Make A Quick No Sew Sweater for a Chihuahua Puppy or Small Dog - Tutorial

This is my latest sewing, well actually non-sewing project! Tell me what you think!

It has been a while since I have needed to make puppy jumpers, and during a cold spell here in the middle of summer I needed a couple of coats for the puppies in a hurry. By the time the cold sets in here for winter I expect I will need to make some larger ones!

I would have loved to share pics of both of our chihuahua girls sporting their new clothes, but Bell just does not sit still enough to photograph! So here is Tinker modeling her Pink Spotted No-sew Baby Sleeve Sweater!

Tools Required:

Measuring Tape
Scissors
Sleeve from a baby, toddler or child's sweater (see step one)

Method:

1) Measure your puppy's neck and around the chest. This will give you an idea for the size sleeve you need. I used the sleeve from a baby jumper, but you may need one from an older child or adult depending on the size of your dog or puppy.

2) Cut the sleeve from the garment you are using. The top should be as long as your dog from the back of the neck to the start of the tail. If you have a male dog the part underneath the coat (where the seam is) will need to be shorter to allow them to go to the toilet without soiling the jumper.

3) Make sure the wristband will fit over your dog's head. If it fits, great go onto the next step, otherwise do as I did. I cut the ribbing (wristband) from the sleeve, as it was too small to fit over my little chihuahua's head. I rolled the neck to hide the cut edge and make it softer around the neck.

4) Measure from your puppy's neck to the top of the front legs, and also the distance between the front legs. These will help you work out where to cut the holes for the paws to fit through. Make sure they have room to walk and play safely in them. If the holes are too big the paws can get stuck inside the jumper making it impossible for them to walk. Cut the holes in the sleeve and then your dog is ready to try on his or her new outfit!

NOTE: Putting on a dog coat should be a positive and fun experience for your puppy. So whilst your puppy is learning to behave getting dressed, offer lots of rewards of praise and food treats.

Welcoming New Arrivals - Tinker + Bell

Here are the newest members of our family. Tinker and Bell. Can you tell that we are fond of fairies (oops I meant Chihuahuas) in our house? They are 5 and 1/2 weeks old and adorably cute! These photos were taken on the way home from picking them up.

I thought I would share with you their progress as they grow as I will no doubt be sewing a few things for them!

This here is Tinker. She is the tiny dainty placid puppy.
She is 2/3 rds the size of her sister.

And here is Bell. The bigger, fearless and mischievous puppy!
Who would guess!!! She looks like a miniature labrador!

There will no doubt be more photos of our new girls sporting some new sewing projects or even supervising in the craft room! LOL I will keep you posted on that one!