Crochet a Cozy Pup Chora Sweater: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial

Updated at: 21/03/2025

Is your furry friend feeling a little chilly? Do you love the comforting feel of hand-knitted or crocheted items? Then you're in the right place! This tutorial will guide you through creating a charming and cozy crochet sweater specifically designed for your beloved pup. Forget those overpriced, mass-produced dog sweaters; with a little yarn and some simple crochet techniques, you can craft a unique and perfectly fitting garment your dog will adore. We'll use easy-to-follow instructions and clear photographs to ensure even beginners can confidently complete this project.

This adorable Chora sweater is perfect for small to medium-sized dogs, and the pattern is surprisingly simple to adapt for different sizes. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up this stylish and functional sweater. Ready to get started on your pup's new favorite outfit? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 110g of 10 ply (worsted weight) yarn
  • 5mm crochet hook
  • yarn needle
  • scissors
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise young children around crochet hooks and yarn to prevent accidental injury or ingestion of small parts.
  • Ensure the finished sweater fits your dog comfortably without restricting movement or breathing. A snug fit is good, but not tight.
  • Use yarn appropriate for your dog’s breed and activity level. Consider durable, washable materials if your dog is prone to getting dirty.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Body Base

    • Create a slip stitch and chain nine. Single crochet in the second chain from the hook, then seven more single crochets across the chain.
    • Chain one, turn, and single crochet into the back loop only for eight stitches. Repeat this row until you reach row 48.
    Chain one, turn, and single crochet into the back loop only for eight stitches. Repeat this row until you reach row 48.Chain one, turn, and single crochet into the back loop only for eight stitches. Repeat this row until you reach row 48.
    Body Base

  2. Top Edge and Lead Loop

    • Chain one, turn, and single crochet along the top edge (20 single crochets across 20 rows).
    • Chain eight for the dog lead loop, skip eight rows, single crochet into the next row (20 stitches total).
    Chain eight for the dog lead loop, skip eight rows, single crochet into the next row (20 stitches total).Chain eight for the dog lead loop, skip eight rows, single crochet into the next row (20 stitches total).
    Top Edge and Lead Loop

  3. Increase Rows

    • Chain two, turn. Two half double crochets in the first stitch, 46 half double crochets across, two half double crochets in the last stitch. (50 stitches total)
    • Chain two, turn. Two half double crochets in the first stitch, 48 half double crochets across, two half double crochets in the last stitch. Repeat this increase at the beginning and end of rows 4-6 until 58 stitches are reached.
    • 58 half double crochets across.
    Row 7: 58 half double crochets across.Row 7: 58 half double crochets across.Row 7: 58 half double crochets across.
    Increase Rows

  4. Leg Holes

    • Six half double crochets, chain ten, skip ten stitches, half double crochet into the next stitch, 25 more half double crochets, chain ten, skip ten stitches, six half double crochets.
    Row 8: Six half double crochets, chain ten, skip ten stitches, half double crochet into the next stitch, 25 more half double crochets, chain ten, skip ten stitches, six half double crochets.
    Leg Holes

  5. Main Body

    • Repeat row 9 (58 half double crochets across).
    Rows 9-25: Repeat row 9 (58 half double crochets across).Rows 9-25: Repeat row 9 (58 half double crochets across).
    Main Body

  6. Finishing the Body

    • 58 half double crochets, chain one, fasten off.
    Row 26: 58 half double crochets, chain one, fasten off.Row 26: 58 half double crochets, chain one, fasten off.
    Finishing the Body

  7. Shoulder Seam

    • Fold the sweater in half, skip seven stitches, and half double crochet into the next stitch across the row (44 stitches total).
    Fold the sweater in half, skip seven stitches, and half double crochet into the next stitch across the row (44 stitches total).Fold the sweater in half, skip seven stitches, and half double crochet into the next stitch across the row (44 stitches total).
    Shoulder Seam

  8. Decrease Rows

    • Decrease every other row by half double crocheting two stitches together at the beginning and end of the row. Repeat this decrease every other row (rows 30, 32, 34) until row 35 with 36 stitches.
    Row 28: Decrease every other row by half double crocheting two stitches together at the beginning and end of the row. Repeat this decrease every other row (rows 30, 32, 34) until row 35 with 36 stitches.Row 28: Decrease every other row by half double crocheting two stitches together at the beginning and end of the row. Repeat this decrease every other row (rows 30, 32, 34) until row 35 with 36 stitches.
    Decrease Rows

  9. Finishing the Sleeves

    • 36 half double crochets, chain one, fasten off.
    Row 35: 36 half double crochets, chain one, fasten off.Row 35: 36 half double crochets, chain one, fasten off.
    Finishing the Sleeves

  10. Seaming and Finishing

    • Single crochet along the open edge to stitch the sweater together. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
    Single crochet along the open edge to stitch the sweater together. Fasten off and weave in the ends.Single crochet along the open edge to stitch the sweater together. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
    Seaming and Finishing

Read more: DIY Dog Sweater: Cozy Knit Creations for Your Pup

Tips

  • Check your gauge (tension) before starting. Aim for a 15cm square and measure how many stitches fit into a 10x10cm square.
  • For the chain eight loop, you can either half double crochet into each chain or do eight half double crochets around the space. Choose what is easier for you.
  • Count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure accuracy.
  • When decreasing, half double crochet two stitches together. Yarn over, insert into stitch, pull through; yarn over again, insert into next stitch, pull through; yarn over and pull through all five loops on hook.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the project leads to a misshapen sweater and difficulty fitting the pieces together.
Solution: Practice maintaining consistent tension by using a tension square and regularly checking your work.

2. Incorrect Stitch Count

Reason: Losing or gaining stitches can significantly alter the size and shape of the sweater, potentially resulting in it not fitting properly.
Solution: Count stitches regularly, especially at the end of each round or row, and correct any errors immediately.

3. Improper Seam Finishing

Reason: Poorly finished seams can create a bulky, uneven look and compromise the sweater's durability.
Solution: Use a neat seam such as a mattress stitch or whip stitch, and weave in all loose ends securely.

FAQs

What size dog is this pattern suitable for?
This pattern is designed for small to medium-sized dogs. You can adjust the size by using a larger or smaller hook and yarn weight, but it's best suited for dogs that aren't excessively large or small.
What type of yarn is recommended?
A medium-weight (worsted weight) yarn is ideal for this project. Look for a yarn that's soft and durable, as it will be in direct contact with your dog's skin. Acrylic or a blend of acrylic and wool are good choices.
I'm a beginner crocheter. Is this pattern suitable for me?
Yes! This pattern is designed with beginner crocheters in mind. The stitches used are basic, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Take your time, and don't be afraid to ask for help if needed.