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Dandy Dog Sweater: Easy Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern

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If you’ve been looking for an easy crochet dog sweater pattern for your pooch, this is it friend! This dog sweater pattern comes in three sizes that will fit tiny dogs to medium sized dogs. Whip up a sweater for your pup using this free crochet pattern.

free Dog Sweater crochet pattern

Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern

We have three dogs in our house; one 5lb, one 13lb, and one half Pitbull/half Dachshund that absolutely runs the show. I mean really, with those eyes and her tiny little legs?! She’s simply majestic. ♥

medium size dog sweater pattern

Dandy Dog Sweater Free crochet pattern

small size dog sweater pattern

extra small size dog sweater pattern

This stylish crochet dog sweater pattern comes in sizes XS, S, and M, and is worked from the neck down, all in one piece with no sewing involved.  If you need the crochet sweater for large dogs, head on over here.

Free crochet dog sweater pattern tutorial for large dogs

For this dog sweater we are using Brava Worsted yarn. My colors here are Dove Heather, Paprika, and Avocado. You could substitute with any worsted you have on hand, as it doesn’t take much – especially for the extra small dog sweater. 😉

Find the ad-free, printable version of this pattern on Ravelry, Etsy, or right here in the Heart Hook Home shop. Thank you!

Materials:

Brava Worsted Weight Yarn
-approx. 110 yards for XS
-approx. 205 yards for S
-approx. 375 yards for M

Crochet hook in size H/5mm

Find the VIDEO tutorial for this pattern below!

crochet dog sweater sizing chart

Gauge: 14 sts x 13 rows = 4”

Gauge pattern:

Row 1: Ch-18. (sc, dc) in 2nd ch from hook. * sk next ch, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * 6 more times. Sk next ch, sc in last. (17)

Rows 2 – 14: Ch-1, turn, * (sc, dc) in next st, sk next st * repeat between * * 7 more times. Sk next st, sc in last. (17) Measure for gauge.

Note on gauge: Always make your swatch slightly larger than it needs to be so that when you measure you are only including inside stitches, not the outside stitches that are not uniform in shape. More on gauge here.

Pattern notes:

Pattern written using US terms.

The chain at the beginning of the row does not count as a stitch.

Front post/Back post stitches are used for the collar. There is a tutorial for these stitches here.

The body of this sweater uses the Thicket (aka Suzette) stitch. There is a tutorial for that stitch here.

Find the ad-free, printable version of this pattern on Ravelry and Etsy or in the Heart Hook Home shop. Thank you!

NEW! Grab the holiday theme variations, also free on Heart Hook Home. ♥

holiday dog sweater pattern

Now that you’ve got gauge down, its time to whip up a dog sweater! If you need the crochet sweater for large dogs, head on over here.

Dog Sweater Video

Collar:

Row 1: Fhdc– (33, 43, 53) (or ch- (34, 44, 54), hdc in 2nd chain from hook and in each to end.) Join to top of first st with sl st. Stitch count: (33, 43, 53)

Row 2: Ch-1, do not turn, * fphdc around next st, bphdc around next st * repeat between * * around, fphdc around last st. Join to top of first fphdc with sl st. Stitch count: (33, 43, 53)

Row 3: Ch-1, turn, * bphdc around next st, fphdc around next st * repeat between * * around, bphdc around last st. Join to top of first bphdc with sl st. Stitch count: (33, 43, 53)

Row 4: Ch-1, turn, * fphdc around next st, bphdc around next st * repeat between * * around, fphdc around last st. Join to top of first fphdc with sl st. Stitch count: (33, 43, 53)

Rows 5 through (6, 8, 10): alternate rows 3 & 4. Stitch count: (33, 43, 53)

Chest/Body:

Row (7, 9, 11): Ch-1, do not turn. (sc, dc) in first st. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around, sk next, (sc, dc, sc) in last st. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (35, 45, 55)

Row (8, 10, 12): Ch-1, turn, (sc, dc) in first st. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around, sk next, (sc, dc, sc) in last st. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (37, 47, 57)

Rows (9, 11, 13) through (13, 17, 25): repeat previous row. Stitch count: (47, 61, 83)

Row (14, 18, 26): Ch-1, turn, (sc, dc) in first st. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around (do not do the extra sc). Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (48, 62, 84)

Armholes:

