Knitting for Dogs: Irresistible Patterns for Your Favorite Pup -- and You!
5/5
()
About this ebook
In Knitting for Dogs, you'll find more than twenty easy-to-follow designs here for every kind of dog, from sequined sweaters for your toy dog princess to a handsome sport coat with racing stripes for your L or XL big boy. But why stop there when you can knit a hat with Fair Isle trim or fingerless Aran gloves to match your pet's jaunty sweater? And because accessories make the dog, there are patterns for everything from a cat-shaped squeaky toy to a walk-in-the-park shoulder bag for carrying keys, doggie treats, and the all-important plastic bags.
With foolproof instructions on how to properly measure a dog so that the project comes out just right, Knitting for Dogs will provide hours of entertainment for you and turn even the average pooch into the envy of the dog-run set. So whether you're a beginner or expert knitter, on the cutting edge of fashion or all about what's practical, you'll find something here to please both you and your canine companion.
Kristi Porter
Always a reader, Kristi Porter never thought much about writing until she entered a contest sponsored by the Detroit Free Press. Her nightmare vacation story - The Worst Vacation Ever - went on to be published in an anthology that was distributed worldwide. This was followed by numerous articles published in local magazines and newspapers. As her love of writing grew, she added adult fiction and short humor pieces to her repertoire.But writing isn't all Kristi does. A preschool teacher, she won the Governor's Award for her work with young children and is dedicated to the education of young children everywhere. She also enjoys bicycling, video games, photography, Facebook, and spending time with family. She lives in Michigan.Titles by Kristi Porter include:Sweet RevengeMartini's and Weed WhackersSooner or Later... You Will Get CaughtIs Somebody Bleeding? A Story About RulesStranger Danger - How to Talk to Kids About StrangersPedaling My A s s Off - A Weight Loss Story - Well, KindaPriceless Proverbs - Funny Happens When Kids Finish Famous SayingsPriceless Proverbs Book 2 - Funny Happens When Kids Finish Famous SayingsHow to Tell When You're Really Old! Funny Happens When Kids Define Old AgeBabies Come From... Where?!? Funny Happens When Kids Explain Pregnancy & Birth
Read more from Kristi Porter
Knitting In the Sun: 32 Projects for Warm Weather Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Knitting Patterns For Dummies Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPriceless Proverbs Book 2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKnitting & Crocheting All-in-One For Dummies Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMore Knitting in the Sun: 32 Patterns to Knit for Kids Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsStranger Danger: How to Talk to Kids About Strangers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSooner or Later...You Will Get Caught Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBabies Come From... Where?!? Funny Happens When Kids Explain Pregnancy & Birth Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSweet Revenge Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPedaling My Ass Off: A Weight Loss Story - Well, Kinda... Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPriceless Proverbs Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHow to Tell When You're Really Old: Funny Happens When Kids Define Old Age! Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Related to Knitting for Dogs
Related ebooks
Party Knits: 25 Stylish Designs for Any Party Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Knitting: 25 Chic and Easy Patterns Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Dress-to-Impress Knitted Boot Cuffs & Leg Warmers: 25 Fun to Wear Designs Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Knits in a Day: 40 Quick Knits to Cast On and Complete in Three Hours or Less Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Knitted Animal Socks: 6 Novelty Patterns for Cute Creature Socks Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Sweaters for Dogs: 15 Knitting Projects to Keep Your Dog Cozy and Comfortable Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Last-Minute Knitted Gifts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Contemporary Irish Knits Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Knitting Stitches VISUAL Encyclopedia Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Knockout Knit Hats and Hoods: 30 Engaging Designs for Beanies, Tams, Slouches, and More Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Knit Tricks: 25 Stylish Projects from Simple Rectangles Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Plus Size Knits: 25 Knitting Patterns for Sweaters and Accessories Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Faux Taxidermy Knits: 15 Wild Animal Knitting Patterns Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Mary Thomas's Book of Knitting Patterns Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Woodlands: Knitting Patterns Inspired by Designers on the North Coast of California Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Vintage Knit Hats: 21 Patterns for Timeless Fashions Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Top-Down Knit Sweaters: 16 Versatile Styles Featuring Texture, Lace, Cables, and Colorwork Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Knitted Tanks & Tunics: 21 Crisp, Cool Designs for Sleeveless Tops Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Simple Knits: Hats & Scarves: 14 Easy Fashionable Knits Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOne More Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Knitting: Amazing Knitting Patterns! Learn How to Knit in Less Than 12 Hours! Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKnitting for Baby: 30 Heirloom Projects with Complete How-to-Knit Instructions Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Knits for Girls and Young Juniors: 17 Contemporary Designs for Sizes 6 to 12 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/550 Shades of Stitches - Classic & Contemporary Knitting Patterns: Volume 2, #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKnitted Socks East and West: 30 Designs Inspired by Japanese Stitch Patterns Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Knit a Hat: A Beginner's Guide to Knitting Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Great Knit Sweaters for Guys Big & Small: 12 Sweaters: Children's Size 2 to Men's XXL Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5
Dogs For You
Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5BEHAVIOR ADJUSTMENT TRAINING 2.0: NEW PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR FEAR, FRUSTRATION, AND AGGRESSION Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Cesar Millan's Short Guide to a Happy Dog: 98 Essential Tips and Techniques Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Lucky Dog Lessons: From Renowned Expert Dog Trainer and Host of Lucky Dog: Reunions Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Ultimate Service Dog Training Manual: 100 Tips for Choosing, Raising, Socializing, and Retiring Your Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Your Dog Is Your Mirror: The Emotional Capacity of Our Dogs and Ourselves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Puppy Training: Owner's Week-By-Week Training Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPuppies For Dummies Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5100 Ways to Train the Perfect Dog Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5MINE!: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RESOURCE GUARDING IN DOGS Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dog Food Cookbook: 41 Healthy and Easy Recipes for Your Best Friend Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5How To Live With A Neurotic Dog Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Dog Training For Dummies Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Puppy Training Guide How to Train Your Puppy, Puppy Training Tips, Tricks, Advice & Secrets Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Big Kibble: The Hidden Dangers of the Pet Food Industry and How to Do Better by Our Dogs Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How Dogs Think: Understanding the Canine Mind Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Arthur: The Dog who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Signs From Pets In The Afterlife Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Dog Whisperer (2nd Edition): A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS: CALMING SIGNALS 2ND EDITION Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Training your Own Service Dog: Complete Guide on How to Train a Reliable and Trustworthy Service Dog Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5
Related categories
Reviews for Knitting for Dogs
1 rating0 reviews
Book preview
Knitting for Dogs - Kristi Porter
Introduction
Dogs are far more than pets: they’ve become part of the family, and it’s not considered strange to admit it. We sleep in the same room with them (and sometimes in the same bed), take them on vacation with us, and share kisses, food, and toys. We entrust our households and children to their sharp, protective barks and keen territorial instincts.
In return for a place to sleep, a pat on the head, some water and a bowl of chow, we get pure, unconditional love, and lots of it. This collection of fabulous sweaters and irresistible accessories is the perfect opportunity to knit up your gratitude.
Five savvy young designers offer patterns that are for functional, comfortable items—and, let’s face it, look really cute. The book opens with great Everyday Sweaters to keep Fido warm and dry, then it’s onto Haute Coats, special-occasion coats and ruffles sure to please even the pickiest pups. You and your dog will look smashing in any of the Matchy Matchy sets you choose to knit. And since Accessories Make the Dog, the book closes with a fresh collection of stylish beds, bags, collars, and, of course, toys.
Don’t think that sporting dog sweaters is a Small Dogs Only club. These sweaters are designed for dogs of all sizes, from teacup to jumbo. Just take a look at the photographs and you’ll see a rollicking assortment of breeds enjoying their knitwear—from big, clumsy retrievers to toy-sized poodles. Tips on measuring your dog and choosing a sweater size will help ensure a good fit, and if sweaters aren’t your dog’s thing, the accessories ensure he won’t be left out in the cold.
Our patterns offer something for knitters of all skill levels. We define a lot of terms and techniques on page 12
and also in the patterns themselves. However, if you come across an unfamiliar technique, any good how-to
book will steer you right. See the Resources list at the back of the book for suggested reading.
