Free Crochet Small Dog Sweater Pattern with Ruffles

Pattern Instructions – Small Dog Crochet Sweater with Ruffle Trim

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to crochet your own small dog sweater with ruffles.

This design uses the same trusted base construction as the original small dog sweater, with the addition of a decorative ruffle trim worked directly onto the back panel. If you’re comfortable with basic stitches like double crochet and simple decreases, you’ll find this project approachable and rewarding.

Small Dog Sweater Construction

This crochet small dog sweater with ruffles is worked in separate flat sections and then assembled for a structured, comfortable fit.

The sweater begins with the collar and back panel, worked in rows from neckline to tail. Simple shaping creates a gentle taper toward the lower back.

Next, the chest panel is worked separately and shaped to fit comfortably along the belly. The pieces are then seamed together, leaving openings for the legs.

Once the base sweater is complete, the ruffle trim is added directly onto the back panel.

Want Extra Help?

The ad-free printable PDF includes detailed construction photos and a clean, easy-to-print layout. It’s perfect if you prefer to work offline or want a visual reference while crocheting.

Finished Dimensions

Using the recommended yarn and hook size, the finished sweater measures approximately:

Back Length: 9.5″ from neck to end
Chest Length: 6″ from neck to belly

All measurements are taken flat and are approximate. Because tension varies from crocheter to crocheter, checking gauge and measuring your dog before beginning is strongly recommended.

Plan Your Dog Sweater Fit First

Before you start crocheting, it helps to take a few quick measurements of your dog so the sweater fits comfortably.

This sweater was originally designed for my Yorkies, Jack and Jake, but small dogs can vary quite a bit in chest width, back length, and neck size.

If you’d like help organizing those measurements before you begin, download my Dog Sweater Fit Planner.

It walks you through:

• The key measurements to take
• How to record them before starting your project
• Notes for adjusting sweater length or width if needed

You can grab the free planner here and keep it handy while you crochet.

Slightly Larger Small Dog Option (10–12 lbs)

Over the years, several readers have asked how to make this crochet dog sweater with ruffles just slightly larger — perfect for pups who fall between 10–12 pounds.

A reader named Connie generously shared her adjustments after making this sweater for her dog, Ren. With just a few simple changes, she was able to create a roomier fit while keeping the original construction and ruffle placement intact.

If your dog is just a bit larger than the standard small size, you can try the following:

• Use a K (6.5 mm) hook instead of a J (6.0 mm)
• Begin with Chain 33 instead of Chain 31
• For a slightly shorter back, you may stop body repeats at Row 16 instead of Row 18
• Follow the same shaping and ruffle instructions as written

These minor adjustments will create a bit more width and flexibility without altering the overall look of the sweater.

If you need a more customized fit — or want to confidently scale this design for dogs outside the small-size range — I teach a complete dog sweater scaling system inside the Studio, where we break down measurements, stitch ratios, and construction logic step by step.

But for many 10–12 lb pups, these small adjustments are all you need.

Notes:

Base Sweater Pattern

Collar

The collar is worked first and forms the foundation of your sweater. It is created as a simple rectangle, then folded and seamed to form a soft, stretchy neckline.

Start at the neckline and work back and forth in rows.

Follow the row instructions as written to create your collar panel.

When complete:

• Do not bind off.
• Fold the collar in half lengthwise, aligning edges.
• Single crochet (sc) through both layers across the bottom edge to seal the collar.
• Continue directly into the body of the sweater as instructed.

This folded construction creates a thicker, more structured neckline while maintaining stretch and comfort.

Visual Learner?

The ad-free PDF includes detailed, step-by-step photos of the collar construction and fold-and-seam process, along with full assembly guidance.

You can find it in:

• My shop
• The Crochet Conservatory

Back Panel

Note: Sweater is worked flat, beginning at the neckline and working toward the tail.

Chain 31

Row 1:
DC in 2nd ch from hook, working in the back post only (BPO), DC across. [30 sts]

Row 2:
Ch 2, turn. DC in first stitch and in each stitch across. [30 sts]

Row 3:
Repeat Row 2. [30 sts]

Collar Finish

Do not fasten off.

Fold the collar in half lengthwise. Working through both layers, single crochet evenly across the bottom edge to join and seal the collar.

Before continuing, you can also adjust the neckline fit if needed. This guide explains how to customize neck openings in crochet dog sweaters for a tighter, looser, or more comfortable fit.

Do not fasten off. Continue directly to Row 4.

