If you’ve ever looked at a dog coat and thought, I could probably make that, you’re probably right. The good news is that plenty of dog coat sewing patterns are much simpler than the finished coat makes them look.
I’ve looked through the different types of dog coat patterns available and picked out ten ideas that make sense for beginners, from straightforward fleece coats to lined winter versions, reversible designs and even a Halloween option. Hopefully you’ll find a pattern you can realistically tackle and end up with something comfortable enough for your dog to actually wear.
Before You Choose a Dog Coat Sewing Pattern
Before downloading a pattern, look at how many pieces you’ll need to cut, whether it needs a lining and how it fastens. Sleeves, zips, hoods and lots of shaped panels all add extra work. For a first attempt, I’d look for a pattern with one main body piece and a straightforward fastening around the chest or belly.
The fabric is key as well. Fleece is particularly forgiving because it doesn’t fray easily, while woven fabrics usually need a little more finishing. Adding a lining gives you extra warmth and a neater finish, but you’re also doubling up on some of the cutting and sewing. My advice is to start simple. There’ll be plenty of time for the miniature designer parka later.
1. Simple Custom Fleece Dog Coat
One of the more approachable patterns I found is the custom dog coat from Wholefully. Rather than trying to squeeze every dog into a predetermined small, medium or large, you create the pattern using your dog’s measurements.
The original version combines fleece with a sherpa or faux-fur lining, so you end up with a properly warm coat rather than something that’s mainly decorative. It also uses hook-and-loop tape for the fastenings, which removes the need to tackle buttons or a zip. They describes it as a beginner project that can be completed fairly quickly.
One thing to know before using it: the author has noted that some readers encountered issues with the tutorial and recommends checking the comments for adjustments while the pattern is being revisited. I’d definitely read those before cutting your fabric. You can find read more here How to Sew a Cozy Custom Dog Coat in Less than an Hour
Best for: A first lined dog coat
Suggested fabric: Fleece with sherpa or faux-fur lining
Skill level: Beginner
2. Quilted Dog Coat
A quilted dog coat gives you a warmer option without the bulk of a thick fleece or sherpa coat. The quilting provides insulation while still allowing the finished coat to sit fairly flat against the dog’s body.
For a beginner, I’d look for a simple design that wraps over the back and fastens around the chest and belly rather than one with sleeves. Pre-quilted fabric can also save you the job of creating the quilted layers yourself.
This is a useful step up from a basic fleece coat because you’re working with a more structured fabric, but the actual shape of the garment can still be kept simple. You can get the pattern for free if you signup to their newsletter, click here for more details from Dog Coat Pattern – PDF Sewing Pattern – Pattern Scout Studio or you can use this free pattern Keep your Pup Warm with our Free Dog Coat Pattern! | Closet Core Patterns
Best for: Cool autumn and winter weather
Suggested fabric: Pre-quilted fabric with a soft lining
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
3. Classic Dog Coat With a Collar
Once a basic coat starts looking a little too basic, a collar is a nice next step.
Mimi & Tara has a dog coat pattern with separate outer and lining fabrics and a collar that’s constructed before being attached to the main coat. This particular pattern is paid rather than one of the site’s free downloads, but the instructions take you through the construction step by step.
You’re introducing another sewing technique without jumping all the way to sleeves, complicated shaping and multiple fastenings. I’d put this one in the “I’ve successfully made something simple and I’m feeling brave” category rather than choosing it as the very first thing you ever sew. Click here for the Dog Coat pattern | PDF PATTERN | Mimi & Tara
Best for: A more finished-looking everyday coat
Suggested fabric: Medium-weight outer fabric with a soft lining
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
4. Hooded Dog RainCoat
A hood immediately makes a homemade coat look more complicated, although the actual construction doesn’t necessarily have to be. You can find many variations of hooded dog coats, here is a paid or premium dog raincoat pattern that you can try on Dog Raincoat Sewing Pattern PDF: Hooded Coat, Easy DIY Pet Apparel for Winter – Etsy UK
Best for: Learning how a hooded dog coat is constructed
Suggested fabric: Fleece or another soft fabric
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
5. Reversible Dog Coat
A reversible coat sounds like you’ve suddenly moved into serious sewing territory, but there’s a practical reason for making one. Most of those untidy raw seams disappear between the two layers, and you get two looks for the effort of making one coat.
For a first reversible project, I’d avoid pairing two fabrics that behave completely differently. Something slippery on one side and stretchy on the other is probably asking for trouble when you’re still learning. Choose two fairly stable fabrics and keep the shape of the coat simple. You can watch the tutorial above on how to make it and how to make your own pattern too!
Best for: Two looks with a neat finish
Suggested fabric: Cotton, fleece or lightweight quilted fabric
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
6. Warm Sherpa-Lined Winter Coat
Once you’ve got the hang of a basic dog coat, adding a warm lining is one way to turn the same idea into something much more suitable for winter.
Sherpa fleece can be used as a soft insulating layer beneath an outer fabric, while ordinary fleece is another option if you want something a little less bulky.
The catch is all that extra thickness. Two substantial layers can get bulky surprisingly quickly, so this probably isn’t the one I’d choose for your very first afternoon with a sewing machine.