Row (15, 19, 27): Ch-1, turn * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (0,1, 2) more times. (2, 4, 6 sts total so far). Sk next st, sc in next. Ch-(7, 11, 15), sk-(9, 13, 17) sts. In next sc, place (sc, dc). Repeat between * * (10, 11, 17) more times. Sk next st, sc in next. Ch-(7, 11, 15), sk-(9, 13, 17) sts. In next sc, place (sc, dc). Repeat between * * to end. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (44, 58, 80)

Row (16, 20, 28): Ch-1, turn. * Sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around (including chains). Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (44, 58, 80)

Rows (17, 21, 29) through (20, 30, 44): Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (44, 58, 80)

Begin body tapering:

Row (21, 31, 45): Ch-1, turn, sl st in first (2, 4, 6,) sts, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (18, 23, 32) more times. Sk next st, sc in next. (leave remaining 2, 4, 6) sts unworked) Stitch count: (39, 49, 67) not including sl sts.

Row (22, 32, 46): Ch-1, turn, sk first 2 sts, * (sc, dc) in next, sk next st * repeat between * * (17, 22, 30) more times. Sc in next st. Stitch count: (37, 47, 63)

Row (23, 33, 47): Ch-1, turn, sk first 2 sts, * (sc, dc) in next, sk next st * repeat between * * (16, 21, 29) more times. Sc in next st. Stitch count: (35, 45, 61)

Continue decreasing until you reach row (36, 46, 66) ending with (9, 19, 23) sts.

Row (37, 47, 67): Ch-1, turn, sc in each st/row end around. Join using Invisible Join.

Find the ad-free, printable version of this pattern on Ravelry and Etsy or in the Heart Hook Home shop. Thank you!

Ta-da! I hope your furry friend loves their sweater, and that you enjoyed making it! When you’re finished I’d love to see a photo of yours. Tag me by using @HeartHookHome on Instagram and Twitter, or share in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook.

how to crochet a dog sweater

More pet patterns and recipes:

Female Dog Diaper for Dogs in Heat Crochet Pattern

How to Make Cat Toys Using Yarn and Felting

Easy Homemade Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Comments

  1. Anna Smith says

    I am making this for a friends puppy. I’m on row 19 of the medium size. I’ve taken the last row out 3 times. I don’t have enough sts to do row. What could I be doing wrong? Thank you for your help.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi! I have a chart of my most commonly used abbreviations in this post: https://hearthookhome.com/how-to-read-a-crochet-pattern/
      Reply

  3. Liann says

    Hello, of all the dog sweater patterns I love yours the best. Would a medium be the right size for a miniature schnauzer? I want to make a sweater for my fur-niece . Thanks.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Liann! I am so glad you like the pattern! I really don't know how big a miniature schnauzer is...so maybe? Lol. I would say your best bet would be to get measurements of the dog, then go from there =)
      Reply

  4. Anita says

    Hola Megan me gustaría que pusieras el gráfico del sweter gris en talla M y L ya que escrito no lo entiendo por el vocabulario.
    Reply

  5. Belinda Lin says

    Hi! I'm loving this cute pattern! I'm still a beginner, so I'm having trouble with knowing what does this mean "join to top of first sc with sl st". I feel like my count keeps on getting off depending upon which stitch I join at the end... Does it mean I"m not going into the chain (it's a little hard to tell). I feel like I've done it both ways. Also, are the stitches always going into the single crochet (the one that looks like a bigger hole)? Thanks!
    Reply

    • Amy says

      ‘Join with a sl stitch’ means to join your last stitch of the row you’re working to the first single crochet you made via a slip stitch. I’ve found it really helps to use a stitch marker in that first single crochet. I’m pretty sure that in most instances you’re going to work your sc & dc into the smaller stitch, the sc from the previous row.
      Reply

  6. Amy says

    I love this pattern! I got about halfway through the medium size and realized that it was too tight around my dog’s neck and way too loose around his belly. He’s a big Shih-Tzu, but is very skinny, lol. His neck measures 14’ and chest is 18’. I don’t have any experience with modifying patterns. Any advice would be appreciated!
    Reply

  7. Lisa says

    Your daschound mix looks just like my daschound mix. Wish I could post a pic for you to see. I love your video and instructions. I'm pretty new to crochet but will attempt this. Thanks
    Reply

