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Easy Crochet Dog Sweater for Large, Extra Large, and Extra Extra Large Dogs

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This easy crochet sweater for large dogs is stylish, warm, and fun to crochet too! Learn how to crochet a dog sweater for big dogs using this free crochet pattern.

Free crochet dog sweater pattern tutorial for large dogs

Easy Crochet Dog Sweater for Large, X Large, and XX Large Dogs

crochet large dog sweater tutorial

This free crochet sweater pattern for large dogs, extra large, and extra extra large dogs is perfect for our long-legged furry friends. One thing I noticed while designing the extra small, small, and medium dog sweater pattern is that with larger dogs it can be difficult to get their long legs into conventionally styled dog sweaters. If your tall pet doesn’t like their legs manipulated into a sweater with leg holes – who can blame them? – they’ll love you for using this pattern as it incorporates a flap with buttons. Simply slip the collar over their head and fasten below.

How to make a stylish crocheted sweater for big dogs

This dog sweater tutorial uses the Thicket (aka Suzette) stitch. This is the same stitch as I used in the smaller three sizes of dog sweater pattern, The Dandy Dog Sweater, which means that if you’ve got a mix of breeds and different sizes of dogs, all of them can match! Dawww!

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

Crochet sweater for large dogs

I love everything about this sweater. It is easy to crochet, it works up fast, and all of the dogs so far have loved it. If you’re needing smaller dog sweaters, you’ll want to use this pattern instead.

Measuring your dog for a crochet sweater

The most important measurement when determining which size to make is their chest measurement. You’ll want to measure the widest part of their chest, just behind their front legs. Because virtually all crochet will stretch as it is worn/used, I have taken this into account when designing this pattern. If your dog is in between sizes, I would go with the larger of the two.

sizing chart for large dog sweaters

Whether you’re headed to the dog park in style, or your large dog just likes being warm, you’re sure to love this pattern!

Beautiful sweater for large dogs free pattern

Large Dog Sweater Materials:

For both of my dog sweater patterns we are using Brava Worsted yarn. The color that Jessee is wearing in these photos is “Caution”. Of course, you could substitute with any worsted weight yarn you have on hand as well.

Brava Worsted Weight Yarn
-approx. 550 yards for L
-approx. 650 yards for XL
-approx. 750 yards for XXL

Crochet hook in size H/5mm

(6) 1” (or 1.25″) Buttons

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: 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.

Pattern Notes:

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

Pattern written using US terms.

Odd numbered rows are “right side”.

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, Etsy, or in the Heart Hook Home shop. Thank you!

Pattern:

Collar:

Round 1: Fhdc– (63, 73, 83) (or ch- (64, 74, 84), hdc in 2nd chain from hook and in each to end.) Join to top of first st with sl st. Stitch count: (63, 73, 83)

Round 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: (63, 73, 83)

Round 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: (63, 73, 83)

Round 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: (63, 73, 83)

Rounds 5 through 10: alternate rounds 3 & 4. Stitch count: (63, 73, 83)

Chest/Body:

Round 11: Ch-1, do not turn. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (64, 74, 84)

Round 12: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (7, 8, 10) more times. (16, 18, 22 sts so far). Sc in next st. In next st place (hdc, sc). Sc in next st. In next st place (sc, dc). (22, 24, 28 sts so far). * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (66, 76, 86)

Round 13: repeat round 12. Stitch count: (68, 78, 88)

Round 14: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (16, 18, 21) more times, sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in next. Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (70, 80, 90)

Round 15: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around until you have 4 sts remaining. Sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in last st. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (72, 82, 92)

Round 16: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (8, 9, 11) more times, sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in next. Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (74, 84, 94)

Round 17: repeat round 16. Stitch count: (76, 86, 96)

Round 18: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (18, 20, 23) more times, sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in next. Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (78, 88, 98)

Round 19: repeat round 15. Stitch count: (80, 90, 100)

Round 20: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (9, 10, 12) more times, sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in next. Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (82, 92, 102)

Round 21: repeat round 20. Stitch count: (84, 94, 104)

Round 22: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (20, 22, 25) more times, sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in next. Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (86, 96, 106)

Round 23: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around until you have 4 sts remaining. Sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in last st. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (88, 98, 108)

Round 24: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (10, 11, 13) more times, sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in next. Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (90, 100, 110)

Round 25: repeat round 24. Stitch count: (92, 102, 112)

Round 26: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (22, 24, 27) more times, sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in next. Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (94, 104, 114)

Round 27: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around until you have 4 sts remaining. Sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in last st. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (96, 106, 116)

Round 28: Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (11, 12, 15) more times, sc in next st, (hdc, sc) in next st, sc in next, (sc, dc) in next. Repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (98, 108, 118)