Once you’ve made a simpler coat, though, a warm lined version could be worth trying for a small, thin-coated or older dog that feels the cold.
Best for: Cold winter walks
Suggested fabric: Fleece or sherpa lining with a suitable outer fabric
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
7. Lightweight Autumn Dog Jacket
Not every dog coat needs to prepare your dog for an expedition through the Arctic.
A lightweight jacket makes more sense during mild autumn weather when you want some coverage without wrapping your dog in several thick layers. You can often take the basic shape of a simple coat and completely change how it feels by choosing a lighter fabric. That’s useful when you’re beginning because you don’t necessarily have to learn an entirely new construction method every time you want a different type of coat.
You can find a how to at Makezine using a recycled old lightweight jacket and an existing dog coat as a pattern guide, click for the instructions
Best for: Mild autumn weather
Suggested fabric: Cotton blend or another suitable lightweight woven fabric
Skill level: Beginner
8. Small Dog Coat
There’s certainly no shortage of sewing patterns for small dogs, which makes sense when you consider how popular dog clothing is for smaller breeds. A Dachshund, Chihuahua and small terrier might fall into similar size categories while having completely different proportions. That’s why I’d favour downloadable patterns that provide several sizes rather than assuming one little template will somehow fit every small dog.
But if it makes it easier for you to just have one pattern then you can find a free small dog pattern at TheSpruceCrafts site, click here for the pattern or you can try CreativeinChicago site for its small dog pattern, click here
Best for: Toy and small breeds
Suggested fabric: Fleece, cotton or lightweight quilted fabric
Skill level: Beginner
9. Upcycled Dog Coat
Before buying another metre of fabric, have a look at what you’ve already got. An old fleece or sweatshirt may provide enough usable material for a small dog coat, particularly if you’re making your first one and want something inexpensive to practise on.
You’ll need to position the pattern pieces carefully so existing seams, pockets and other details don’t end up somewhere ridiculous. On the other hand, you may be able to incorporate some of those existing features into the finished coat. SewDoggystyle.com has an excellent tutorial on making the pattern and then making the dog coat, you can find it by clicking here
Best for: Practising without buying lots of fabric
Suggested fabric: Old fleece or sweatshirt
Skill level: Beginner
10. Halloween Dog Coat Pattern
Once you’ve figured out the basic dog coat shape, seasonal versions become much easier.
Rather than learning an entirely different construction method, you can change the fabric, add a hood or use simple decorative pieces to turn a basic coat into a Halloween costume.
Mimi & Tara’s free pumpkin dog costume is a good example. It includes the coat, hood and decorative pieces and comes in sizes XS through XXL. The site also has other free dog costume patterns, including a witch costume.
This is the sort of project I’d save until you’ve made something simpler first. You’ll already understand how the coat comes together, which leaves you free to have a little more fun with the design.
Best for: Halloween and seasonal dog clothing
Suggested fabric: Depends on the costume
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Get the Measurements Right Before You Cut
Dog clothing sizes are surprisingly inconsistent, so don’t choose a pattern simply because it’s labelled small, medium or large. A Chihuahua and a Dachshund might both be small dogs, but they’re certainly not the same shape.
I’ve put together a separate article on how to measure your dog for clothes that actually fit, including the measurements you’ll need and where to take them. Do that before printing or cutting your pattern. Fabric is much easier to adjust before you’ve attacked it with scissors.
Once you’ve pinned or loosely assembled the coat, check that your dog can walk, sit and lie down comfortably before you finish the seams.
What Fabric Is Easiest for a Beginner Dog Coat?
If you’ve never made dog clothing before, fleece would be my first choice.
It’s soft, warm and forgiving to work with. More importantly, fleece doesn’t fray in the same way as many woven fabrics, so there’s less edge finishing to deal with when you’re already trying to work out what all those lines on the pattern mean.
Once you’re comfortable with the basic construction, you can experiment with cotton, quilted fabrics, sherpa linings and other materials.
I’d leave genuinely waterproof fabrics until you’ve got a little more experience. A proper dog raincoat brings its own questions around fabric, seams and water resistance, and there’s no need to make your first project harder than it needs to be.
Which Dog Coat Sewing Pattern Should You Try First?
If you’ve never sewn dog clothing before, don’t choose the coat you’d most like your dog to own. Choose the one you’re most likely to finish.
For me, that means a simple fleece pattern with minimal pieces and an uncomplicated fastening. Once you’ve successfully made that, collars, linings, reversible coats and hoods suddenly become much less mysterious.
And don’t worry if the first one has a slightly questionable seam or one side that’s a fraction longer than the other. Your dog isn’t going to inspect the stitching. What matters is that the finished coat fits comfortably, doesn’t restrict movement and is something your dog is happy to wear.
If you’re looking for more ideas I’ve put together 12 stylish dog outfit ideas for every season and occasion, with options for everything from everyday walks and wet weather to colder months and special occasions.
Also check out our Dog Years to Human Years Calculator, you’ll get a sense of where your dog is in their life stage, which can help you anticipate when their shape might be changing
This article is for informational purposes only. For advice specific to your dog always speak to your vet.