ggrrr...why is there no standardized sizing for dog clothes?

[Coton Momma]

WOW, you did a great job. Your stitches all look so nice and even. And I love the color, I am a real sucker for pink. What a lucky baby to have you!

I have started sewing clothes too. Angel is such a funny size, small but long. I am so happy the Yorkie Rescue jammies fit just PERFECT

[capt_noonie]

Originally Posted by Lil Sis

One of the main reasons I hated to make clothes for myself or my girls is because it is so hard to size the patterns. To make a suit or prom dress I would make it out of muslin first to be sure I had size right before cutting the expensive fabric.

With dog clothes I spend more time measuring and trying to adjust pattern then I do sewing the dress or harness. I know I am not the only one who has problems with that!

I hAve several outfits that I have given away because they don't fit remy.. I am almost to the point I won't buy unless she is with me to try on

This is the MOST important step, and hardly anyone does this! I was a tech designer for several years for a few junior clothing lines. We had samples made in the production fabric, instead of muslin, but same idea. You cannot trust those patterns, and many times the fit is totally outdated. If I do use patterns, I end up totally redesigning it anyway.

Oh, the pattern sizes are like the old wolf sizes I mentioned. Notice how on the patterns (for people) the smallest size is a 6? That's a modern size 2.

[dinkyweil]

I really love cutting up my DH's socks and sleeves to make sweaters for Dinky. This way I can get just the right weight for the weather, and it can be a custom fit. Some socks roll down to make a little turtleneck. Right now the favorite is a navy thermal cotton one made from a sleeve of a shirt that my husband did not want.
I just snip arm holes, another slit for the d ring of his harness. I also make the bottom shorter so that the sweater stays dry when he goes potty.
Last year I believe someone posted a video or instructions on how to make a dog sweater from a sock. I got the idea from there. If you can't find instructions, just wing it. You can keep cutting up old socks until you get it right!

[KendraE]

A great option is to order custom stuff from our very own YT members!! There are several who make dresses, pajamas, shirts, etc!! Just send them the measurements, and whalla.... A masterpiece is born!!!

[Princes mom]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

woohoo! ZoE's sweater is done! It took me four tries getting about a third of the way through, only to unravel it all & start again, before I got it how I wanted it. Not bad for a first go and my first time ever doing a cable stitch.

pic 1 - working the armholes
pic 2 - half way there
pic 3 - I woke ZoE up for a test fit before tying off all the ends..she
wasn't thrilled...lol
pic 4 - finished product

Now, I'm starting a cream one

Very impressive!!!!! I wish I could do that!!

[GAOMariposa]

I usually purchase items from the Lulu Pink / Smoochie Pooch line. Most of it fits my baby perfectly, a little large in the chest, but just a bit. What really bugs me, though, is that sometimes clothes from the same brand in the same size, don't fit the same way. I purchased some items from the same brand in the same size and one fits too big, another too small and 2 of them fit perfectly. That's what really annoys me.

[KazzyK810]

Did you notice I forgot something on the pink sweater??? I went to take ZoE for a walk in it by the creek last night and realized I hadn't left a hole for the harness ring to come through I ended up being able to expand the harness a lil and put it over the sweater, but it just didn't look good.

So, the new cream sweater in progress has a hole for the harness

[BanditSocks2]

I was just at PetValue and I got a costume that looked like it'd fit Bandit and was laughing with the sales guy bc it was a medium and my Bandit is a little guy, only 4.5 pounds. Well, when I got home it wouldn't even fit. So my DH and I are cracking up that we had to return it for a large. Well... we get home with the large and THATS too small too!! So I'll have to go return it for an XL for my little guy. DH is happy bc we always worry about how skinny Bandit is and he has stomach issues so this was an imaginary victory for us, but the size thing is annoying!!

[gracielove]

I find that if I find a neck size that fits Gracie then the body is too short. If I get a body length that is right then the neck size would fit a German Shepherd. I don't get it. She looks normal to me. She has an almost 8" neck and a 11" length to her body. I guess I have to find someone to sew for the poor girl. She gets cold in the winter and needs some warm things to wear.

[Rhetts_mama]

I've got the same problem with Scarlett. Everything ends up looking like a belly shirt on her.

[Tridntrue]

Kazzy beautiful work! Could u share your.knit pattern? I havent been able to find a good one.

[DJDB]

I totally agree... Kazzi, you did a great job!

I had ordered Ozzy a rain coat on Amazon in size SM, but it was too big. So, I ordered an XS and when I got it was for a dog the size of a lab or shephard I double checked the listing to make sure it said XS and not XL, and ya, they just sent me a giant coat for no apparent reason. I ended up getting another for free, and in the end I was kind of glad. The first one was yellow, but they didn't have that in XS so they asked if it was ok to send a cammo colour one, and I actually like it better. And the new one fits him perfect. Of course, I still have two very un-useful doggy rain coats.

[jadabug]

I just got an order of clothes for Bogie....same maker, different styles in the sweaters. One fits perfect and the other one is huge and both size SM. I think I am going to wash the big one in hot water and dry on hot. I may ruin it, but I can't alter it. (which I usually have to do with his stuff unless I make it myself) He could have probably worn an xxs in it.

[MI Yorkielover]

Welcome to Michigan ! You are very talented and ZoE is adorable !

[KazzyK810]

Originally Posted by Tridntrue

Kazzy beautiful work! Could u share your.knit pattern? I havent been able to find a good one.

Thank you! I'm not using a pattern...I'm just creating it as I go...it's taken a few attempts, unraveling, and redoing to get it right.

Here's the cream sweater finished...and then of course I had to make a coordinating hair bow...cos a girl's gotta look good...lol