Whether you want to knit or crochet a dog sweater for daily use, or for the festive period for example, then this is the guide you’ll need to help you make the best choice regarding yarns.
We care so much about our canine companions that it’s nice to do something sweet for them every now and again, especially when the temperature outside starts to drop.
So what better thing to make for them than their very own warm and cozy dog sweater? They’ll be grateful for it when they get to go on their walk all bundled up and comfortable whatever the weather outside.
What are the best yarns for knitting or crocheting a dog sweater? Well, depending on the type of sweater you’re after, your best bet will be either wool or acrylic yarn. The main criteria you should be looking for in yarn when it comes to dog sweaters, are that its washable, and unlikely to succumb to wear and tear.
The Best Yarns For Dog Sweaters
As every dog owner knows, dogs can be over-enthusiastic about a lot of things, and for that reason, a brand new knitted sweater can end up in tatters if you don’t take some time to figure out the best yarn to use.
1. Acrylic
While maybe your mind goes straight to wool when you think of warm and cozy clothes – and it is a great option for dog sweaters – acrylic may just be the best option out there for the purpose of making your furry friend a lasting top.
Why acrylic? Well, although cotton usually comes out on top in most debates on what yarn to use for various knitting and crochet projects, they don’t tend to include the presence of a lively animal like a dog.
With this in mind, your main consideration should be catering to your dog and making something that will be both comfortable and look good, but most importantly stand the test of time (and teeth).
So let’s start with the positives of using acrylic for your dog sweater. For one, acrylic as a material is super affordable due to its artificial nature. This means that you won’t be terrified every time your dog decides to jump in a puddle or enter a tussle with another dog.
Next, acrylic is incredibly water-resistant and also machine washable. So your dog can be out in the rain, splashing around in puddles, and even getting muddy with the other dogs, because at the end of the day you can chuck it in the washer and clean off any stains.
The last main positive is the durability of acrylic. This means your dog can paw away at it without it falling apart and becoming a mess of fabric on the floor.
So all in all, acrylic yarn is an excellent choice for a dog sweater that your pup can wear day in, day out. While not offering the same warmth of wool, acrylic is durable and reliable.
Before you go straight ahead and get yourself some acrylic for your dog sweater, bear in mind that it might prove irritable for your pup. Though this often isn’t a major issue, as their fur can act as a barrier anyway.
In addition, acrylic becomes heavy and sodden when wet, so be advised, if you’re looking for a rainproof dog sweater, acrylic might not be your best bet.
Try out this huge one-pound solid bundle of 100% acrylic yarn from Caron. Built to last, and coming in a wide range of colors, this product is a great choice for your doggy sweater.
2. Wool
Also a popular choice for knitted or crocheted dog sweaters, wool is definitely up to the job.
Obviously the best choice for a winter sweater for your dog, wool is incredibly warm and cozy. We often enjoy wearing Christmas sweaters to help us get through the festive period, so this year get your dog involved in the fun.
There’s nothing quite like seeing your dog curled up by the fireplace in its cozy new wool sweater, or strutting its stuff in the park making the other dogs jealous.
Even if your poor dog manages to get wet while wearing a wool-based sweater, it will retain its warmth. So wool yarn is suitable for all unpleasant winter weather, be it snow, rain or extreme cold.
This is a bonus since acrylic will likely be uncomfortable for your dog to wear the moment it gets wet. So wool prevents your dog from experiencing unnecessary discomfort while out and about. Plus it’s naturally more breathable than acrylic, so the comfort level is huge with this type of yarn.
If you get a wool yarn that is washable (like the one I’m about to recommend), then you’ll also be able to wash the sweater on a regular basis without worrying about shrinkage or ruining your amazing stitching.
The negative of using wool for your dog sweater is that it’s often quite coarse, and can as such be a source of irritation for your dog, or itchiness.
With all that said, wool is perfect for the typical winter, harsh weather dog sweater, that’ll keep your dog happy through the festive period.
For a highly reliable, and robust wool yarn to make the best dog sweater possible, try this Lion Brand yarn. Machine washable, and sturdy enough to withstand any punishment, this wool yarn should be a strong contender for any dog clothing.
3. Cotton
While it isn’t often the second or third choice option for knitting or crochet projects, it is for dog sweaters. However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t still a great choice for making them.
Like wool, cotton is a highly sustainable choice, given that it is 100% biodegradable. As a result, you’ll not only help your favorite pet with this yarn, but you can also help the planet by making an environmentally-conscious decision.
Cotton passes most of the tests when it comes to factors such as durability and breathability. This means your dog will feel extra comfortable in hotter weather, and won’t feel bogged down by its brand new lovingly made sweater.
So this means that cotton is a great choice for a day to day sweater if you want to dress your pup up in nicer weather. If it’s just a bit chilly, maybe it seems too much to stick a thick wool sweater on your dog, so cotton can be the pleasant lightweight alternative.
On top of this, cotton is known for being water-resistant and is also machine washable. So rain and stains shouldn’t be a big problem in the long run.
Yet that being said, when cotton gets wet, due to its inelastic nature, it tends to become heavy and sag. This isn’t ideal in terms of your dog’s comfort, especially if you’re caught in a heavy rain shower.
Cotton is also more difficult to work with than other fabrics, which means you might have a tougher time knitting or crocheting your dog sweater. This is especially true if this is your first time attempting such a project.
For your dog sweater, you’ll likely want to get your hands on a very reliable and high quality cotton yarn. That’s why I’ve picked out this highly rated cotton cone yarn from the ever-popular brand Lily Sugar’n Cream.
How To Crochet Or Knit A Dog Sweater
So, how exactly do you make a dog sweater?
Now that you know the best yarn fabrics to use for it, let’s go over the main strategies to making a knitted or crocheted dog sweater.
First, as we’ve already established, you’ll need to work out what kind of sweater you want for your dog. If it’s for daily use in mild weather, cotton is a good option, if it’s solely for the festive period or winter you’re probably better off selecting acrylic or wool yarn.
Now let’s get to the nitty-gritty details. The first thing you’ll have to do is hold your dog down long enough to measure them. Easier said than done, I know.
Make sure you measure the body circumference, the back, the neck, and the legs. This’ll prove mighty useful when it comes to deciding how much yarn you’ll need for the project.
An important thing to consider when thinking about the size of your dog sweater, as well as its current size, is how big it’s likely to get. That way you can plan accordingly by making it a bit bigger for it to grow into if necessary.
Lastly, before you get started on the knitting or crocheting, think carefully about how you want the sweater to look on your dog and which color scheme best compliments their coat.
I personally love this video by Woolpedia on how to crochet a doggy sweater. She crochets so flawlessly. It’s mesmerizing to watch in addition to being helpful!