Row 4:
Ch 2, turn. DC in each stitch across. [30 sts]

Rows 5–18:
Repeat Row 4. [30 sts]

Shaping the Back

Row 19:
Ch 2, turn. SC2tog over first 2 sts, DC across to last 2 sts, SC2tog over last 2 sts. [28 sts]

Each SC2tog decreases the stitch count by 1. You have decreased twice in this row.

Row 20:
Repeat Row 19. [26 sts]

Row 21:
Ch 2, turn. DC in next 12 sts, SC2tog, DC in last 12 sts. [24 sts]

Chest Panel

Note: Chest is worked flat, beginning at the belly edge and shaping upward toward the neckline.

Chain 18

Row 1:
DC in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [17 sts]

Rows 2–5:
Ch 2, turn. DC in each stitch across. [17 sts]

Shaping the Chest

Rows 6–13:
Ch 2, turn. SC2tog over first 2 sts, DC across to last 2 sts, SC2tog over last 2 sts.

You will decrease by 2 stitches in each of these rows (one at each end).

Row 14:
If 2 stitches remain, SC2tog to close.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

The finished chest piece forms a tapered triangle that fits comfortably along the belly and chest.

Adding the Ruffle Trim

Before attaching the chest piece, set it aside. The ruffles are added directly to the back panel first.

Although they look decorative and layered, the ruffles are worked using simple double crochet stitches in a serpentine pattern across the back of the sweater.

If you prefer visual guidance, you can follow my full step-by-step tutorial (including video):

This tutorial demonstrates:

• Where to attach the yarn
• How to work around double crochet posts
• How to create the alternating 3 dc / 5 dc pattern
• How to space and layer the ruffle rows

Now let’s add the ruffles.

How to Crochet the Ruffles

You will be working back and forth across the back panel in a gentle serpentine pattern.

First Row of Ruffles

Step One
With the back piece facing right side up, count 5 rows up from the bottom of the back piece.

On the right-hand side of the 5th row, attach new yarn to the first double crochet (dc) using a slip stitch (slp st).

Step Two
Work 3 double crochets (dc) around that first double crochet of the back piece.

Step Three
Chain 1.
Moving left, work 5 dc around the second double crochet of the back piece.

Step Four
Chain 1.
Skip the next double crochet of the back piece.
Locate the small horizontal bar between the two double crochet stitches in the row below.
Work 3 dc around that bar.

Step Five
Chain 1.
Skip the next double crochet.
Work 5 dc around the next double crochet of the back piece.

Step Six
Chain 1.
Locate the horizontal bar between the two double crochet stitches in the row above.
Work 3 dc around that bar.

Step Seven
Chain 1.
Skip the next double crochet.
Work 5 dc around the next double crochet.

Step Eight
Repeat Steps Four through Seven, moving left across the back panel until you reach the opposite side.

You should finish with 5 dc around the final double crochet on the left edge.

Bind off.

You have now completed one row of ruffles.

Second Row of Ruffles

Step Nine
With the back piece facing right side up, count 3 rows up from the bottom.

Attach new yarn to the first double crochet on the right-hand side using a slip stitch.

There should be one full row (Row 4 from the bottom) between your two ruffle rows.

Step Ten
Repeat Steps Two through Eight to complete the second row of ruffles.

Weave in ends.

Assembly

Once the ruffles are complete, you can assemble the sweater.

Need visual guidance? The ad-free PDF includes a detailed, step-by-step photo tutorial for assembly , and it’s available in my shop and inside The Crochet Conservatory.

Step One – Position the Chest Piece

Place the chest piece centered between the two back edges, right sides together.

The ruffles should be facing upward.
The pointed tip of the chest piece should sit at the base of the neckline, naturally creating a slight opening at the neck.

Step Two – Seam the Chest Piece

Fold one side of the back panel down to align with the edge of the chest piece.

Using slip stitch (slp st), seam the chest piece to the back panel.

Leave approximately 2 inches open on each side for the leg openings.

Need Help With Fit?

If you’d like extra help with sizing and fit adjustments, you can download my free Dog Sweater Fit Planner — it walks you through measurements, customization notes, and planning adjustments before you seam.

On my dogs, the leg openings began about 5–6 inches down from the neckline.
However, check placement against your own dog before fully seaming.

Fold the other side of the back panel inward and seam, again leaving space for the leg opening.

Step Three – Close the Neck Opening

Use slip stitch to seam the slight opening at the neckline.

Step Four – Finish

Bind off and weave in all ends.

Turn the sweater right-side out.

Your crochet small dog sweater with ruffles is now complete.