Saturday, March 1, 2014

Loom Knitting a Dog Sweater

It's important to remember that we are not the only one's feeling cold this winter...our furry friends need to stay warm, too! Knitting a dog sweater on a round loom is fairly easy and much cheaper & warmer than buying one at the store. I found the idea online and originally used Joann's pattern. I did slightly modify it when making a sweater for my dog.

Things you will need:
  • 31 peg round loom
  • Soft yarn (two skeins of skinnier yarn or one bulkier)
  • Knitting hook
  • Knitting needle
  • Scissors
I start knitting on the loom like I do in all of my projects. I like using two different colored yarns at the same time to make the sweaters more colorful (and cheaper!). I knit about 15 or so rows, then pull the bottom loops up over the top, knitting those together. This part is the collar that will be around the dogs neck. Once this step is complete, knit only rows 1-9. Now you have to knit backwards. This part was tricky for me at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's really easy. Make sure the yarn is on the INSIDE of the pegs! If it's on the outside, it knots together and you can't continue on. Knit those rows back and forth for 9 rows. This is creating the front of the sweater and the leg holes. Once this is done, cut off 4-5" of yarn.


Cast on at the 10th peg and knit all pegs 10-31. This is creating the back of the sweater. Knit 9 rows back and forth like you did before.

Once you have your 9 rows completed, move the loop on the 31st peg to the 30th peg, and the 9th peg to the 8th peg. I do this to make bigger arm holes for the sweater. The yarn is stretchy, but I don't want my dog to be constrained.


I am still working on this sweater, but you can see in the picture below how it should look as you go through these steps. Knit all the way around the loom until you have the desired length of sweater. I cast off just as I would with headbands and leg warmers.


Here is a picture of a finished sweater that I have previously knitted.

And..my adorable dog Lulu posing for a front view of the sweater.
Back view.

My dog is about 12 pounds and the sweater fits well. I would say this size sweater would fit most 8-12 pound dogs.

30 comments:

  1. Good Job, it is worth a try. Looks good on your dog.

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  2. This is so cute! My mom dresses her Pomeranian, I will share this with her! She would love to make her own dog sweaters!

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    1. I have been neglecting my blog but do share! Working with the loom is very easy!

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  3. I absolutely love this!!! Not only is the sweater adorable it looks very warm!

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    1. Thanks Jackie, they are very warm and cozy!

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  4. What do you do if you want to use the smaller or the larger loom? How do you adjust for the armholes to keep them centered? Thanks!

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  5. What do you do if you want to use the smaller or the larger loom? How do you adjust for the armholes to keep them centered? Thanks!

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  6. What do you do if you want to use the smaller or the larger loom? How do you adjust for the armholes to keep them centered? Thanks!

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  7. What do you do if you want to use the smaller or the larger loom? How do you adjust for the armholes to keep them centered? Thanks!

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    1. i would also like to use a smaller loom . my dog is only 12 lbs but very thin and long

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    2. I have just found this,it looks so cute. I have a Yorkshire terrier. She's is a older dog and feels the COLD a lot ,,and has no theeth.But loves to play with my other yorkshire territer

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    3. I will start having ago with make this lovely little coat for her .

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  8. I would also like to know how to adjust for a larger sweater on a 36 peg loom. Thanks!

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  9. Isn´t that little dog the most precious model everrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I loved the sweater and the model!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  10. I cant really understand how you made the legholes from your instructions?

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    1. I was having trouble understanding too, but when she says "knit only rows 1-9" she means knit only STITCHES 1-9 and knit back and forth across those stitches for 9 ROWS. I hope this helps...

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  11. Thanks for the tips -- could you post in BLACK?? The grey is really hard to see. ;-)

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  12. Just what I've been looking for my Yorkie. Thanks for posting. ���� ��

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  13. I can't wait to try this. If it goes well, it will be the very first thing I make on the loom.

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  14. Hi, your pattern is super cute! Is there a pattern out there for large dogs? We have a Great Dane and a pit bull mix and I haven't been able to find a large enough pattern for either of them.?? Please email me with a comment since will forget where to find your answer as soon as I change the page! depenni@mail.com
    Thank you for your understanding Danette Pennington

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  15. I would like a large and xlarge pattern for 80lb labradors.

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  16. How do you make smaller? This is way to large for my 10 pound shorkie. And what do you mean knit backwards?

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  17. Thoughts on how to make this for a 45 lb dog?

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  18. Have you given any links or instructions for larger dog sweaters? I see many have asked and I'm doing so as well. My dog is 44 lbs and is long bodied, standard poodle. I have him groomed very short and he needs a sweater for the first couple of wks. Please email me with a pattern if you have the time, will be glad to pay for it as I'm sure it will take some extra work to do the math. That's where I'm an air head. :-(

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  19. Have you tried to do one one an addi or sentro?

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  20. Do you have a video on YouTube. Would be easier to follow. I'm still very new at this. Thanks

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  21. Never used a loom before but I'm going to try this because I know my dogs would love these sweaters

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