Granny squares, bold stripes, a plain chunky coat or a little Christmas outfit: these free dog sweater patterns give you twelve different places to start. Each design has its own free PDF, with the materials and instructions together in one download.
The first six projects are crochet; the next six are knitting. That distinction matters when you fall for a photo, so the technique, tools and sizing are labelled under every design. Start with a look you like, then check whether its measurements suit your dog.
Compare the patterns
| Pattern | Technique | Choose it for | Chest sizing in the PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cozy Pup | Crochet | Chunky single crochet | To fit dog chest: 10, 16, 24 or 30 in |
| 2. Textured Stripes | Crochet | Texture and stripes | To fit dog chest: 10, 14 or 17 in; finished chest: 14½, 19½ or 24½ in |
| 3. Great Granny | Crochet | Motifs and assembly photos | To fit dog chest: 10, 16, 19 or 24 in |
| 4. Classic Granny Squares | Crochet | Choosing your own colours | To fit dog chest: 19, 23 or 28 in |
| 5. Hunter Outfit | Crochet | Earthy colours and a collar | Finished coat chest: 16–19, 20–25 or 26–32 in |
| 6. Bumble Bee | Crochet | A striped costume project | To fit dog chest: 18, 23 or 28 in |
| 7. Simple Knit Coat | Knitting | A plain knitted fabric | To fit dog chest: 10, 14, 17 or 20 in; finished chest: 12, 16, 19 or 22 in |
| 8. Hoodie Coat | Knitting | A hooded silhouette | To fit dog chest: 10, 13, 16 or 24 in |
| 9. Bestie Yoke | Knitting | A patterned knitted yoke | To fit dog chest: 10, 14 or 17 in; finished chest: 12, 16 or 19 in |
| 10. Doggie’s Got Heart | Knitting | Heart motifs and colour blocks | To fit dog chest: 10, 14 or 17 in; finished chest: 12, 16½ or 19 in |
| 11. Holiday Sweater | Knitting | Festive stripes and texture | Finished chest, buttoned and slightly stretched: 16½, 20, 24 or 28 in |
| 12. Elf Coat | Knitting | A Christmas colourwork theme | To fit dog chest: 10, 14 or 17 in; finished chest: 12, 16 or 19 in |
1. Cozy Pup: A Chunky Crochet Dog Sweater
Crochet · Easy
Thick stitches and soft-looking purple stripes give Cozy Pup a simple, substantial shape. The ribbed collar frames the neck, while the rest of the sweater lets the yarn do most of the visual work.
This easy crochet dog sweater uses single crochet for the body and back-loop stitches for the collar. You will still need to follow the shaping and make the leg openings, so read through those sections before starting. An 8 mm hook makes this the largest-hook crochet project in the collection.
It is also one to check if you are searching for a larger dog sweater: the four listed chest measurements run from 10 to 30 inches. Choose by measurement, then match the gauge rather than relying on the size name. The free PDF includes separate views of the finished garment so you can see its shape away from the dog.
- Yarn in the PDF: Caron Tea Cakes; 1 (1, 2, 2) balls
- Tools: 8 mm crochet hook
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 10, 16, 24 or 30 in
2. Textured Stripes: A Colourful Crochet Dog Sweater
Crochet · Easy
Pink, blue and golden yellow break up the grey in this textured crochet dog sweater. The stripes are narrow enough to keep the fabric lively without turning the whole project into a large colourwork chart.
The texture comes from alternating single crochet with long single crochet. If you have not used the longer stitch before, practise the repeat on your gauge swatch. The collar is worked in back-loop single crochet, giving it a different texture from the body.