Round 29: repeat row 28. Stitch count: (100, 110, 120)
Round/s (30, 30 – 32, 30 – 34): Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * around. Join to top of first sc with sl st. Stitch count: (100, 110, 120)

Place a stitch marker in the last stitch made. (Makes it easier to count below) Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Chest flap:

Looking at the “right” side (see pattern notes), attach yarn in (9th, 11th, 11th) stitch to the right of the chest seam. (should be a sc)

Row 1: Ch-1, (sc, dc) in same st. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (7, 8, 9) more times. Stitch count: (18, 20, 22)

Rows 2 – (23, 25, 27): Ch-1, turn, * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * to end. Stitch count: (18, 20, 22)

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Back flap:

Looking at the “right” side, mark the (14th, 16th, 18th) stitch to the left of the chest flap. (should be a sc)

Row 1: Ch-(16, 18, 20), (sc, dc) in marked stitch, *sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (27, 29, 31) more times, ch-(16, 18, 20). Stitch count: (90, 98, 106)

Row 2: (sc, dc) in 2nd ch from hook. *sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * to end. Stitch count: (90, 98, 106)

Row 3: Ch-1, turn. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * to end. Stitch count: (90, 98, 106)

Row 4: (buttonhole row) Ch-1, turn, sk first st, (sc, dc) in next. Sk-3 sts, (sc, dc) in next. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (39, 43, 47) more times. Sk-3 sts, (sc, dc) in last. Stitch count: (86, 94, 102)

Row 5: Ch-1, turn. Sk first 2 sts, (sc, dc, sc, dc) in hole. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (39, 43, 47) times. (sc, dc, sc, dc) in hole, sk next st, (sc, dc) in last. Stitch count: (90, 98, 106)

Rows 6 – 8: Ch-1, turn. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * to end. Stitch count: (90, 98, 106)

Row 9: (buttonhole row) Ch-1, turn, sk first st, (sc, dc) in next. Sk-3 sts, (sc, dc) in next. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (39, 43, 47) more times. Sk-3 sts, (sc, dc) in last. Stitch count: (86, 94, 102)

Row 10: Ch-1, turn. Sk first 2 sts, (sc, dc, sc, dc) in hole. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (39, 43, 47) times. (sc, dc, sc, dc) in hole, sk next st, (sc, dc) in last. Stitch count: (90, 98, 106)

Rows 11 – 13: Ch-1, turn. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * to end. Stitch count: (90, 98, 106)

Row 14: (buttonhole row) Ch-1, turn, sk first st, (sc, dc) in next. Sk-3 sts, (sc, dc) in next. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (39, 43, 47) more times. Sk-3 sts, (sc, dc) in last. Stitch count: (86, 94, 102)

Row 15: Ch-1, turn. Sk first 2 sts, (sc, dc, sc, dc) in hole. * sk next st, (sc, dc) in next * repeat between * * (39, 43, 47) times. (sc, dc, sc, dc) in hole, sk next st, (sc, dc) in last. Stitch count: (90, 98, 106)

Row 16: Ch-1, turn, sk first st, * (sc, dc) in next, sk next st * repeat between * * (43, 47, 51) more times. Sc in last st. Stitch count: (89, 97, 105)

Row 17: Ch-1, turn, sk first 2 sts, * (sc, dc) in next, sk next st * repeat between * * (42, 46, 50) more times. Sc in last st. Stitch count: (87, 95, 103)

Row 18: Ch-1, turn, sk first 2 sts, * (sc, dc) in next, sk next st * repeat between * * (41, 45, 49) more times. Sc in last st. Stitch count: (85, 93, 101)

Continue decreasing until you reach row (43, 45, 47) ending with (35, 39, 43) sts. Do not fasten off.

Turn work clockwise to add finishing edge. Sc in each st/row end around the entire dog sweater, placing 3 scs in each corner. Fasten off using Invisible Join.

extra large dog sweater pattern

Sew buttons onto chest flap, making sure they line up with the buttonholes. You’re done!

Find the ad-free, printable version of this pattern on Ravelry and Etsy. Thank you!

I would love to see a photo of your furry friend in their dapper new dog sweaters! Please share a photo with me by tagging @HeartHookHome on Instagram and Twitter, or share in the Heart Hook Home Crochet Community on Facebook.

