DROPS Children 49 · Lots of new kid designs!

How to knit a dog sweater

Dogs can also feel chilly when the weather is cold, so why not knit a snuggly sweater with cables for your best friend? In this step-by-step lesson we’ll show you how to knit the The Lookout doggy sweater, pattern DROPS 102-43, with DROPS Karisma.

Follow the tutorial and if you have any questions by the end, leave them in the comments section so our experts can help you!

What do you need to get started?

Size: In this lesson we work size XS, and you’ll notice that this size is marked with bold font throughout the whole tutorial. Find the complete pattern here.

Size:
XS- S - M
The measures of the dog:
Chest width: approx 28/32 – 40/44 – 48/52 cm = 11"/12 1/2" - 15 3/4"/17 1/4" - 19"/20 1/2"
Back length: approx 24– 32 - 40 cm = 9 1/2"- 12 1/2" - 15 3/4"

Examples of sizes of dogs: XS = Chihuahua, S = Bichon Frise, M = Cocker Spaniel

Materials:
DROPS Karisma from Garnstudio
100-150-200 g color no. 21, medium grey

DROPS circular needle size 4 mm = US 6, 40 cm = 16" long (double pointed needles in XS) –or the size needed to obtain the correct knitting gauge; 21 sts x 28 rows in stockinette sts = 10 x 10 cm = 4" x 4".

DROPS double pointed needle and small circular needle size 3mm = US 2,5

Some notes before we start...

RIB: * K2, P2 * , repeat from *-*
When we use *-* in the text, work whatever has been written between the stars, repeating this however many times stated in the pattern.

INCREASE TIP:
Increase by making yarn overs. On the next round, work the yarn overs twisted to avoid holes.

PATTERN: See diagrams M.1 to M.3 The diagrams are shown from the RS.

Diagram

Here's the complete diagram you'll need for the pattern. You will need to come back to it as you follow the pattern steps below.

= K from the RS, P from the WS
= P from the RS, K from the WS
= Cable: Put 1 st on a cable needle behind the work, K3, P1 from the cable needle
= Cable: Put 3 sts on a cable needle in front of work, P1, K3 from cable needle.
= Cable: Put 2 sts on cable needle behind the work, K2, K2 from cable needle.
= Cable: Put 3 sts on cable needle behind the work, K3, K3 from cable needle.

Let’s start knitting!

But first, some more notes: The garment is worked in the round from the neck down, then divided for the forelegs, where you work back and forth over part of the back, then work the part under the stomach, join the pieces together and work in the round. Stitches are bind off under the stomach followed by decreasing on each side for a few centimetres. To finish, ribbed edges are worked around the sweater and stitches are picked up around the holes for the forelegs and also worked with rib.

1)
Cast on 60-80-100 sts with double pointed needle size 3 mm = US 2,5 and medium grey

2)
Work in Rib for 8-10-12 cm = 3 1/8"-4"-4 3/4" (= Collar which is folded double)

3)
Change to small circular needle size 4mm = US 6. K 1 round at the same time increase 16-32-54 sts evenly distributed - read INCREASE TIP = 76-112-154 sts.

4)
Continue the pattern as follows:

Size XS: M.2 (4 sts), P2 , M.2 (4 sts), (= the first 10 sts underneath the stomach), P3, M.3 (14 sts), M.2 (4 sts), M.1 (24 sts) (= mid back), M.2 (4 sts), M.3 (14 sts) and P3.

Size S: * M.2, P2 *, repeat from *-* 2 times, M.2, * M.3, M.2 *, repeat from *-* 2 times, M.1 (= mid back), * M.2, M.3 *, repeat from *-* 2 times

Size M: * M.2, P2 *, repeat from *-* 3 times, M.2, * M.3, M.2 *, repeat from *-* 3 times, M.1 (= mid back), * M.2, M.3 *, repeat from *-* 3 times

5)
At the same time when the piece measures 12 -16-20 cm = 4 3/4"-6 1/4"-8" (from the cast-on edge) split the work for the forelegs as follows (make sure to split so you work the cables from the right side): Put the first 10-16-22 sts on a thread or a stitch holder (= underneath the stomach), turn the piece and continue the pattern back and forth,bind off 1 st on each side, at the beginning of the next 2 rows, = 64 -94-130 sts (= back piece).

