Ingredients
- 260 yards of acrylic worsted weight yarn (weight 4, medium), about 6 ounces (170 g) total (2 skeins)
- 1 H-8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in the ends
- Small scissors
- 2 stitch markers (optional)
- Tape measure for checking the chest and back length
- Small amount of contrasting worsted weight yarn for the stem (optional)
Instructions
- Make a slip knot, then chain 36. Keep the chain relaxed rather than pulling each stitch tight.
- Join the chain with a slip stitch to the first chain, taking care not to twist it. Chain 2 for the turning chain.
- Work 1 half double crochet in each chain around, then slip stitch to the first half double crochet to join. You will have 36 half double crochet stitches.
- For Round 2, chain 2 and work 1 half double crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first half double crochet. Repeat this round until you have 8 rounds total, counting the foundation round as Round 1.
- Check the fabric against your dog’s chest before creating the openings.
- For Round 9, chain 2. Work 1 half double crochet in the next 10 stitches, chain 4, skip 4 stitches for the first leg opening, then work 1 half double crochet in the next 8 stitches. Chain 4, skip 4 stitches for the second leg opening, and work 1 half double crochet in the final 10 stitches. Join with a slip stitch.
- For Round 10, chain 2. Work 1 half double crochet in each of the first 10 stitches, then work 4 half double crochet into the first chain space. Continue with 1 half double crochet in the next 8 stitches, work 4 half double crochet into the second chain space, and finish with 1 half double crochet in the last 10 stitches. Join with a slip stitch.
- Work Rounds 11 through 16 in half double crochet, with 1 stitch in every stitch around and a slip stitch to join each round.
- For the lower edging, chain 1 and work 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch, then repeat one more round of single crochet.
- For the neck edging, join yarn at the original foundation chain beside the chest opening. Chain 1 and work 1 single crochet in each foundation chain around the neck. Join with a slip stitch.
- Finish the leg openings one at a time. Join yarn at the bottom of an opening, chain 1, and work 1 single crochet in each of the 4 stitches around the opening. Join with a slip stitch and work one more round if you want a slightly firmer edge. Repeat for the second leg opening.
- Try the sweater on your dog only while you can watch closely.
- Cut the yarn with a six-inch tail, pull the tail through the final loop, and weave in the ends with the yarn needle.
Notes
This sweater works best as a light layer for a small dog during a cool fall walk or a chilly morning on the porch. It is not a substitute for supervision, and it should never stay on your dog inside a crate or while traveling in a car seat unless it fits securely and cannot catch on anything. Remove it if your dog chews at the yarn, scratches often, or seems uncomfortable.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
