Has anyone ever made a doggy sweatshirt before?

[Nevilledog]

To be more exact, taken a human sweatshirt and adapted it for doggy usage? My 16 year old Old English has a rather hard time with body temp regulation and we keep his coat at about 3 inches for his comfort (he's very arthritic in the hips). We're heading to Albuquerque for the holidays and they're having quite a bit of snow. I have a couple of old sweatshirts that I'd like to make into comfy apparel for him. Anybody here done that before? What's the best way? Looking for suggestions and willing to experiment.

Thanks.

[undeterred]

1. I used to put my old sweaters on Harry dog...

It helps to use something with a zipper or buttons up the front- otherwise you need to cut the neck opening to get it over head and paws. On a sweatshirt you'll need to cut the sleeves or roll them up before putting it on him.

[Nevilledog]

2. No buttons or zippers.

I agree with cutting the neck hole and shortening the sleeves. I guess my biggest concern is the fabric having over his belly area. Luckily they're not long enough to come near the hiney, but Neville only lifts his leg in his own mind these days when he tinkles. He usually ends up peeing on his foot, but he tries, bless his heart. Maybe if it's too baggy I can cut it down the front, and then use some velcro to make it a little more snug. My Mom has a sewing machine so I can neaten the edges.

I think I know what I want to do, but it seems like people here have done EVERYTHING and why reinvent the wheel, eh?

[undeterred]

3. Good idea. You could also attach ties to it

so that you can make it snug after its on him. If it hangs down it might get peed on.

[Nevilledog]

4. Ties or velcro...both easy solutions.

I just have to make sure hubby has no input or the damn thing will be attached with duct tape.

[undeterred]

5. !

That would be the manly way!

[surrealAmerican]

6. Do you plan on any sewing?

If not, the other suggestions here should work. If you can sew, and have a machine, you can measure around the dog at the chest and "waist", and put a seam down the front. It's good to have some fabric covering the underside of the dog if you can. They stay warmer that way.

[Nevilledog]

7. My mom has a sewing machine.

At this point I'm thinking of putting velcro fasteners after sewing up the edges where I cut. He's never worn any clothing...well, aside from when my hubby thinks it's funny to put boxer shorts on Neville's head...LOL

[Grey]

8. I like the idea of ties like a

Wrap sweater. That way he has a double layer in the tummy area. And its easier to put on, open in front and with the ties over the back.

[Nevilledog]

9. That sounds way too fashionable for Neville...LOL

He's a big squirrel so anything I can get on him quick and easy is preferred. Plus, I don't think there'd be enough fabric with the sweatshirts I have to wrap it around, and I know I'm not ambitious enough to use the material I cut off to fashion ties. I know my limitations. Wouldn't trust my mom to do it either. Last shirt she made me when I was a kid was made out of this beautiful fabric with horses on it (yeah, I was one of those little girls that loved horsey anything). She was so proud of it until I pointed out that the horses were UPSIDE down...LOL

[Grey]

10. It's rather easier than that.

Cut a sweatshirt down the front, Knits like that don't need to be finished, Use Twill tape (ask at the sewing department) You can then just hand stitch the tape on and you're done.
You sew the tape to one of the front edges and the other to a side seam. Make a small slit to pull the tape through to the back,( just like a wrap sweater) and you're done.
It's the tape (or ribbon) that pulls around the tummy and snugs up the cloth. You can even use two sets of straps. On at the chest and one at the waist. Just don't tie them closed with knots.
Have a good holiday.

[Nevilledog]

11. That makes much more sense then what I had in my mind.

Thanks for the idea. And Happy Holidays to you and yours as well.


edit cause I can't spell today apparently