6)
Knit back and forth over these sts for 6 -8-10 cm = 2 3/8"-3 1/8"-4" (the piece measures 18 -24-30 cm = 7"-9 1/2"-11 3/4" in total). be sure to knit the next row from right side, cut the thread.

7)
Put sts on a thread or stitch holder, and put sts from the thread or stitch holder underneath the stomach back on needle.

8)
Cast on 1 new st each side of these sts = 12-18-24 sts. Continue knitting the pattern back and forth with 1 P st each side.

9)
When knitted 6-8-10 cm = 2 3/8"-3 1/8"-4" put all sts on needle = 76-112-154 sts, be sure to knit the next round from right side

10)
When the piece measures 24-31-38 cm = 9 1/2"-12 1/4"-15" bind off 12-20-28 sts mid underneath the stomach

11)
Now knit the piece back and forth on needle – at the same time bind off each side on every other row: 3 sts 1 -1-1 time, 2 sts 2-3-4 times, 1 st 2-3-4 times, 2 sts 2-3-4 times and 3 sts 1-1-1 time = 32-50-74 sts left on needle.
The piece measures approx. 30-39-48 cm = 11 3/4"15 1/4"-19".

12)
Assembly: Put the remaining sts on a small circular needle size 3mm = US 2,5 and pick up sts around the binding off edge to a total of approx 84-108-140 sts. Knit Rib for 2-3-4 cm = 3/4"-1 1/8"-1 1/2", bind off loosely with K over K and P over P

13)
Leg: Pick up approx. 36-44-52 sts on double pointed needle size 3mm = US 2,5 around 1 opening for leg.

14)
Knit Rib for 2-3-4 cm = 3/4"-1 1/8"-1 1/4", bind off loosely with K over K and P over P. Repeat for the other opening.

Finished!

And so is the sweater complete. Thank you for following our tutorial, we hope you had fun and that we get to see pictures of your finished sweater. Post them on social media using hashtags #dropsalong and #thelookoutdogsweater or submit them to our gallery so we can feature them!

Need some help?

Should you want more information about the different stitches or techniques, here’s a list of lessons and video tutorials that will help:

Comments (52)

Country flag Susanne Verdich wrote:

Jeg syntes kun man tager masker af til 1 ben, hvadmed det andet?

20.12.2021 - 09:03

Country flag Elisabeth Birnkammer wrote:

Hallo, ich stricke den Pulli derzeit für eine ausgewachsene Dalmatiner Hündin als Überraschung und kann sie daher nicht abmessen. Ich habe die Maschenzahl für die Größe M genommen und bei den Längen in cm immer 4 cm zugegeben. Hat irgendwer zufällig den Pulli für einen größeren Hund wie zb Dalmatiner gestrickt und kann mir die Länge wo ich zb für den Bauch abketten (in der Anleitung 38 cm) soll und die Gesamtlänge (in der Anleitung 48 cm) schreiben! Vielen Dank, lg Elisabeth

05.12.2021 - 14:40

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Frau Birnkammer, am besten können Sie andere Strickerinnen im DROPS Workshop mal fragen - Viel Spaß beim stricken!

06.12.2021 - 09:49

Country flag Jessica wrote:

Hallo, bei einer Maschenprobe von 21 M je 10cm komme ich bei Größe M doch bei 154 M auf rund 73 cm. Warum wird ein Umfang von 48/54 cm angegeben? Das wird doch mit 20 cm Differenz viel zu groß.

