[MeadowCat]

I know some of you out there (bean???) have made your own dog coats in different styles. I'm thinking about giving it a try, though I'm not the world's best seamstress. Does anyone have any links or resources for getting a pattern?

Shanoa has several coats, but Simon has none. With his age, I'm sure he's going to need a coat or two for the winter, so I'd like to try and get one for him and this might be a great time to try it myself.

Edited to add: I love the Fido Fleece "style" but would also consider something without sleeves.

 

[tuxedojack]

Ive got a great coat, that I bought 20+ years ago at a dog show - I packed it away and pulled it out about a year ago and now when I use it at shows, I always have tons of people coming up and asking me where I got it because everyone LOVES it. Dont know who made it and have searched and searched for something like it because I would love to get a couple more and believe me, If I could sew, this would be my new venture because people really love it and I think it would see like hotcakes. I need to post a pic on here of it and see if some of our talented people on here thinks they could duplicate it.

I am taking it to Nationals next week and see if I can find someone who thinks they can make it.

 

[GingerGunlock]

I'm glad to see this question; I'd really like to make Elka a coat. I'm completely floored by the coat prices that I see! I don't really think dog clothes should cost as much, if not more than, human clothes.

 

[Darkevs]

I started a thread (I think) with lots of links to things to make for your pets. I will see if I can find it.

could not find the one I mentioned, but Jennie ATX's thread has some info. http://www.dobermantalk.com/general-off-topic-chat/49389-sewing-patterns-dog-clothes.html

 

[Darkevs]

lots of FREE patterns here................ How-To Dog Clothes

 

[Dobies 71]

Too bad I'm not going to be at the Nationals. I am always looking at how coats are made.

After that its easy to make a pattern. You just measure the length and cut of what's already there. You don't need a pattern at all. Its sort of like cooking, I seldom go by a recipie and always come out great.

There was a woman back in the 80's who sat at a booth and knitt sweaters for dogs. I have one. I wish she were still there, but I'd bet she is no longer alive. Now that pattern I'd love. But I know more about sewing than knitting.

I have a coat that I purchased for $238.00...yeah I know that's ridicolous but it alternates between cooling and warming back and forth according to what the dog's temperature is. I found it to work, but it doesn't work as well to warming as I'd like. So I guess you can't have it both ways. But I need it for shipping. And, I may put it on my girl when she shipps from Southern Ca to Chicago in January. That might save me from her getting sick; so its worth the price. Who knows!

 

[Darkevs]

i found the site i was looking for................ Lowchens of Australia ~ Pattern for a knitted jacket for your clipped-off Lowchen

 

[MeadowCat]

Okay, those of you who know lots about sewing...do I need a special needle or anything for sewing fleece? I'm having a weird problem where the machine doesn't seem to be picking up the bottom thread (that comes from the bobbin) when I'm trying to work with the fleece. It's working fine on other fabrics. Any ideas?

 

[mary & prince]

I bought a couple of dog coat patterns but I didn't like they way they fit because of their deep chest.

I measured Sammy and Blush and made my own pattern out of old sheets, it took me a while to get it right but it worked. I also made a pattern to cover their tummy which I attach to the coat. I make an extra long collar which can be pulled up to cover their ears when it gets really cold.

Last year I made each of them three coats, light, medium and heavy. I bought the extra heavy fleece and doubled the fabric and it kept them really warm. I'm also a novice sewer but I'm pleased how they turned out.

If you go to Blue Willow Dog Coats and look at their winter coats you will get a lot of ideas and also see the tummy warmer that I made them.

I just use a universal needle when I'm sewing with fleece. Sometimes I'll have that problem and I'll rewind the bobbin, hope that helps.

 

[GrdnDelite]

The major pattern companies have a few dog clothing patterns.

Butterick has a swing coat that I think (hope, even, as I intend to make Gracie one) would look great on a Doberman:
B4885 | Dog Coats | Crafts/Dolls/Pets | Butterick Patterns

You can obtain fabric laminate that irons on and it can be used to make any non-fuzzy fabric water resistant.