  9. Aileen says

    I really wish there were directions for a full sweater for a female corgi. With her tiny little legs, her bare belly will drag in the snow this winter. She is visiting from California so was hoping to find something to keep her warm in our Canadian winter.
    Reply

  11. Navy Toch says

    I love this pattern but I kind of got confused with the counts and I'm doing a size medium, unfortunately I had to undo the stitches and start back from the collar again but after all it make so much sense now
    Reply

  12. Lj says

    Hi I'm so stuck, I've followed the pattern exactly for the large size but at the end of row 25 I have 69 stitches, not 83. Looking at the pattern, if the rows increase by 1 each time there's no way if end up with 83 stitches on row 25,what am I missing? Thanks
    Reply

  13. Ida says

    Hi! Thank you for the recipe! So happy to have found this and excited to get started. My puppy has a 13 inch neck and 18,5 inch chest. She is four months old so she will likely grow to be a large dog but I really want to make something for her to use right away since it’s getting cold. Is there an in between size between the small and medium size in your chart? Or does anyone else here have suggestions perhaps?
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hello Ida! You could do the Medium and it would just give your pup a little growing room, or you could go up a hook size and do the size small for something that would probably fit perfect right now. I hope this helps!
      Reply

  14. Megan says

    I see the other pattern linked for larger sized dogs but I prefer the look of this one. Are you able to make an adjacent post with a pattern sharing this for larger sized dogs? Would really appreciate it. Thank you!
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Megan! I was initially going to do the larger sizes like this one, but quickly found out it didn't work as well for the bigger dogs. Larger dogs tend to have longer legs that wouldn't easily "cram" into the armholes and it didn't fit quite right, which is why the big dog pattern is made differently.
      Reply

  15. Giuliana says

    Hello! I have a French Bulldog, thick neck but short, big chest. Can you give me a couple of recommendations on measurements? I started the Medium but realized for example that 10 rows of neck is a lot for him, so I reduced it to 7 rows of 55 stitches, it runs perfectly. About the body.. I am struggling.. any advice? Thank you very much, your pattern is amazing and the explanation better so! I am writing all the way from Peru. Thanks!
    Reply

  16. Dolores says

    Hi! Thank you for the pattern! How do I make it a larger size? Is it just a matter of hook size? Thank you in advance! Dolores
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Delores! I have a pattern for larger dogs which can be found here: https://hearthookhome.com/easy-crochet-dog-sweater-large-dogs/
      Reply

  17. Teresa says

    Hi. I was wondering if you could help me. I started a baby blanket a couple of years ago and I want to get it started again but I have one problem with it, I don't remember what stitch I used. I have tried several different people and have not gotten any replies. I hope you can help. I have a picture of the blanket but I don't see where I can upload it.
    Reply

  18. stacy says

    I will try this pattern. It is very cute! I also have a pit/dox and yes that little guy steals the show everywhere we go.
    Reply

  19. Jo Raston says

    I just love this pattern. I have a Jack Russell X Whippet who is very whippet in build. He loves his jumpers he now has almost 3 . His elderly sister Lab X KelpieX and even though she has a thick coat she just loves her jumpers as they keep her joints warm in her golden years.
    Reply

  20. Jean B says

    Such cute dogs on sweaters! I love the pattern. My question is how do you get the dog in the sweater? It looks tricky!
    Reply

  21. Sandra says

    I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I have started the pattern 2 times and counted my stitches. I just finished rows 11 through 17 and my stitch count is 52. The sweater looks just like the photos but the stitch count is off. What am I doing wrong? This is the first pattern from your collection that I've tried. I want this to work.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Sandra! I am sorry you are having trouble...if you could send an email (pics are helpful) to support@hearthookhome.com or a message to the Heart Hook Home FaceBook page, we can try to get it straightened out.
      Reply

  22. Tara Noland says

    Great pattern and very easy to customize. I made one for each of our two dogs and they fit perfectly. I added flower embellishments to one and bow ties to the other. So cute!
    Reply

  23. Jessica O'Neill says

    I'm so excited that I found this pattern!!! I have a pitbull / dachshund!!! She is such a sweet girl. I wanted to make her a sweater that will keep her warm. Wish I could post a pic of my cute girl.
    Reply

  24. Rachel says

    These are absolutely lovely!! I would love to make this as a surprise present for a colleague. Would the medium be the best size for a full sized pug? Don’t really want to start asking for measurements and let on I’m making one. Haha.
    Reply