Pay particular attention to the two size lines in this pattern. The dog chest measurements and finished sweater measurements are different, with room built into the garment. Follow the intended size and fit checks instead of choosing the finished chest figure as though it were your dog’s measurement.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Super Saver O’Go; Dusty Gray and Jeweltone, 1 of each
- Tools: 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 10, 14 or 17 in; finished chest: 14½, 19½ or 24½ in
3. Great Granny: A Bright Granny Square Dog Sweater
Crochet · Easy
Great Granny has the cheerful patchwork look of a granny square blanket, scaled into a dog sweater. Orange, pink, yellow and white make each square stand out, with extra rows filling out the garment around the motifs.
The yarn is designed to change colour as you work each round of the square. That makes the six-inch motif gauge especially important: the PDF explains how to adjust your tension if a colour change arrives too early or too late. Ordinary yarn can produce a different colour arrangement, so do not expect the same effect from any random striped ball.
There are four sizes, plus photos of a measured motif and the laid-flat garment. The number and arrangement of squares change with the size. Open the assembly diagrams before making all your motifs so you know how your chosen version comes together.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart All in One Granny Square, Citrus Twist; 1 (1, 1, 2) balls
- Tools: 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 10, 16, 19 or 24 in
4. Classic Granny Squares: A Crochet Patchwork Sweater
Crochet · Intermediate
Black borders give these colourful granny squares a clear outline. The result looks more like traditional patchwork than the bright, flowing colour arrangement in Great Granny.
This is the choice for someone who enjoys planning individual colour combinations. The pattern lists ten colours altogether, including black, and uses a 4½-inch square as its gauge. Lay out your squares before joining them so you can see whether two similar colours are sitting next to each other.
The PDF is marked intermediate and includes different arrangements for three sizes. Its chest measurements start at 19 inches, so it fills a different part of the size range from many of the smaller dog coats here. Check the neck and length measurements too; a chest fit alone does not tell you everything about the finished garment.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Soft; black plus nine accent colours
- Tools: 5 mm crochet hook
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 19, 23 or 28 in
5. Hunter Outfit: A Camouflage Crochet Dog Coat
Crochet · Easy
The folded collar gives this camouflage coat its distinctive shape. Green and brown yarn keeps the colour palette earthy, with a matching cap included in the PDF.
The coat and cap use separate hook recommendations, so check which part you are making before you start. The pattern also calls for buttons and D-rings. Those garment attachments are decorative; attach a walking lead to proper walking equipment, not the handmade coat.
The chest ranges shown here are finished coat measurements. Compare them with your dog’s measurements and the pattern’s construction before choosing a size. The coat can be the focus of this project; a dog does not need to wear the cap, especially if it interferes with their ears, vision or comfort.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Super Saver; Camouflage and Medium Thyme, 1 skein each
- Tools: 5.5 mm hook for the coat; 4, 5 or 5.5 mm for the size-specific cap
- Sizes: Finished coat chest: 16–19, 20–25 or 26–32 in
6. Bumble Bee: A Crochet Dog Costume
Crochet · Intermediate
Yellow and black stripes make the bee theme immediately recognisable. The PDF adds wings and a headpiece, turning the striped body into a costume rather than an everyday sweater.
This is an intermediate crochet project with stitch changes, shaping and separate accessories. The materials include buttons and chenille stems for the costume details. Those additions deserve a closer look before you decide which parts to make.
For a dog who tolerates clothing, keep any costume session brief and closely supervised. The wire-supported accessories and ties must stay out of reach of the mouth; leave the headpiece off if there is any doubt about comfort. The striped garment is the main crochet idea to take from this design.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Super Saver; Black, Zebra and Cornmeal, 1 skein each
- Tools: 5.5 mm crochet hook
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 18, 23 or 28 in
7. Simple Knit Dog Coat: A Chunky Teal Layer
Knitting · Easy
A single teal shade keeps this dog coat uncomplicated. The ribbed neck and smooth knitted body make it a useful alternative if you like the chunky look of Cozy Pup but prefer knitting needles.
