Measuring Your Dog Made Easy: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Sweaters

So, you’ve decided your dog deserves their own hand-knit sweater. Excellent choice! Not only will your pup look fabulous, but they’ll also stay warm and cozy while strutting their stuff. But before you dive into those stitches, there’s one crucial step you really don’t want to skip: measuring.

Yes, measuring your dog might sound like a Herculean task (especially if your furry friend thinks measuring tapes are chew toys), but trust me, it’s the secret sauce to knitting the perfect fit. And we’re all about that “fits like a dream” life here at Mrs Shank Designs. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Get Your Gear

First things first—you’ll need a soft measuring tape. You can snag a sleek black one here if you’re in Canada 🇨🇦, here if you’re in the USA 🇺🇸, and here if you’re in the UK 🇬🇧 or if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably got three hidden in the bottom of your project bag. Dig those out!

Pro tip: Keep a bag of treats handy to bribe—ahem—encourage your dog to cooperate. Nacho, my co-worker and muse, will do just about anything for a little piece of cheese!

Step 2: Key Measurements You’ll Need

Here’s where we get down to business. Grab your tape measure and, most importantly, your patience. Here are the key measurements you’ll need to create a sweater that fits like a glove (for paws, of course):

1. Neck Circumference
   Measure around the base of your dog’s neck, where their collar sits. Not too tight, not too loose—we’re aiming for that Goldilocks fit. Think, “If I were a dog, would I want to wear this?”
2. Chest Girth
   Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your dog’s chest, usually right behind the front legs. This is the MVP of measurements. If this one’s off, you could end up knitting a sausage casing instead of a sweater. And no dog deserves that. Not even the mischievous ones.
3. Back Length
   Measure from the base of the neck to the start of the tail. This is where some creativity comes in—do you want a cropped sweater for those milder days or full-length for maximum coziness? The choice is yours, but be sure to measure when your dog is standing (and not in a mid-nap stretch, tempting as that may be).
4. Leg Circumference (arms, really)
   If your sweater design has sleeves (fancy!), measure around the top of your dog’s front legs. Bonus tip: If you’re working with a very fluffy friend, a gentle brush-down before measuring may help keep things accurate. Also, you might want to add a bit of ease if your dog plans on hitting the gym anytime soon (kidding!).
5. Belly Length
   If you’ve got a male dog, leave some room around the belly so they can… well, do their business without any sweater interference. Trust me on this one. Measure from their chest to where you want the sweater to stop.

Step 3: Time to Knit!

Now that you’ve got all your measurements, you’re ready to start knitting that masterpiece! (Might I suggest our Adore You pattern? You and your dog will thank me later.) Use these measurements to knit it up, and you’ll be well on your way to a sweater that fits like a dream.

Oh, and if you need a matching little something for yourself? We’ve got you covered too—check out our matching Adore You socks for a little extra “twinning” magic!

Stay Cozy and Connected!

A Few Final Tips:

• Double-check your measurements before you start knitting. I know, it’s tedious, but it’ll save you from tears later. Measure twice, knit once!
• If you’re using a stretchier yarn, like merino or a wool blend, you might want to knit a little smaller than the exact measurements for a snug, cozy fit.
• Make sure to try the sweater on your dog as you go. That way, you can catch any adjustments early, and your dog can start getting used to their new wardrobe.

Get Started Today!

Now that you’re armed with all the tips and tricks to measure your dog like a pro, it’s time to get knitting. Happy stitching, and may your pup be the best-dressed dog at the park!

Got questions? Need help picking a pattern? Check out our Dog Sweater FAQs or send us an email at [email protected]. Nacho and I are always here to help!