Crochet Sweater Tutorial for Large Dogs

More for pets:

Dandy Dog Sweater: Easy Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern

Free Dog Toy Crochet Pattern Using T-Shirt Yarn

Easy Homemade Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

Comments

  1. Anjonette says

    I have a measure ment for a freids dog of 22" for her dogs neck, but its chest is only 28". So I am trying to figure out what size to make, because chest wise it should be a Large, but neck wise it is not on the chart. Can you help me with an adjustment? What is the chain count that you have to have in order to get the stitches correct? I can always make the neck larger to fit a 22 inch neck, and then figure out how to add it to the large body, if I knew the count, for the stitch. Thanks in advance.
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hello! I would go up a hook size and do the XXL collar, then switch down to the pattern hook size still following the XXL pattern but with modifications. Instead of increasing every row as in the pattern, I would only increase every other row until your row stitch count is 100, then continue in rounds until you reach row 34 as written for rounds 30-34. At that point you can follow the Large size instructions for the chest and back flaps.
      Reply

  2. Brenda says

    Hi, For the row 1 of back flap, ch 18 then fasten off, then new yarn for (sc,dc) in to the 18th st from the chest flap, am I right?
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Brenda! Almost...with new yarn, you will ch 18, then immediately go into your marked st with the sc, dc.
      Reply

  3. Erika says

    Hi there! I'm on Row 1 of the back flap, and I keep getting 88 stitches (two chain 16 = 32, and 56 stitches in between the chains, comes to 88). Is there something I'm missing? This is for the large size.
    Reply

  4. Silvia says

    Hi! I am having trouble with the stitch count for row 16 of the chest for size L. I have tried several times, and after doing all the repetitions, when I get to stitch 74, I always have 4 stitches left from the previous row. The previous row does have 72 stitches. Your help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Silvia! I really can't say without seeing it. If you could send an email with a photo to support@hearthookhome.com, maybe I can figure out what is going on.
      Reply

    • Silvia says

      I got it figured it out! I was doing something wrong!! Thanks! Now, I am trying to understand if, for row 1 of the back flap, you make the long chain first and then you attach it with sc to the body of the sweater, or if you create the long chain already attached to the sweater, and then you make a sc (which does not make mouth sense to me).
      Reply

  5. Karen says

    KHi, I have just commence crocheting this beautiful dog coat for my Greyhound, I am however having trouble understanding row 12, do you by any chance have a youtube tutorial to follow please. Cheers Karen
    Reply

  6. Emily says

    Hey!! Thanks for sharing this great pattern :) I just wanted to ask - is the stitch count on row 1 of the chest flap correct? I ask because the row repeats the 2 stitch pattern 8x (for large), so I’m getting 16 stitches instead of 18. I’m not sure
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Emily! Yes, it is correct. You do the 2 stitch pattern once in the 1st stitch, skip a stitch and do it again in the next, then repeat it another 7 times, for a total of 9 (sc, dc) repeats or 18 stitches. I hope this helps!
      Reply

    • Erika says

      Hi there! I'm on Row 1 of the back flap, and I keep getting 88 stitches (two chain 16 = 32, and 56 stitches in between the chains, comes to 88). Is there something I'm missing? This is for the large size.
      Reply

      • Heart Hook Home says

        Hi Erika! You should have 58 sts between the chains...you (sc, dc) in marked st, *sk next st, (sc, dc) in next *, then repeat that another 27 times...so you will have 29 sets of the (sc,dc). I hope this helps!
        Reply

  7. Lea says

    Hi, I love the pattern, I am just having a little trouble understanding the chest flap, i am new to crocheting so im not all that sure what the ‘right’ side means and basically just how to do the chest flap, or get it started, could you please explain? Or just show a step by step picture tutorial or something, please
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Lea! The "right" side will be your odd numbered rows...so when you are working an odd numbered row, the side of the fabric that is facing you is the outside (right side) of the sweater. Since you will finish the chest body on an even row, place your stitch marker in the last stitch made and fasten off, then turn your work and you will be looking at the right side. Count over 9 or 11 sts (depending on the size you are making) to the right of your stitch marker and attach a new strand of yarn, then complete row 1 of the chest flap as written. There are pictures in this post showing where I attach for the chest flap and after completing that 1st row. I hope this helps!
      Reply

  9. Donna Soward says

    Hello, I was wondering what size coat Jessee is wearing?? please , as I have a friend whom has a similar sized dog and I want to crochet a coat for her as a surprise. Thank you, Donna, Tasmania, Australia.
    Reply

  10. Julia says

    Currently loving making this sweater in an XXL for my great dane, and I just want to make sure it fits. Do you know how long the XXL is?
    Reply

    • Robin says

      My dane’s neck is 22” and his chest is 38”. I added 10 more stitches to each XXL measurement. Not sure if that helps in making your sweater :)
      Reply

  11. Rochelle says

    Where it says for round 19 in the chest/body instructions, it says repeat round 15. Is that a typo and should say repeat round 18 or is this correct?
    Reply

  12. Sarah Vargas says

    Hello! I am making the L size and I just started the back flap. I am wondering how long the finished piece will be? I need 30" from shoulder to tail. Thank you!!
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Sarah! The Large should measure approximately 23" long...if you need to add length, you can add more rows after row 15 of the back flap before starting the decreases at row 16. Hope this helps!
      Reply

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