The pattern is labelled easy and uses circular and double-pointed needles. You will work the garment shaping and leg openings as well as the basic fabric. The PDF includes front and back views of the coat laid flat, which help explain where those openings sit.
Four sizes are listed, with both dog chest and finished chest measurements. The materials specify one ball of Bernat Blanket Pet for each listed size. If you change yarn, compare its weight, length and gauge before treating another ball as an equivalent.
- Yarn in the PDF: Bernat Blanket Pet, Teal; 1 ball
- Tools: 6 mm circular and double-pointed needles
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 10, 14, 17 or 20 in; finished chest: 12, 16, 19 or 22 in
8. Hoodie Dog Coat: A Grey Knitted Sweater
Knitting · No skill rating stated
This grey hoodie has a quieter look than the patterned sweaters. The stocking-stitch body gives it a smooth surface, and the hood sits behind the neck in the supplied photo.
The one-page PDF packs in the coat, leg openings, hood and finishing instructions. It uses different needle sizes for the main fabric and finishing, so gather both before starting. You will also pick up stitches and work sections separately around the leg openings.
Choose it if you enjoy a plain fabric with a little more construction to follow. Keep the hood away from your dog’s face and check that the garment lets them move normally. The listed chest sizes include a 24-inch option, but neck and body proportions still matter.
- Yarn in the PDF: Bernat Super Value; 1 (1, 1, 2) balls
- Tools: 5 mm straight needles; 4 mm circular and double-pointed needles
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 10, 13, 16 or 24 in
9. Bestie Yoke: A Colourwork Knit Dog Coat
Knitting · Intermediate
A dark navy body makes the bright yoke the focal point of this coat. Pink, turquoise and yellow sit around the shoulders, so you get a colourwork project without covering the whole sweater in a chart.
Bestie Yoke is an intermediate knitting pattern with a Fair Isle section. Keep your colourwork tension consistent and check the fabric against the stated gauge; tight floats can change the fit even when the plain stocking stitch looks right.
The PDF provides three sizes and a colourwork chart. Look at the laid-flat view as well as the photo on the dog to understand the yoke placement. This is a good one to save if you want to practise a small garment before committing to a much larger colourwork sweater.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Super Saver O’Go; Soft Navy and Jeweltone
- Tools: 5 mm straight needles; 4 mm circular and double-pointed needles
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 10, 14 or 17 in; finished chest: 12, 16 or 19 in
10. Doggie’s Got Heart: An Intarsia Knit Sweater
Knitting · Intermediate
Large heart motifs give this sweater a bolder look than a narrow stripe. The photographed version combines mustard yellow, pale sections and deep plum tones, with pink around the edges.
The hearts use intarsia, so this is a different colourwork project from Bestie Yoke. Read the chart and prepare the separate yarn sections before you begin. Managing those colour sections is part of the project, rather than something a self-striping yarn will do for you.
Three sizes are included, along with a flat garment photo that shows the heart placement. It makes a cheerful year-round choice for someone who likes graphic motifs, and the heart theme also suits a seasonal Pinterest feature around Valentine’s Day.
- Yarn in the PDF: Caron Big Donut O’Go, Lemon Plum; 1 (2, 2) O’Gos
- Tools: 5 mm straight needles; 4.5 mm circular and double-pointed needles
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 10, 14 or 17 in; finished chest: 12, 16½ or 19 in
11. Holiday Dog Sweater: A Knit with Candy-Coloured Details
Knitting · Intermediate
Turquoise, red and white make this holiday sweater stand out from the usual green-and-red palette. A red ribbed collar and contrasting details give it a festive finish without relying on a separate hat.
This intermediate knitting project combines stocking stitch, colour changes and a textured panel. The buttoned opening is another construction detail to check before choosing it, particularly if your dog is uncomfortable with garments being pulled over their head.
