soft tape measure
1/2 special occasion fabric or taffeta fabric (the amount of fabric will vary depending on the size of your dog)
1/2 Yard Light Standard Interface
4" to 5" fringe 1 inch wide, white velcro to sew on
thread
fabric scissors
paws
Decorative buttons, bows or appliqués.
dog dress bodice pattern
Dog dress skirt pattern
1. The first step is to print the PDF pattern and, if necessary, resize it to fit your dog. This dress pattern was originally designed to fit a Chihuahua with a 14-1/2-inch chest. Measure your pet's chest and if it is larger you will need to enlarge the pattern on your computer or take the printed pattern to a print shop to have it resized to fit your dog.
2. Next, pin the skirt pattern to the fabric that has been folded in half; align the pattern so that one edge is on the fold. Cut two pieces of fabric for the skirt pattern and two pieces for the bodice pattern. Note: The bodice pieces should be two inches larger than your dog's chest to accommodate the addition of the Velcro.
3. Place the two bodice pieces to the right with the interfacing at the bottom and sew along the indicated lines with a 1/2 inch seam. Note: Do not sew the bottom edge where no lines are present. Leave it open so you can turn the bodice to the right to attach the skirt.
4. Once the bodice is sewn, trim each corner where the neckline and waist meet to ensure the seam will lay flat once it's sewn to the top. Turn the bodice to the right, making sure the corners are square (a dull pointed object, such as a toothpick, is ideal for straightening the corners).
5. Place the two skirt pieces on either side and sew along the indicated lines. Do not sew the top edge where no lines are present, this is the gathering line. This skirt has a hem and a ruched line..
6. Fold the skirt first along the dotted line using a 1/2-inch seam. Then trim it along the bottom edge of the skirt, using scissors, every 1/2 inch before turning it to the right. Finally, sew the meeting line, but not the last inch on both sides. Gather it up enough so that it fits into the bodice.
7. Pin the bodice to the skirt. To hide the seams on the inside of the dress, place the gathered skirt between the two layers and sew it in place.
8. Now it's time for the fun part:the embellishment. Stuff the dress once it is complete for a more finished look. Add a special party touch by embellishing the entire dress with buttons, bows or appliques. Finally, attach two pieces of 2-1/2-inch Velcro by sewing them into the neck and waist pieces of the bodice to allow for easy on and off when dressing your pup.
Jenny Kitchens
