Cozy and Stylish: Crochet Small Dog Sweater with Ruffles

When it comes to pampering our sweet fur babies, why not add a touch of fashion to their wardrobe? A crochet small dog sweater with ruffles is the perfect blend of style and comfort. In this post, we’ll explore the beauty of this charming garment, provide a step-by-step guide to creating one, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you along the way.

Project Inspiration: The Charm of Crochet Dog Sweaters with Ruffles

I love dogs.  Well, I love all animals actually, but doggies hold a special place in my heart.

Did I ever tell you that I have five of them?  

At one point I actually had eight!

Years ago I designed a small dog sweater for my little boy Yorkshire Terriers.  

I have two of them, Jack & Jake.  

Then a few years later came Vanessa, aka “Nessa”.  She’s my little girl.

And I just had to update the pattern especially for her!  

I decided that my pretty princess needed something girly.. like ruffles.  

That’s how Nessa’s ruffle butt dog sweater came to be. 😃

Now, you might be a little nervous about the ruffles.  Don’t be!  

They are actually super easy to do.  

Once you finish your first row, you’ll be amazed at how little effort it took to make these fabulous embellishments!

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I used Red Heart variegated yarn to create this pattern because it’s economical and comes in a variety of colors.

Plus, it holds up well to all the washing these sweaters get due to all the grass, dirt, and mucky water my dogs like to get into!

How to Crochet a Small Dog Sweater with Ruffles

**THIS IS AN ORIGINAL PATTERN.  Please see my Copyright Statement for details.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Crocheting the Sweater

Summary:

Discover a charming and stylish addition to your fur baby’s wardrobe with this free crochet pattern for a ruffled small dog sweater. This adorable and cozy crochet dog sweater works for little ones about 10 pounds and features delightful ruffles, adding a touch of elegance to your furry friend’s attire. Crafted with love and attention to detail, this pattern provides step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for creating a comfortable and fashionable garment. Whether you’re a seasoned crochet or a beginner, this pattern offers a rewarding project that combines creativity and practicality. Treat your beloved pup to a fashionable ensemble with this free crochet small dog sweater with ruffles pattern!

Difficulty level:  Level 1 – Beginner

Finished Dimensions:

• Back measures about 9 1/2-inches from neck to end.
• Chest measures about 6-inches from neck to belly.

Gauge:

13 stitches and 4 rows = 4 – inches in double crochet

Materials:

• Crochet Hook size J-6mm (I use a hook made by Nelsonwood)
• Red Heart Super Saver variegated yarn – print is Bon Bon (100% acrylic)

Note: I used Red Heart Super Saver Economy – it is 4 Medium Worsted-weight, 5oz, 141g (236 yards)

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Abbreviations:

Stitch (St)

Chain stitch (ch)

Slip-stitch (slp st)

Single crochet (sc)

Double crochet (DC)

Back post only (BPO)

Single crochet 2 together (Sc2tog) –  This is called making a decrease and it is actually very easy to do!  So, please don’t be put off by this.  You can do it!  Click the link for the tutorial.

Back:

~ Start at the neckline and work towards the tail.

Chain 31

Row 1:  DC in 2nd ch from hook working in the BPO and then across (30 sts).

Rows 2: Ch 2, turn work, DC in 1st DC from hook and then across (30 sts)

Row 3:  Repeat row 2.

~ Do not bind off.  Fold collar in half lengthwise, SC through both halves across the bottom to seal the collar. when you reach the end, do not bind off, simply go ahead to row 4.

Row 4:  Ch 2, DC across.

Rows 5 –18:  Repeat row 4.

Row 19: Ch2, turn work, Sc2tog the first two stitches, Dc across, Sc2tog the last two stitches.   (28 sts)

~ Each time you Sc2tog it reduces your stitch count by one.  Since you did it twice in row 19,  your stitch count should now be 28 sts.

Row 20:  Repeat row 19. (26 sts)

Row 21: Ch 2, turn work,  Dc in the next 12 stitches, Sc2tog the next two stitches, Dc in the last 12 stitches. (24 sts)

Bind off & weave in ends.

Chest:

~ Start at belly end and crochet towards the neck.

Chain 17

Row 1:   DC in the 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (16 sts)

Rows 2 – 5:  Ch 2,   turn work, DC across.

Rows 6 – 13:   Ch2, turn work, Sc2tog the first two stitches, Dc across, Sc2tog the last two stitches.

