side of the snuggie so that when closed, the two edges will touch or slightly overlap.

To dress your pup in its new snuggie, place its paws through the sleeves and wrap the back around its back.  Velcro closed to secure!  The neck edge will fold down a little to create a cowl for added warmth.