New Dog, New Dog Coat: Or, Yes, We Share Fabrics
My first dog wore a coat that matched mine because making dog coats out of outerwear remnants makes perfect sense. The fact that we appeared to be wearing similar coats charmed children and made many adults think I was nuts. It wasn’t a plan. The dog needed a coat, and I had the fabric on hand.
I drafted that first coat myself, but I did a muslin of Closet Core Patterns Dog Coat and liked the design so much that I used it for our new dog and his coat. A muslin is worth while. I realized I needed to move the Velcro several inches to make this fit my dog well. I also shortened the ends of the straps that go over the top. Next time, I would turn the curves at the end of the straps into square corners, and miter the trim; I used a microfiber for the pale trim and even cut on the bias, it had almost no give at all. That is a blue waterproof fabric plus reflective tape across the shoulders and haunches. It is lined in a dark grey Polar Fleece. He took to it immediately.
You can get this pattern for free by signing up for email newsletters from Closet Core Patterns which gives you access to the free pattern library. They make women’s garments patterns usually, but branched out for this dog coat. Go here to learn more and for a step-by-step lesson in making the coat: https://www.closetcorepatterns.com/keep-your-pup-warm-with-our-free-dog-coat-pattern/
The materials are all from the Rain Shed. I have been making outwear for myself for years now with their help. I have also used their hardware and polypropylene webbing for long dog leads--the fiber is stronger than nylon--and I have learned not to sew 30′ leads, but to knot them for both the lead grip and the hardware. Turns out my home-sewing-machine stitching cannot withstand the strain of a 70-pound dog. You can purchase swatch samples for the fabrics you are interested in to make sure you like the colors. To see what they have to offer, go here: https://www.therainshed.com/
While I am here, let me put a good word in for rescue dogs and the people who look after them. After the deaths of our dogs, we were missing the flurry of noses. Lots for all of us to learn, but such a pleasure to be members of a pack again.
