Crochet an Extra Small Dog Sweater: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 10/05/2025

Does your tiny canine companion shiver on chilly days? A hand-crocheted sweater is the perfect solution, offering warmth and undeniable cuteness. This guide focuses on creating a perfectly sized, extra-small dog sweater, designed to fit even the most petite pups. Whether your furry friend is a Chihuahua, a teacup Yorkie, or another miniature breed, this pattern will ensure they stay snug and stylish throughout the winter months. We'll explore easy-to-follow techniques and adapt them to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.

Forget expensive, ill-fitting store-bought options! This detailed tutorial provides clear instructions and helpful tips to guide you through each step of the process, from choosing the right yarn to securing the final stitch. Get ready to unleash your creativity and craft a unique, cozy sweater your dog will adore. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to crochet your adorable pup's new favorite garment.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Addie 5.0 crochet hook
  • Red Heart Comfort yarn (Red Shimmer, 4 ply medium weight)
  • Scrap white yarn
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your dog while wearing the sweater, ensuring it's not too tight or causing discomfort. Remove immediately if they show signs of distress.
  • Use soft, non-irritating yarn suitable for pet skin. Avoid anything that could snag or cause allergic reactions.
  • Ensure the sweater is large enough to allow for comfortable movement and breathing. A snug fit is preferable to one that's too loose, which can pose a tripping hazard.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Creating the Body

    • Start by chaining 40 and slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
    • Chain 2 (doesn't count as a stitch), and work 40 half double crochets around the ring.
    • Continue with half double crochets in a spiral, working 12 rows on both sides of the hook for the body of the sweater.
    Continue with half double crochets in a spiral, working 12 rows on both sides of the hook for the body of the sweater.Continue with half double crochets in a spiral, working 12 rows on both sides of the hook for the body of the sweater.Continue with half double crochets in a spiral, working 12 rows on both sides of the hook for the body of the sweater.
    Creating the Body

  2. Creating the Sleeves

    • Slip stitch to even out the rows. Chain 2 (doesn't count as a stitch), and work 20 half double crochets.
    • Work back and forth in rows on those 20 stitches for a total of 6 rows for the sleeve.
    Work back and forth in rows on those 20 stitches for a total of 6 rows for the sleeve.Work back and forth in rows on those 20 stitches for a total of 6 rows for the sleeve.
    Creating the Sleeves

  3. Creating the Chest

    • Leave a tail and gently pull it through the loop, leaving it loose for now.
    • For the chest, chain 2 from the starting stitch of the sleeve (chain 2 doesn't count). Work 20 half double crochets.
    • Decrease at each end of the chest rows by working two half double crochets together, until you have 10 stitches remaining.
    • Slip stitch to join the chest to the back of the sweater, pulling the tail tight and tucking it down the center.
    Slip stitch to join the chest to the back of the sweater, pulling the tail tight and tucking it down the center.Slip stitch to join the chest to the back of the sweater, pulling the tail tight and tucking it down the center.Slip stitch to join the chest to the back of the sweater, pulling the tail tight and tucking it down the center.Slip stitch to join the chest to the back of the sweater, pulling the tail tight and tucking it down the center.
    Creating the Chest

  4. Creating the Neck

    • Chain 2, and work 30 half double crochets (10 from the chest, 20 from the back) in a spiral to create the neck.
    • Work three rows of half double crochets around the neck opening.
    • Slip stitch to fasten off the neck. Hide the ends.
    Slip stitch to fasten off the neck. Hide the ends.Slip stitch to fasten off the neck. Hide the ends.Slip stitch to fasten off the neck. Hide the ends.
    Creating the Neck

  5. Creating and Attaching the Bone

    • For the bone, chain 10 with white yarn and single crochet around. Add double crochets and chains in the center for shaping.
    • Sew the bone onto the sweater using whip stitch, hiding the ends.
    Sew the bone onto the sweater using whip stitch, hiding the ends.Sew the bone onto the sweater using whip stitch, hiding the ends.
    Creating and Attaching the Bone

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

Tips

  • Check the description for patterns, links to other sweaters, and Facebook crafting group.
  • Use stitch markers to help keep track of rows.
  • Don't be afraid to get creative and personalize your sweater with different colors or additions!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Tension

Reason: Uneven tension throughout the crocheting process leads to a misshapen sweater, with some areas too tight and others too loose.
Solution: Maintain consistent tension by practicing and using a tension square as a gauge before beginning the sweater.

2. Incorrect Sizing

Reason: Failing to accurately measure your dog and adjust the pattern accordingly results in a sweater that's too big or too small.
Solution: Measure your dog carefully and check the gauge before starting, making adjustments as needed to ensure a proper fit.

FAQs

What type of yarn is best for an extra-small dog sweater?
Soft, lightweight yarns like super fine merino wool, cotton, or a blend are ideal for extra-small dog sweaters. Avoid anything scratchy or bulky that might irritate your dog's skin. Look for yarns specifically labeled as 'baby' or 'soft' for the best results.