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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

YouTube 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, 31) more times. Sc in next st. Stitch count: (37, 47, 65)

Row (23, 33, 47): Ch-1, turn, sk first 2 sts, * (sc, dc) in next, sk next st * repeat between * * (16, 21, 30) more times. Sc in next st. Stitch count: (35, 45, 63)

Continue decreasing until you reach row (36, 46, 66) ending with (9, 19, 25) 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

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262 Comments

    1. Hi Ellen! This pattern includes instruction for a Medium (up to 15" neck, 24" chest). If you need larger, then I have the Large Dog Sweater which can be found here: https://hearthookhome.com/easy-crochet-dog-sweater-large-dogs/
      Reply
  4. Can I ask where the gap has gone when the fhdc is joined, When you completed the top ribbing the gap appears to disappear? Was it sewn together?
    Reply
  5. I am not enjoying this pattern :( . The combining of rows without stitch count per row just keeps throwing me off and my stitch count is constantly wrong.
    Reply
  6. I can't seem to make this sweater fit as the medium is too big around for my gal. I do, however, want to thank you! I adopted a dachshund mix in December. Thanks to your picture, I now know my girl is mixed with pitbull. She's a love! Her eyes are blue and she has more white than yours.
    Reply
  8. I made this pattern this past weekend for a friends dog I was babysitting. He's a Cheweenie, and the small size fit him perfectly! I added a hole on the back just after the neck portion for his harness, and added a few rows before the decrease to accommodate his daschund body. Your pattern was very easy to follow and modify. I wish I could post a picture! Thank you for sharing this, I would definitely make it again.
    Reply
  9. Love this pattern. Added cuffs to the arm holes and sice I have tighter tension I went up a size in hook. Made two so far for my littlest dog who doesn't like winter. She loves wearing them and looks so cute.
    Reply
    2. hi i love dog sweater i am hope to make one.i love your santa one do you make it the same way??do u have a video for the xmas one?? than you sandie
      Reply
  10. I would like to add an opening for the harness ring to go through. Can you give instructions on how to do this and which row to use? Thank you
    Reply
    1. I added a hole just after the neck portion to accommodate a harness hook, and it worked out perfectly. I just divided my stitch count in half after row 7 and skipped either 3 or 4 stitches and chained instead. I made a small, so I think I chained stitches 17-20, and then continued on with the pattern. It worked out great!
      Reply
  11. I'm making this for a friend's dachshund and he's pretty long. Think i could do that suzette stitch with singles and triples to keep the same row numbers but increase the sweater length in the decreasing rows?
    Reply
  12. Hi Ashlea, I love this pattern and am desperate to have a go. Is there a way of making this small dog pattern with the large dog chest? I have a shih tzu who does not like having her legs handled. She has a coat that just has a strap around her middle but I love this design, it looks so much more snuggly! Many many thanks for sharing!!!!!
    Reply
  13. Hi Ashley, I have completed this pattern for my dog and found that it is a little snug. I re-measured his neck and chest and his neck is 15 1/2 inches and his chest is 26. I was wondering if you could give me your opinion whether I should go up a needle size or add stitches? Fortunately, I can get the one I completed on him however, it looks as if it might be just a little bit uncomfortable, and it makes it harder to get his legs in.
    Reply
  14. I am having trouble. I am on row 21 and did a stitch count. I have 69 stitches and need 83 but this size looks already very big for the dog I am making it for. What should I do?
    Reply
  15. Sorry, I forgot to ask about size my sister's dog neck is 11" and chest is 21" and weighs 20 lbs. What size do I make?
    Reply
  16. Guage question. Tried searching through comments to see if this has been answered yet but didn't see anything. I am having the hardest time making gauge in row count. It is spot on for std but I get 6 rows in 4inches. Is that ok? Thank you
    Reply
  17. Hey there!! How much does your pit/dachshund weigh? I am trying to make this sweater for my 19 pound dachshund. Thank you!
    Reply
  18. Hey Ashlea ♥️ I am making the XS for this pattern and I’m on row 16. It says to follow between ** even for the chains. Can you please clarify what you mean for me? Like there are 7 chains…should I be doing 7 of the sc,dc or do the sc,dc skip sc,dc skip 4 times cuz there are 7 chains? I hope that makes sense lol I’m sorry to bug you but hope you see this. Cheers, Nikky
    Reply
  19. I have a Dachshund/Pitt mix and a teacup Yorkie. I'm SO excited to make them matching sweaters! That Doxie/Pitt mix is SUCH a great mix! Such sweet dogs
    Reply
  20. Hey ! This pattern is so cute and simply great, and the video is so helpful as I am a visual learner! I have a friend who has a dashshund who is just shy of 10 lbs..what st count would you recommend? She has struggled with finding sweaters that stay on her tiny little legs!
    Reply
    1. Hi Melissa! I would guess either the XS or the S, but would be best to get the pups neck and chest measurements and refer to the sizing chart.
      Reply
  21. Hey, I am in love with this pattern and have made many but I have a friend I'd like to make one for and her dog is less than 5 lb. I have tried going down a hook size on the XS but it's not quite small enough. Would you suggest going down more than one hook size?
    Reply
  23. My dog is between the small and medium size. Can I start with 48 fhdc instead of 53 just to make it a little smaller? It looks like a great pattern.
    Reply
    1. Hi Diana! I would either do the Small and go up a hook size, or do the Medium and go down a hook size.
      Reply
