DIY Dog Coat: Scrap Busting & Pattern Drafting Tutorial

Updated at: 31/01/2025

Is your dog shivering through the chilly months, and are you drowning in a sea of fabric scraps? This tutorial offers the perfect solution: a wonderfully warm, and completely unique, DIY dog coat crafted entirely from your leftover fabrics! Forget expensive pet stores and generic designs – we’ll guide you through the satisfying process of transforming your scrap pile into a cozy, custom-made garment for your beloved canine companion. This project is not only budget-friendly but also environmentally conscious, giving those forgotten fabrics a new lease on life.

We'll cover everything from choosing the right materials and accurately measuring your furry friend to drafting a simple, adaptable pattern and assembling your masterpiece. Get ready to unleash your inner designer and create a truly personalized dog coat. Let's dive into the step-by-step process and start stitching!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Rotary cutter
  • Scissors
  • Serger (or sewing machine)
  • Fabric (Ripstop nylon & Sherpa fleece)
  • Thread (contrast color)
  • Microtex needle
  • Chalk liner
  • Ruler
  • Velcro
  • Interfacing
  • Iron
  • Misting bottle
  • Bias tape maker (optional)
  • Buttonhole chisel
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your dog while wearing the coat, especially initially. Ensure the coat fits comfortably and doesn't restrict movement or breathing.
  • Use only pet-safe fabrics and threads. Avoid anything with small, detachable parts that could be ingested.
  • Before using any fabric scraps, wash and thoroughly dry them to remove any potential irritants or chemicals that could harm your dog's skin.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Measure your Dog

    • back length, neck circumference, chest circumference, torso circumference, distance from collar to back of legs, and width across back.

  2. Draft the Pattern

    • Draw a rectangle for the back panel (length = back length, depth = half of across-back measurement). Add straps for the torso and front.
    Draft the pattern: Draw a rectangle for the back panel (length = back length, depth = half of across-back measurement). Add straps for the torso and front.
    Draft the Pattern

  3. Cut the Fabric

    • Cut the exterior layer from ripstop nylon on the fold, and the lining layer from sherpa fleece using the exterior layer as a pattern.
    Cut the fabric: Cut the exterior layer from ripstop nylon on the fold, and the lining layer from sherpa fleece using the exterior layer as a pattern.
    Cut the Fabric

  4. Assemble the Coat

    • Sew the exterior and lining layers together, right sides facing, leaving a gap for turning.
    Assemble the coat: Sew the exterior and lining layers together, right sides facing, leaving a gap for turning.
    Assemble the Coat

  5. Quilt the Layers

    • Mark quilting lines at a 45-degree angle and sew them using a contrast thread and microtex needle.
    Quilt the layers: Mark quilting lines at a 45-degree angle and sew them using a contrast thread and microtex needle.
    Quilt the Layers

  6. Fit and Mark Velcro Placement

    • Try the coat on your dog and mark where the velcro will be placed to secure the coat.
    Fit the coat and place velcro: Try the coat on your dog and mark where the velcro will be placed to secure the coat.
    Fit and Mark Velcro Placement

  7. Add Leash D-ring Buttonhole

    • Create a placket from interfaced fabric and sew it to the top center of the coat. Sew a buttonhole for your dog's leash D-ring.
    Add a buttonhole for the leash: Create a placket from interfaced fabric and sew it to the top center of the coat. Sew a buttonhole for your dog's leash D-ring.
    Add Leash D-ring Buttonhole

  8. Attach Velcro

    • Sew the rough side of velcro to the exterior and the softer side to the interior.
    Attach velcro: Sew the rough side of velcro to the exterior and the softer side to the interior.
    Attach Velcro

  9. Create and Attach Bias Binding

    • Cut bias strips, join them, press seams open, and attach to the perimeter of the coat.
    Create and attach bias binding: Cut bias strips, join them, press seams open, and attach to the perimeter of the coat.
    Create and Attach Bias Binding

  10. Finish the Coat

    • Cut open the buttonhole, trim any excess fabric, and your coat is done!
    Finish the coat: Cut open the buttonhole, trim any excess fabric, and your coat is done!
    Finish the Coat

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

Tips

  • Use a rotary cutter for faster and easier fabric cutting.
  • A microtex needle prevents fabric from snagging when sewing nylon.
  • Gently place your ruler on the plush fabric to mark quilting lines more easily.
  • Misting and stretching the bias tape before attaching makes installation smoother.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inaccurate Measurements

Reason: Incorrectly measuring your dog's body leads to a coat that's too tight, too loose, or doesn't fit properly.
Solution: Re-measure your dog carefully, using a flexible measuring tape and following the pattern instructions precisely.

2. Ignoring Fabric Stretch

Reason: Not accounting for fabric stretch (especially with knit fabrics) results in a coat that's too small or distorts after washing.
Solution: Pre-wash your fabric, and account for stretch by adding seam allowance or choosing a pattern designed for stretchy fabrics.

FAQs

I'm a beginner sewer. Is this project really doable for me?
Absolutely! This tutorial focuses on simple shapes and techniques, making it perfect for beginners. While some sewing experience helps, the pattern drafting is straightforward, and we'll walk you through each step with clear instructions and photos.
What kind of fabric scraps work best for a dog coat?
Soft, durable fabrics are ideal. Fleece, flannel, and even old sweaters work well. Avoid anything too stiff, scratchy, or that might easily snag on things. Consider your dog's activity level when choosing fabric; a more active dog needs a more durable material.