The four chest measurements are for the finished sweater when buttoned and slightly stretched. Keep that wording in mind when comparing it with patterns that give a dog’s actual chest measurement. The second photograph shows the same sweater on a resting dog, giving you another view of the shape.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Soft; Turquoise, Cherry Red and Off White, 1 ball each
- Tools: 5 mm knitting needles
- Sizes: Finished chest, buttoned and slightly stretched: 16½, 20, 24 or 28 in
12. Knit Elf Dog Coat: A Christmas Costume
Knitting · Easy
A black belt motif and gold buckle turn a green coat into a little elf outfit. The pale pointed collar completes the Christmas theme, with the main decoration worked into the knitted design.
The PDF is labelled easy and includes a colourwork chart. You will need to follow the chart as well as the garment shaping, so make sure both feel manageable before starting. Its three sizes cover dog chest measurements of 10, 14 and 17 inches.
Keep this one with your Christmas dog sweater ideas rather than treating it as an all-season basic. As with any costume, your dog’s willingness to wear it matters more than getting the photo. Save the pattern ahead of the season so there is time to make a swatch and check the fit.
- Yarn in the PDF: Red Heart Super Saver; Hunter Green, Aran, Black and Gold
- Tools: 5 mm double-pointed needles and a 16-inch circular needle
- Sizes: To fit dog chest: 10, 14 or 17 in; finished chest: 12, 16 or 19 in
How to Choose a Dog Sweater Pattern
Measure your dog before choosing a size
Measure around the widest part of the chest, then record the neck and back length needed by the pattern. A size called small in one PDF may be quite different from small in another. Check the leg openings and underside coverage as well as the chest.
Read “to fit” and “finished” differently
“To fit dog chest” describes the dog’s measurement. “Finished chest” describes the garment. The difference is its ease, and these patterns do not all allow the same amount. Do not add a standard number of inches to every design; use the pattern’s size guidance and check that the result allows normal movement.
Match the gauge before changing yarn
The PDFs specify starting hooks or needles, but your swatch decides whether they give the right size. Granny-square patterns also depend on motif dimensions. When substituting yarn, compare the fibre, yarn weight, metres or yards and fabric, rather than buying an equal number of balls. Follow the yarn label for washing.
Keep comfort ahead of the photo
A coat should allow normal walking, toileting and resting. Watch for rubbing, restricted movement or attempts to remove it. Costumes need close supervision and short wear periods; remove them if your dog is uncomfortable. Keep buttons, ties and wire-supported costume pieces out of the mouth. Handmade garment fittings are not a substitute for a collar or harness designed for walking.
For more on fit and wearing clothes, see the RSPCA’s dog coat advice and guidance on pets wearing costumes.
Free Dog Sweater Pattern FAQs
Which patterns in this collection are crochet?
Cozy Pup, Textured Stripes, Great Granny, Classic Granny Squares, Hunter Outfit and Bumble Bee use crochet hooks. The remaining six use knitting needles. Each section is labelled so you can choose the technique you want.
Which crochet dog sweater is the simplest place to start?
Cozy Pup is marked easy and uses single crochet for the body. It is a sensible option if you already know basic stitches and are ready to follow garment shaping. Great Granny is another easy-rated option for someone comfortable making and joining squares. Neither removes the need to swatch and measure.
Are there patterns for larger dogs?
Check the actual chest measurement rather than a breed label. Cozy Pup includes a size to fit a 30-inch dog chest, Classic Granny Squares goes to 28 inches, and Great Granny goes to 24 inches. The Hunter Outfit gives finished coat chest ranges up to 26–32 inches, which are not the same thing as dog measurements.
Can I use a different yarn?
You can consider a substitute that produces the required gauge and a suitable fabric. Compare yarn length as well as weight. Great Granny’s round-by-round colour changes depend on its specified yarn, so a substitute may need a different approach to colour.
Where are the free PDFs?
Use the download button below the design you want. Each link opens a separate PDF with that project’s instructions. Save it before you begin, then read the materials, size information and finishing steps together.