27.11.2021 - 20:37

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Jessica, die 21 Maschen sind glatt rechts gestrickt, die 154 Maschen werden im Rippenmuster + Zöpfe gestrickt, deshalb braucht man mehr Maschen. Sollte Ihre Maschenprobe stimmen, dann sollte der Pullover am Ende die richtigen Maßen haben. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

29.11.2021 - 09:20

Country flag Ann-Cathrine Berggren wrote:

I minsta storleken xs står sist på första mönstervarvet p3 men ingen förklaring vad betyder det ? Mvh

13.11.2021 - 14:43

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Ann-Cathrine. Her er det nok litt engelsk tekst som har blitt glemt å bli oversatt (P3/purl 3 = 3am). Dette skal vi få ordnet asap. mvh DROPS Design

15.11.2021 - 08:09

Country flag Marcelle wrote:

Je voudrais tricoter le manteau sur deux broches plutôt que sur des broches simulacres Pouvez-vous m'expliquer comment adapter le motif afin de faire la transition ? Merci

06.11.2021 - 15:41

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Marcelle, cette leçon devrait pouvoir vous permettre d'adapter les explications pour 2 aiguilles, votre magasin saura vous aider - même par mail ou téléphone - pour toute assistance complémentaire. Bon tricot!

08.11.2021 - 08:25

Country flag Anne wrote:

M3 - M2 - M1 har ikke lige mange linjer i mønsteret. Når man strikker bliver M2 færdig først. Starter M2 så forfra selvom M3 eller M1 ikke er færdige eller er M 2 færdig?

18.08.2021 - 19:48

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Anne. Ja, det stemmer. God Fornøyelse videre :)

27.08.2021 - 07:02

Country flag Rune Tonstad wrote:

Hei. Hva mener dere med Størrelse S: * M.2, 2 vrang *, gjenta fra *-* 2 ganger, M.2, * M.3, M.2 *, gjenta fra *-* 2 ganger, M.1 (= midt oppå ryggen), * M.2, M.3 *, gjenta fra *-* 2 ganger.? Hva betyr * ..hva betyr *-*. Kan dere skrive helt ut så man forstår hvordan man skal strikke? Jeg er ferdig med trinn 1-3 og skal begynne på trinn 4 men den forklaringen er vanskelig å forstå. Kan dere forklare f.eks første runden maske for maske uten forkortelser, som ikke er selvforklarende.?

15.04.2021 - 12:06

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Rune. I begynnelsen av leksjonene står det: Forklaringer til oppskriften før vi starter (fet/stor skrift)... og under her står det: Når vi skriver *-* i teksten, så skal man strikke det som står mellom stjernene og det skal gjentas det antall ganger som står i oppskriften. Da skal det i f.eks str S strikkes slik: Strikk diagram M.2, strikk 2 vrang , strikk diagram M.2, strikk 2 vrang, strikk diagram M.2, strikk diagram M.3, strikk diagram M.2, strikk diagram M.3, strikk diagram M.2 , strikk diagram M.1 (= midt oppå ryggen), strikk diagram M.2, strikk diagram M.3 , strikk diagram M.2, strikk diagram M.3 . God Fornøyelse!

19.04.2021 - 08:21

Country flag Erin Hamalainen wrote:

Hello! I am really struggling!! I am knitting the XS. When I get to step 12, I have 32 stitches on the needle and 44 bound off stitches (that have been bound off over the last 16 or so rows in step 11). So I have a total of 32 + 44 = 76 stitches. How do I pick up 84 stitches from 76 stitches?????? As far as I know, I can't pick up more than 1 stitch per stitch - but I'd have to do that somehow in order to get 84 out of 76 stitches. I am puzzled!!!

11.03.2021 - 03:05

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Hamalainen, you can increase the number of stitches by picking up 1 stitch between 2 stitches evenly distributed so that you will get the correct number of sts - you need here 84 sts for the rib since the rib will tighten piece. You can also increase on first round after picking up, adjusting the number of sts evenly to 84 sts if it looks easier for you. Happy knitting!

11.03.2021 - 08:46

Country flag Judith Lord wrote:

On pattern #DROPS102-43 there are 76 stitches. In knitting the design it only comes out to 66 stitches. Am I suppose to repeat something??

08.03.2021 - 13:53

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Lord, see previous answer below where we explained how to work these 76 stitches, this should help you to work the desired size. Happy knitting!

