Does anyone make their own dog coats? I struggle to find one I either like or that doesn't cost the Earth. I'd love to hear from all who are adventerous enough to make them and how easy it is, where to get material etc.

Hiya

I have made a couple of coats for my girls, the first one I made I used an old towel and copied the pattern from a coat my sister had for her dog. I still use it for when the girls have had a bath as it starts the drying process and keeps them warm too. I also use these ones after a walk and a dip in the river on really cold days they also help to protect my sofas from too much damage :)  The girls line up to get them on when we come home. The most recent one was made from an old New Zealand rug that was getting thrown out at the yard I work at. It's really good as it's warm and waterproof. I have been toying with the idea of buying some fleece fabric you get at shows to make a few more as the toweling ones are getting a bit tatty now.  As for getting the girls coats to lie flat after a bath I've found that using one of the kids nylon type nighties is great as it's not too heavy and can easily be worn overnigt. I generally sew a polo neck type piece around the neck, then I cut a hole for the tail, and I make a slit up the underside which when crossed over fits nicely round their backs and are fastened off. Oh I also pop their legs through the sleeve holes. I'm sure my neighbours must think I'm a nutter the night before a show especially if all four girls are out doing their buiness in the garden with their nighties on :D

Hi,
I can't remember which but its either Robinsons or Rideaway (horse firms) do brilliant Dog rugs and prices are ok. They do New Zealand, Turn out, Stable and summer sheet equivelants all of which have cross-surcincle (?) straps which cross under the belly and don't slip and slide like a lot of the others.
You should find either firm on google or jeeves.

Google is great - if you type something like "dog coat" "pattern" you should easily find some sites for knitted and cut out patterns for dog coats and sweaters of al types.

Here's a good one with lots of links to get you started:
http://www.barlowscientific.com/technotes/home/sweater.htm#other

Hi, I make lots of them ,both for my bunch and to sell for Rescue.  IF you want something simple in say, fleecy, I can emial youu an easy to cut and sew pattern.  If you are looking for something more high tech, such as waterproof with a lininI can "Talk you thorugh " the pattern, but could not actuallly draw one out for you.

bye
Gwen

I'd love to make a fleecy one (it would of course be pink!!!!). If you could email me the pattern that would be fab.
m.white37@ntlworld.com
Thanks Gwen

Next question then ....... Best place for material or does it not matter really. I also fancy making a drying bag for the girls andy suggestions?
Thanks for all the info so far. Can't believe I'm getting excited about sewing :-)