This post will provide instructions on how to make a dog drying coat
We’ve all been there; when your dogs have been for an impromptu dip or the heavens have opened whilst on a walk, they’re soaking wet, covered in mud and your car has just been cleaned.
Regular towels are OK, but they just don’t absorb much water and you will still have to endure that damp dog smell all the way home.
What you need is a doggy bathrobe. Made from microfibre, usually with velcro straps, they are super absorbent compared to a regular towel and can be wrapped around your pooch keeping them warm and cosy on the journey home or after bathing.
Getting the Right Drying Coat
There are some good options online and in stores, but if you want a good one, then we have put together this detailed guide and you can choose which is the top drying coat for dogs. The article allows you to pick the ideal jacket for your canine companion.
Or if you want to get creative or have multiple dogs and want to save money, why not get out the sewing machine and make your dog their own.
Once you’ve learned how to make a dog drying coat, you could even stitch a few and donate them to your favourite doggy charity.
Making a Drying Coat for your Dog- Step by Step Guide
Things You Will Need For This Simple Sewing Tutorial
- Sewing Machine (Optional)
- Tape Measure
- Microfibre towel fabric
- Thread
- Paper for the pattern if you haven’t bought one
- Velcro
To learn how to make a dog coat, the first thing you will need to do is measure your pooch, grab the tape and note the length between the base of the neck to the base of the tail and record this measurement.
Wrap the tape around your dog’s neck where a collar would be and add 2.5 cms; make a note of this measurement too.
Measure his circumference by placing the tape around his belly a couple of centimetres behind the front legs and jot this down too
Place the tape on Fido’s chest just beneath his collar and stretch it down to determine the length of the front section.
You could even make a template from an old towel.
Step 1 – Choose Your Fabric
Drying towels and coats are usually made from microfibre fabric which can be bought online or in fabric stores cheaply; if your buying a regular coat, that’s fine, but you may want to add another layer of breathable quilted fabric, so your pup looks stylish on walks.
This can be purchased relatively cheaply at around £10 a metre, which is plenty to do an extra-large jacket or 2 for smaller dogs.
Make sure you can wash the material and that it is waterproof. You may also need some velcro which you can stitch to the belt or front section.
Step 2 – Cut out your pattern.
You can buy a dog coat pattern or download one of the free patterns online, some of which are handily tailored to specific breeds; this is especially useful if you have a dog that doesn’t conform to mass-produced coats.
If you are feeling adventurous and why shouldn’t you be? You’ve come this far; you can make your own pattern.
All you need is a large sheet of tissue paper- fold in half and draw an oval shape half the measurement of your pup’s neck at the top of the folded edge. Now measure along this edge until it corresponds with the back length.
Place a ruler at the top end of the oval and draw a horizontal line for the front segment, then vertically until it matches the length measurement.
This is all you need to make a dog drying coat, but if you want a coat to go outside, you may want it curved to your dog’s shape. In which case, place a plate after the widest chest point and draw around the top to create a more fitted shape.
Also, cut a rectangular strip for the belt if required and mark where you want to attach the velcro.
Step 3 – Make sure it fits
Now you have the pattern, fold the fabric in half, pin the pattern to it and cut around 3 edges leaving the folded edge intact and a small hem allowance around the edge.
You can fit the towel around your dog at this point to place the belt in the correct position and make sure it fits.
Step 4 – Put Together
Now all you need to do is stitch the hem; you don’t even have to do this as microfibre doesn’t fray, but it gives a neater finish; you could also add elastic at the bottom corners for a more secure fit, but your dog may not be keen on paw pulling to get the garment on so they are not essential.
If you are making a double layer towel coat, you need to stitch the right sides together and leave an opening so it can be turned the right way.
Attach the belt and velcro to the front opening so you are not dragging the coat over your dog’s head every time you use it.
Step 5 – Ta-Da
You’re done, now is the time to add any embellishments; you may want to personalise your robe and stitch your dog’s initials; add a fancy trim to the towel jacket collar or even a pocket. Let your imagination run wild and get creative.
Conclusion
Do you need a drying coat for dogs? We’d say yes, you do; it’s a great accessory for any dog’s wardrobe as we get a lot of rain in the UK. It would be much warmer and more comfortable for fido if they had a coat to keep them dry.
It will save your car seats, protect your home and make your pooch more comfortable after a swim or bath. As mentioned, there are plenty to choose from online.
If you decide to stitch your canine companion a towel alternative, let us know on one of our social media channels.