  25. NancyJeanne says

    Great pattern! I had a lot of fun with it, in between my grumbling about my errors! I decided to add a picot trim in the back/tummy single crochets, and a rosette just above the tail. Given that I'm not the most creative person, I think it turned out nicely. This coat will be going to a young teenager who lives in Alaska, so I used Malabrigo Washted in Whales Road. She loves to dress her dog up, but let's face it; it's cold up there! Thus, the embellishments. I don't use social media, so no pictures, but I enjoy making comments
    Reply

  26. Laura Patterson says

    Hello Ashlea, I love your patterns and your blog, but I absolutely love, love your dogs, my fave is the dachshund/potty, omg her short legs and that potty face i love stomach, just one question, how the heck did it happen, lol, a pitty and a dachshund??, wow I would have never thought, thank you for showing her and the other 2,they are all very cute, not that you can tell but iman animal lover but dogs are the ones that I will fight for, I use my voice as theirs and I pity the person I ever catch hurts g a dog cause I can't hold back on that crap, I can tell your dogs are very loved and that they love you, again thank you and keep those free patterns coming!!!
    Reply

  27. Therese Mitchell says

    Have been hunting for a sweater pattern for our short haired dogs, and ran across yours. I was so excited! We have a Pit-Weiner too!!! she is colored like a red nosed pit, but half a dog too long and has the stumpy legs. the back legs are longer, so she's very fast, because she's always going downhill. I chose your pattern because i can see EXACTLY how it will look on her! Now i have to adjust it a bit to fit her baby brother....a 9 week old great dane!.
    Reply

  28. LulusMama says

    My toy poodle is 16 1/2 yrs, and she’s got a bit of bloating around her middle. I’m afraid making the size small, which fits her in all other aspects, might not fit her tummy. She’s not fat, so this is the only area where she’s not “regular” dimensions. Ideas on how to make the belly area fit her?
    Reply

  29. Susan says

    Thank you for this lovely pattern! I just finished making a size Small for my mini dachshund. I added another 11 or 12 rows before starting to reduce the body, plus another 3 or so to do the shaping more gradually, because I wanted it to cover her bottom. She's a long dog! It was easy to alter and worked great. Thanks again!
    Reply

    • Anne-Marie says

      I am just making one for my Dachshund puppy so that was really helpful in terms of making it longer. Not sure I understand your adaptation to the decreasing though
      Reply

  30. W says

    Wonderful pattern! Simple to follow and I love it has a video. This was my first dog sweater and it turned out great. I had to switch up a couple things as the sweater is for a French bulldog and he’s got some weird measurements. I’m starting sweater 2 today!
    Reply

  31. Knitting Nana says

    Thank you so much for this wonderfully cute and fashionable pattern. I’m so excited to try it in a tweed yarn for my Papillon. Your dogs are adorable and I so appreciate your pattern since dog sweaters are so hard to find customizable to specific sizes. Thanks so very much!
    Reply

  32. Beth says

    To maybe modify this pattern for a very weird size dog what are like the multiples u use and stitch amounts so it would come out right.
    Reply

    • Ash says

      Thanks so much I love this pattern, I find it hard to get patterns to fit my havanese she has a long body. I worked this up tonight and she's all cosy and warm wearing it to bed.
      Reply

  33. Debbie says

    This is so adorable, I can’t wait to make a few for my cocker spaniel! Do you have the measurements from the neck , down to the tip at the butt end? My girl is 20# and I’m not sure if she will need the sm, or medium. She does not like things to touch her tail. This measurement would help tremendously!!
    Reply

  34. Linda Moore says

    Thank you so much! Great Pattern! This was the first XS sweater that fir my toy poodle. Had a lot of fun doing it. You made it so easy!
    Reply

  35. Sarah Nash says

    Thank you for sharing your dog sweater patterns for free! I have made 2 of your sweaters for the larger dogs and the pattern is very similar to this, however now I need to make one for a small chihuahua so I came to this pattern. Unfortunately, the recipient would much rather have the sweater include buttons like the other pattern because her dog can be snippy and she does not like her legs being wriggled into the leg holes... is there a way for me to adapt this pattern for it to have a cheats flap and back flap instead of it being a continuous circle?
    Reply

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