Introduction: Easiest Custom Knit Dog Sweater Ever.

If you can knit a rectangle and sew a few pieces together this is a perfect beginner knit project for you and your dog to enjoy.
This sweater consists of 4 knit garter stitch rectangles sewn together.
If you can cast on and off, and  knit simple garter stitch, this pattern is for you.


If you want to make it unique with embroidery, Intarsia, fancy stitch patterns,   ruffles or collars, this pattern is perfect for customizing.

Step 1: Measure Your Model

Measure your dog from the beginning of the underbelly on one side, over the  back to the beginning of the underbelly on the  other side.
Lily needs a 16 inch wide first rectangle.

Step 2: Measure the Length

Measure the length of your rectangle by measuring the distance from your dogs neck to just before the hind legs.
Lily needs a length of 10 inches.
Use the needles and yarn you have to create a rectangle the size you measured.
Lily needs a rectangle 16 inches wide 10 inches long.
I used a chunky yarn, size 3, or 6.5 mm knitting needles, cast on 36 stitches and knitted my first rectangle until it was 10 inches long.

Step 3: Take Measurement for Second Rectangle

Measure the distance of the underbelly from the inside of one leg, across the belly to the inside of the other leg..
Lily is 8 inches wide.
The second piece should be 8 inches wide by half the length of your first piece.
My first piece was 16 inches wide by 10 inches long, so my second  piece needs to be 5 inches long.

My second rectangle is knit to be 8 inches wide by 5 inches long.

Knit your second rectangle.

Step 4: Sew First Two Rectangles Together.

Place smaller rectangle at bottom of first panel and attach along one side.
Then attach the other sides together to form the bottom part of the tube.

Go forward one step to see next photo if you can't envision  how the rectangles get attached.

Step 5: Fit Your Model Knit and Attach Your Third Rectangle.

Place your sweater on your dog and measure the opening between the two sides at the neck edge.
I need a rectangle of 6 inch width to complete my tube at the neck edge.
This third rectangle should be 1/5 of the length of your first rectangle.
My first rectangle was 10 inches long, (divide by 5) is 2 inches
So my third rectangle should be 6 inches wide by 2 inches long. ( If measurement is less than one inch, use one inch.)

Knit third rectangle and attach in same manner as the second rectangle but to the very top of the sweater opposite the second rectangle.

Step 6: Knit Last Rectangle and Attach

The last rectangle is to stabilize the sweater and keep it in place.
It should be 1/4 the width of your second rectangle.

My second rectangle was 8 inches wide by 5 inches long, so my last  rectangle will be ( 8 inches wide divide by 4 ) so 2 inches wide.

The last rectangle should be 1/5 of length of first rectangle....my first rectangle was 10 inches long...so (10 divide by 5) is 2 inches long.

My last rectangle will be 2 inches wide by 2 inches long (is actually a square...lol...saving myself numerous messages) and should be attached in the middle of the belly opening, attaching the neck rectangle  to the stomach rectangle.

Knit and attach your last rectangle.

Step 7: Put on Your Model and Enjoy

Dress up your pup and send me a picture of your creation...:)

Step 8: Customize Your Sweater.

As the first main rectangle is a simple rectangle it is perfect for customizing for your pet. Create a pattern with colors, add stripes or your pet's name.
I  chose to pick up some stitches along the top edge of the sweater to create a small ruffled collar and support the Dutch soccer team. Hup Holland!
This basic sweater is your canvas. Use your imagination to create some fun dog sweaters. Would love to see what you come up with.

Happy Knitting