09.03.2021 - 08:13

Country flag Judith Lord wrote:

The stitch count does not come out right to add up to 76 (xtra small size). Please help. Thank you.

08.03.2021 - 01:48

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Lord, work as follows in XS: M.2 (4 sts), P2 , M.2 (4 sts), P3, M.3 (14 sts), M.2 (4 sts), M.1 (24 sts), M.2 (4 sts), M.3 (14 sts) and P3 = 4+2+4+3+14+4+24+4+14+3= 76 sts. Happy knitting!

08.03.2021 - 10:54

Country flag Maggie wrote:

I am knitting size S. 112 stitches. First row of pattern I am 42 stitches short! The pattern as written takes 154 stitches to complete. Please advice.

07.03.2021 - 16:25

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Maggie, work the 112 sts as follows: * M.2 (= 4 sts), P2 *, repeat from *-* 2 times (=6 sts x 2 = 12 sts) , M.2 (= 4 sts), * M.3 (= 14 sts), M.2 (= 4 sts) *, repeat from *-* (= 14+4=18 sts) 2 times (= 18 sts x 2 = 36 sts), M.1 (= mid back = 24 sts ), * M.2, M.3 *, repeat from *-* (= 4+14= 18 sts) 2 times (= 36 sts) = 12+4+36+24+36=112 sts. Happy knitting!

08.03.2021 - 10:53

Country flag Ane Skrede wrote:

Hei dere ... nå fortjener min hund en genser :) Hvordan kan jeg endre oppskriften til en større rase? Jeg har lett etter opplysning på tipps-siden deres tidligere. Finnes det en formell eller råd ang. å øke størrelsene ? Takk for alle de fine oppskriftene.

12.02.2021 - 13:28

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Ane. Ja, alle fortjener en deilg varm genser i kulden. Vi har dessverre ikke oppskrifter til store hunder. Men om du ser på en hundeoppskrift vi har, så sjekk strikkefastheten (hvor mange masker på 10 cm) og ta mål på din egen hund, så kan du prøve å tegne/skrive en genser som vil passe din hund perfekt. mvh DROPS design

15.02.2021 - 08:55

Country flag Nicole Veilleux wrote:

Continuer maintenant en allers et retours – en même temps, rabattre de chaque côté tous les 2 rangs: 1 -1-1 fois 3 m, 2-3-4 fois 2 m, 2-3-4 fois 1 m, 2-3-4 fois 2 m et 1-1-1 fois 3 m = il reste 32-50-74 m. \r\nL\'ouvrage mesure environ 30-39-48 cm. Bonjour je ne comprends pas le 11 , je ne suis pas capable de lire le design \r\nJe ne sais pas se que veut dire2 rangs :1-1 1 fois 3m, 2-3 4 fois etc...je sais qu’il faut rabattre ...pas ca pable de détailler le patron...merci

09.02.2021 - 14:08

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Veilleux, si vous tricotez la 1ère taille, vous allez rabattre 3 mailles au début des 2 rangs suivants (= 1 x 3 m de chaque côté), puis 2 mailles au début des 4 rangs suivants (= 2 m de chaque côté), puis 1 m au début des 4 rangs suivants, puis 2 m au début des 4 rangs suivants et 3 m au début des 2 rangs suivants = il vous restera 32 mailles. Bon tricot!

10.02.2021 - 07:40

Country flag Nicole Veilleux wrote:

Bonjour Madame, je ne comprends pas l’étape 11...du tout..peut-être l’expliquer plus en détails...merci

08.02.2021 - 22:53

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Veilleux, maintenant que vous avez rabattu les mailles du ventre, vous tricotez en rangs (cf réponse précédente et vidéo si besoin) en rabattant au début de chaque rang de chaque côté pour former l'arrondi du manteau. En fonction de votre modèle et des explications, rabattez les mailles de chaque côté (sur l'endroit et sur l'envers) puis, dans ce modèle, nous relevons les mailles tout autour de cet arrondi + les mailles rabattues pour tricoter une bordure en côtes. Bon tricot!