Vogue even has a dog-wear pattern, though it'll need altering for a dog more than 26" long:
V8312 | Dogs' Coat | Crafts/Dolls/Pets | Vogue Patterns

McCall's, including a roll up "go to place" mat:
M4686 | Pet Gift Items | Crafts/Dolls/Pets | McCall's Patterns

McCall's even has some occasional wear, including a sort of Santa suit, and in sizes that would fit even a Great Dane:
M6259 | Pet Clothes, Blanket In 2 Sizes And Sleeping Bag | Crafts/Dolls/Pets | McCall's Patterns

The biggest problem I have encountered with the patterns is that many are only sized for dogs considerably smaller than a Doberman. I've tried here to only link to patterns that are sized to fit at least a female Doberman (26" nape of neck to base of tail).

Meadow Cat, fleece is technically a knit fabric. Try a ball point needle, and do the usual things one does when stitches skip; new needle, clean feed dogs inside and bobbin and bobbin race & oil. You may need to fiddle with tension some as the fleece tends to be thick relative to most fabrics. I'd use a walking foot, too, if I had one. And fleece is generally polyester, so the thread should also be polyester. I'd try a stitch designated as good for knits, too. Good luck!

Tuxedo Jack, please do post a photo of this jacket you love.

And would someone, please, pretty please, post me a photo of the bikini styled bitches' britches laid out flat? Pretty please? I really think they're likely to fit a Doberman more comfortably than regular bitches' britches.

 

[frznbuns]

I do a lot of sewing(Have since I was 6yrs) if I find a coat that I really like for the dogs, I take it apart and use it for my main pattern. I was sewing dog coat for a business for a few years.. Just got too busy. I have even done fleece coats that do not require any sewing Just tying knots...Good luck I know lot of people here will be able to help you.

 

[bean]

I take it you no longer need a pattern?
I found my old link - it talks about the pattern I used and a couple of hints I found helpful at the time.
http://www.dobermantalk.com/doberman-related-chat/34500-silas-models-his-new-jammies.html



Did you fix your stitch problem? Try a new needle if you've used that one before. I used 12/80 or 14/90 needles with fleece (or that's what my notes tell me ). Try a slightly longer stitch maybe, too?


PS- photos when you're done.

 

[MeadowCat]

I found a very simple pattern at the fabric store that I'm going to try as the first one, since I'm really untalented when it comes to crafts and sewing. If, and that's a HUGE if, it goes well with this I will try a more complicated pattern.

I'm not sure what my problem is yet with the stitching. Someone told me it might be the foot tension, so I have to look into that. I may also need a new needle and/or different thread. I'm determined to figure it out, as the pattern is cut and ready to sew!

 

[Dobies 71]

Try a 16 new needle. Fleece will dull out a needle quick.

You might lenghten the stich since you need strech.

The amount of pressure on the presser foot may need adjusting. (looser)

Also, the feed dog may be grabbing too much.

You might have to lower the feed dog.

 

[GrdnDelite]

MeadowCat, what machine are you sewing on? (I have a wee addiction to sewing machines, in addition to fabric and fiber.)

 

[Q734]

I found a very simple pattern at the fabric store that I'm going to try as the first one, since I'm really untalented when it comes to crafts and sewing. If, and that's a HUGE if, it goes well with this I will try a more complicated pattern.

I'm not sure what my problem is yet with the stitching. Someone told me it might be the foot tension, so I have to look into that. I may also need a new needle and/or different thread. I'm determined to figure it out, as the pattern is cut and ready to sew!

Hey I am sewing challenged, have taken 2 classes(2nd one too many people in the class so I quit going) but was recently commissioned to copy an art apron I had made for my dd.
I flat out used vanishing ink to trace an outline of another apron I had onto cheap fabric & went from there.
You could copy an old but well fitting coat if you have one around, just use not expensive fabric to practice on.

One book that has helped me(until I find someone close and reasonable to take a private with) is Sewing for Dummies, no lie, it's helped me until I can have a hands on person to learn from.

Also when trying to get the stitch tension you want- while messing w/the settings(careful remember where you were) sew on a piece of paper.

Oh & don't use crappy thread, Gutterman(sp) is the best iirc, not "Coats" & your sewing needle needs to be compatible w/your machine & the fabric you use.

Hope that helps & good luck.

 

[MeadowCat]

MeadowCat, what machine are you sewing on? (I have a wee addiction to sewing machines, in addition to fabric and fiber.)

It's a Singer, model number is 6215, I think. I think it was my great-grandma's machine maybe in the 80s?