~ Remember this reduces your stitch count by two for each row because you have Sc2tog twice.

Row 14:  There should be only 2 stitches left.  Sc2tog these last 2 stitches.

Bind off & weave in ends.

~ The chest piece should essentially be a triangle shape.

NOTE:  Up to this point, this pattern is the exactly the same as my Free Quick & Easy Small Dog Sweater pattern that I designed for my boy Yorkies, except with a different yarn.  I used a yarn more suitable for boys for the original pattern.

So, at this point in the pattern, you want to put the chest piece aside and add the ruffles to the body.

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How to Crochet Ruffles:

~  To make the ruffles, you will basically be working in a serpentine pattern across the back piece of the dog sweater.

See photos below or check out the step-by-step video on YouTube.

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) of the back piece using a slip-stitch (slp-st).

Step Two

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

Step Three

• Chain 1.  
• Then moving to the left, work 5 dc around the second double crochet (dc) of the back piece.

Step Four

• Chain 1.  
• Skip the next double crochet (dc) of the back piece.  
• Find the little bar of yarn between the two double crochet stitches of the lower row (the row below where you are working) on the back piece and work 3 dc around that little bar.

Step Five

• Chain 1. 
• Skip the next double crochet (dc) of the back piece.
• Work 5 dc around the next double crochet (dc) of the back piece.

Step Six

• Chain 1.  
• Find the little bar of yarn between the two double crochet stitches of the upper row (the row above where you are working) on the back piece and work 3 dc around that little bar.

Step Seven

• Chain 1.  
• Skip the next double crochet (dc) of the back piece.
• Work 5 dc around the next double crochet (dc) of the back piece.

Step Eight

• Repeat steps 4-7, moving left until you are completely across the entire back piece.  
• You should end with 5 double crochets around the first double crochet (dc) on the left side of the back piece.

Bind Off.

~  You have completed one row of ruffles.

Step Nine

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

On the right-hand side of the 3rd row, attach new yarn to the first double crochet (dc) of the back piece using a slip-stitch (slp-st).

NOTE:  There should be one row (row #4 from the bottom up) between the rows where you will start the ruffles (row #5 and row #3).

Step Ten

Repeat rows 2-8.  Weave in ends.

Assembly:

Step One

• Place chest piece in the center of back pieces with right sides together.  
• The ruffles should be facing up and the tip of the chest piece should be at the base of the neck. So that when the chest piece is seamed in, there will a slight opening in the neck.

Step Two

Seam in the chest piece.

• Fold one side of the back piece down so that its edge aligns with the edge of the chest piece.

• Use the slip-stitch (slp st) to seam in the chest piece.

• Leave about a 2-inch hole on each side for legs.

~ I used my dogs as models to figure out where to make the holes, but in general, they were about 5-6 inches from the neckline.

• Fold the other side of the back piece in to align with the edge of the chest piece and the seaming.  Be sure to leave a hole for the dog’s leg.

When done, your ruffled dog sweater should look like the one below.

Step Three

Use slip-stitch (slp st) to seam together the slight opening in the neck.

Step Four

• Bind off & weave in ends.
• Turn sweater right-side out

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Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?

I bet you thought those ruffles would be tough!  

They are really not.  

I don’t know about you, but after learning how to crochet ruffles, I became ruffle crazy.

 I started putting ruffles on everything!  LOL

Your little fur baby will be the center of attention with their stylish and cozy new garment.

Let your imagination run wild as you create a beautiful and personalized sweater that showcases your love for both crochet and your adorable pup.

I’d love to see your Ruffle Butt Dog Sweaters!

Please be sure to follow me on Instagram and share your makes with #itchinforsomestitchin and #rufflebuttdogsweater. Be sure to tag me!

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Ruffled Small Dog Sweater FAQs

1. How easy is it to adjust this pattern to fit my dog?

It’s very easy!

• To adjust the width of the back to suit your pup, simply add or remove chains to your starting foundation chain.
• To make the back longer or shorter you can add or remove the number of row 4 repeats (between rows 5 and 18).
• To adjust the chest width, increase or decrease the number of chains in the foundation chain.
• To adjust the chest length, increase or decrease the number of rows between rows 2 – 5.

2. How do I care for the crochet dog sweater?

As long as you’ve used the recommended yarn, the ruffled small dog sweaters are machine washable, but do not exceed 400C water temperature. Be sure to check the laundry section of your yarn label for specific washing instructions. Lay flat to dry.

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Until next time…  Happy Crocheting!

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