09.02.2021 - 09:45

Country flag Nicole Veilleux wrote:

Moi c’est tourner l’ouvrage avec aiguilles circulaires que je ne comprends pas

08.02.2021 - 15:49

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Veilleux, pour tricoter en rangs avec une aiguille circulaire, tournez simplement votre ouvrage (comme pour des aiguilles droites) pour tricoter alternativement sur l'endroit et sur l'envers - cette vidéo montre comment tricoter du jersey en allers et retours sur aiguille circulaire. Bon tricot!

09.02.2021 - 09:43

Country flag Nicole Veilleux wrote:

Bonjour, moi je tricote le petit gilet sans torsade , je fais ordinaire mais je suis la description de votre gilet, je suis rendue ...j’ai mis mes 10 mailles sur un fil ...après vous dites tourner l’ouvrage et continuer à tricoter là je ne comprends pas , je ne sais quoi faire , car si je tourne mon travail le côté que je tricote fait à l’envers sur l’endroit de mon travail. ....merci de me répondre

08.02.2021 - 04:39

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Veilleux, Quand on met les mailles du ventre en attente, on continue d'abord le dos en allers et retours (à partir de l'image 6 ci-dessus) - puis, à la hauteur indiquée, on met en attente et on tricote alors les mailles du ventre (image 7) -puis on va reprendre toutes les mailles (image 9). N'hésitez pas à poser votre question sur le modèle concerné pour une aide plus précise. Bon tricot!

08.02.2021 - 12:04

Country flag Maggoo wrote:

Ich möchte gerne den Zopfhundepulli in M stricken - komme leider mit der Beschreibung für die Strickschrift nicht klar - bin eine erfahrene Strickerin - aber hierbei stehe ich auf dem Schlauch - es steht z.B. Größe M: * M.2, 2 Maschen links*, von ** 3 x arbeiten, M2, * M.3,M2* , von * * 3x arbeiten, M. 1 (= obere Rückenteil) etc. ich verstehe es einfach nicht - bitte schreibe es für mich verständlich auf - der Pullover ist soooo schön und ich möchte ihn gerne stricken.

04.02.2021 - 23:46

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Maggoo, in M haben Sie 154 M. und so stricken Sie: *M.2 (= 4 M), 2 M li*, stricken Sie diese M noch 2 Mal (= 3 Mal insgesamt= über die ersten 18 Maschen), dann stricken Sie die 4 M von M.2, dann stricken Sie 3 Mal (M.3 (= 14 M), M.2 (= 4 M) 18 Maschen x 3 = 54 M ), M.1 (= 24 M ), (M.2 (= 4 Maschen), M3 (= 14 M)) x 3 (= diese 18 Maschen stricken Sie 3 Mal = 54 M), so haben Sie: 18+4+54+24+54=154 M. Hier lesen Sie mehr über Diagramme. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

05.02.2021 - 09:35

Country flag Susan Ann Aston wrote:

Hi there, I am struggling to find a dog jumper in crochet using just UK terminology. Can you please help?

30.01.2021 - 16:45

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Aston, we have currently no crochet patterns for dog jumper sorry. We do have some to knit but not to crochet.

01.02.2021 - 11:24

Country flag Suong wrote:

Guten Abend ich habe eine frage,da ich anfängerin bin wie stricke ich dann ohne Muster?meine Mäuschen brustumpfang 48cm!FG

17.01.2021 - 00:27

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Frau Suong, hier finden Sie alle unsere Anleitungen für Hundepullover, sicher finden Sie ein Modell ohne Muster. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

19.01.2021 - 07:45

Country flag Katia wrote:

Salve io sarei interessata a questo modello di cappottino per cani...ma se volessi aggiungergli le zampe posteriori come devo fare... o se ci fosse un altro modello o una spiegazione di tutina a quattro zampe ai ferri per la mia cagnolina...grazie

15.01.2021 - 08:09

DROPS Design answered:

Buongiorno Katia, purtroppo al momento non abbiamo modelli che comprendano anche le zampe posteriori, ma tenga d'occhio il sito: nelle prossime settimane ne verranno pubblicati altri! Buon lavoro!

15.01.2021 - 09:54

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