DOES YOUR DOG NEED A SWEATER?
Dogs from cold climates who spend their days and nights outdoors are naturally insulated against the insults of weather. Their coats are thick and their bodies have enough fat to keep them warm. But what about short-haired housedogs, bred for warmer weather and accustomed to cushier lives? Sometimes it’s an easy call: your mini pinscher probably needs a sweater to keep her from shivering her way through Chicago winters; the neighbor’s Siberian husky probably can do without.
These days, most pet dogs (even huskies) do not live outdoors around the clock. They spend much of their time in well-heated homes, so their bodies, naturally enough, acclimate to these cozy indoor environments. When these pets are taken out for cold-weather walks and exercise, the shift to outside temperatures can be a shock to their systems. The solution? Knit up a bulky wool sweater, like the Irish Fisherdog sweater on page 58
(plus some nice matching gloves for yourself). Or arm your pup against the cold with a fleece-lined Houndstooth Hunting Jacket, page 24
.
If your beloved dog is getting a little gray around the muzzle, you know that dogs can be senior citizens, too. Older dogs’ bodies are sensitive to the cold, so do something nice for yours and knit him a soft, warm sweater or jacket. Legwarmers (see page 89
) might be just the thing for an older dog suffering from stiff joints and arthritis.
Let’s not forget those dogs that love wearing clothes. Aside from the warmth of an additional layer or two, they revel in the attention they receive for their snappy knitwear and may really strut their stuff. If you own one of these show-dog wannabes (or a real show dog!), consider knitting her a whole wardrobe of dog clothes, from everyday sweaters to sparkles and faux fur. (The Haute Coats chapter offers projects that’d be perfect for her.) You care about what you wear. Why shouldn’t your best pal be as warm and stylishly dressed as you are?
WHICH YARN SHOULD YOU USE?
The patterns call for yarns that will yield great results—and look smashing, too. If you want to try a different yarn though, feel free to substitute. For all projects where it matters, gauge is given in stitches and rows per four inches. In your search for alternatives, look for yarns with a similar gauge. Of course, even yarns of the same gauge can vary widely—a silk yarn will look and behave differently from a mohair one. A yarn with a texture similar to the one suggested will yield the best results, but if you have the time to experiment, go ahead! Unless you own a jumbo-sized dog, these sweaters are relatively small, so experiment away. But don’t forget, when you’ve substituted yarns, it’s especially important to make a gauge swatch.
HE JUST WON’T WEAR IT (or Sweater-Haters’ Anonymous)
Sure, you’ll encounter dogs who are not comfortable in sweaters; like the love of a particular chew toy, it’s a matter of personal preference. If your dog has never worn a sweater, here’s a way to tell if he will tolerate a sweater without going to the trouble of knitting one: Put him in a child-sized T-shirt with the sleeves cut off and see how he reacts. Don’t try this when it’s 95° and make sure that the shirt is not too big or too small. If the dog ignores it or starts strutting around, you’ve got an ideal candidate for a dog sweater. If the dog panics, tries to bite or scratch it off, refuses to move, or exhibits other visibly unhappy behavior, take it off immediately.
But don’t give up yet! Try again a few days later, leaving the T-shirt on for 15-minute intervals to see if he warms to the idea. If he does, you can feel confident he will appreciate a sweater, so cast on without fear. If not, do not insist he wear one. You and the animal will both get stressed out, and it’s not worth it. Instead, turn to Accessories Make the Dog, and try one of the hand-knit collar patterns. Even a dog who won’t wear a sweater will enjoy a fun new toy or a cozy dog bed knit with love by their favorite human!
Many of the patterns in this book are knit in natural fibers. They insulate well and breathe better than synthetics, so your doggy will feel cozy but not claustrophobic. Furthermore, wool stays warm even when wet; a synthetic yarn will not. If you can’t stand the idea of hand washing, an acrylic blend or superwash wool may be the way to go because they can be machine washed with no ill effects. Most likely, you want to knit a functional sweater for your dog, not a museum piece, so choose yarns that match the amount of care you care to give.