  24. I love this pattern, but am having trouble with the size medium in row 19. The number is sts don’t add up when following the instructions in (), the next armhole isn’t spaced equally from the center. Instead of 4 sts, do you mean 4 sets of (sc,dc)? And then repeating 11 more times doesn’t equally space the armholes. Can you check the medium size and tell me if I am wrong about this. Thank you so very much!
    Reply
    1. Hi Barbara! I double checked the numbers and everything is correct. You start with 2 sets of (sc, dc), sk a st, and sc in next, ch 11, sk 13, (sc, dc) in next, then another 11 sets of (sc, dc), sk a st and sc in next, ch 11, sk 13, (sc, dc) in next, sk a st and (sc, dc) in last.
      Reply
  25. Hi My friend Harriet turned me on to your site. I have a mixed lab with an 18.5 inch neck, weighing 56 pounds. Do you have a pattern for that size pup?
    Reply
    1. Yes! The big dog pattern can be found here: https://hearthookhome.com/easy-crochet-dog-sweater-large-dogs/
      Reply
  26. I’m probably overthinking this, but I don’t do guage swatches too often. It says (sc,dc) do i do a single and a double in the stitch or just one of them in a stitch?
    Reply
    1. You are absolutely correct! Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention! The blog version has been corrected and the pdf will be fixed soon.
      Reply
  28. I LOVE this pattern but had a question on Row (22,32,46) which ends in (37,47,63) sts. If the previous row ends in (39,49,67) and you are decreasing 2 sts per row shouldn't that row end in (39,49,65)?
    Reply
    1. Hi Adriana! I do have a pattern for larger dogs that can be found here: https://hearthookhome.com/easy-crochet-dog-sweater-large-dogs/
      Reply
    2. I have made both. I have an American bully and my sister has a rottie. I like the style that goes all the way around instead of buttons bc my dogs won't stay still long enough to do up the buttons. But I went up a hook size added a few rows as I worked. I love this pattern tho it's so pretty. I have made many different colours for my bully and she gets so many compliments
      Reply
  30. hi! i love this pattern, and have made two but was just wondering if there was a way i could make it where i could put buttons down the middle to do it up because i find it really hard to get over my little guys head. it’s such a gorgeous little sweater. thank you x
    Reply
    1. Hi Christy! I am sorry you are struggling with this! Have you watched the video tutorial? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGqGt2PnTsw&t=1271s
      Reply
  32. Hey I love this pattern and would love to make it with a diagonal sash across the back but can’t quite figure out which stitches to change colour. If you had any advice or tips or anything I love that!!!
    Reply
  33. Hey I love this pattern! I’d love to put in a diagonal stripe across the back but I'm having trouble figuring out what stitches to change colour. If you have any tips or know what stitches to change I’d love that.
    Reply
  34. Hi Ashlea, to make this even smaller for a one pound morkie pup, should I just go down in hook size or maybe 2 sizes? My best friend just got one after losing her Yorkie of 14 yrs, and I wanted to make the new pup a sweater.
    Reply
    1. Hi Sharon! Yes, you could try going down a couple of hook sizes...but I would also go down in yarn weight as well so the fabric isn't too dense and stiff. I think a 3/dk weight would be good.
      Reply
  36. When you are making the armholes, I don't know if it is just me but they appear to be on the wrong side (the side with the longer part instead of the shorter part) does this even out in the end or am I doing something wrong and I've somehow made my sweater backwards?
    Reply
    1. Hi Colleen! The armholes are on the side where it V's down...it will even out in the end. There is a video tutorial for extra help if you need it. https://youtu.be/cGqGt2PnTsw
      Reply
    2. Can I use another yarn that's not worsted, Red Heart metallac 4 medium, 98% acrylic and 2% other fibers. Or furry, fuzzy, hairy, and velvety yarns? Also what does worsted or dark mean?
      Reply
      1. Hi Rosie! Worsted is the yarn weight...it is the same as a medium or #4 weight yarn. You can absolutely use fibers other than the acrylic I used =)
        Reply
  37. You have a chiweenie! Bless you for this chiweenie-friendly pattern. As you know, they're very hard to dress!
    Reply
  38. I’m working on this right now. I’m making a small. How do you go from 58 stitches to 49 on the body tapering? Because I have 54. Thanks.
    Reply
  40. Hi! I am making the largest of this cuz my dog isnt quite large enough for your other pattern. Ive reached the part where im supposed to make space for his legs but he is a broad chested dog and I am nowhere near his legs yet. Can I just keep going with the 'add 1' part until I reach them? How close do I need to get?
    Reply
  41. Hi, I am using your pattern and videos to teach myself to crochet this for my ~3 pound morkie. I am on row 17 and so far it fits pretty well, just a little buckling in the chest (but I'm not going back now, it took too long to get to this point lol). My one concern is that it will be too long. Do you know the length measurement of the XS? She is just under 10 inches from the nape of her neck to the base of her tail. Thanks!
    Reply
    1. If your gauge matches, then the pattern should be about 11 inches from top of collar to bottom of sweater.
      Reply
  42. I'm trying to make the small one and cannot get my end of row stitch counts to match in the first chest/body portion. Where is the 1st increase? I know there's one when you do the sc/dc/sc in last stitch before join, but don't understand where the other is... I've already restarted once!
    Reply
    1. There’s only one increase in each row of the chest/body portion and it’s at the end of the row- the sc, dc, sc. So start with the first stitch (not the stitch where you ch 1, the first real stitch) work your way around doing a sc dc in every other, then when you get to the end you work that sc, dc, sc in the last stitch which is kind of hidden. The video helped me during this part. I’ve made two of these. Hope that helped.
      Reply