- Denim
- Rust
- Sage
- Time needed
- 4 hrs
- Made this
- 0 crocheters
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Yarn weight
- Bulky
- Hook size
- 6 mm
- Finished size
- XS (S, M, L, XL); chest 27 (33, 42, 51, 62) cm
On this page
- Skill level
Intermediate
Comfortable with shaping, joining and reading counts.
- Time
4 hrs
An average pace, including assembly.
- Use
Pet Comfort
XS (S, M, L, XL); chest 27 (33, 42, 51, 62) cm
About this pattern
A warm, chunky sweater worked top down in the round, starting with a ribbed turtleneck. Leg openings are made with a simple chain-and-skip round, and the belly is shaped short so it stays clean on walks.
Sizes are written as XS (S, M, L, XL), from Chihuahua to Labrador. Measure your dog's neck, chest and back length before you start.
Why you'll love it
- Worked in one piece from the top down
- Try it on your dog as you go
- Bulky yarn, so it is quick
- Five sizes from tiny to large
Step progress photos
- 1
Turtleneck
Six rounds of post-stitch rib for the collar.
- 2
Leg openings
The chain-and-skip round makes two neat leg holes.
- 3
Belly shaped
The back is worked in rows to leave the belly open.
- 4
Hearts on
Ribbed edges and three heart appliqués finish the sweater.
Switch things up
Striped sweater
Change colours every 4 rounds in the body. Carry the yarn on the inside along the centre back.
No turtleneck
Work only 3 rib rounds for a crew neck, which is better for long-haired breeds.
Leash hole
In the round 4 cm after the leg openings, ch 3 and skip 3 sts at the centre back to make a harness opening.
Colour ideas:
- Denim
- Rust
- Sage
Common mistakes & how to fix them
- The leg openings are too tight.
- Add 1 or 2 chains to each opening in the leg round, and skip the same number of stitches.
- The sweater is too long on the belly.
- Start the belly shaping earlier. The belly edge should sit just in front of the back legs.
- The neck will not go over the head.
- Post-stitch rib stretches less than you think. Add 4 chains to the foundation and keep an even number.
Materials needed
Yarn
- Sweater: Denim blueBulky weight · 100 (150, 220, 320, 450) g
- Hearts: Blush pinkWorsted weight · 5 g
Tools
- 6 mm (J/10) crochet hook
- 4.5 mm hook for the hearts
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
- Soft measuring tape
Gauge & finished measurements
Gauge: 11 hdc and 8 rounds = 10 cm (4 in) with the 6 mm hook.
| Fits chest | 28 (34, 44, 54, 66) cm |
|---|---|
| Neck | 22 (27, 35, 42, 51) cm |
| Back length | 20 (26, 34, 42, 50) cm |
Row counter
Row 0
Tap the circle after each row
The pattern
Turtleneck
Sizes XS (S, M, L, XL). Join every round with sl st. The ch 2 does not count as a stitch.
Yoke & leg openings
Info: The round starts at the centre back. Try the sweater on your dog now: the leg openings come next.
Body & belly
Info: Place markers so that 20 (24, 30, 36, 44) sts are centred on the back. From now on, work in rows between the markers only.
Edgings & hearts
Assembly
- 1
Weave in all ends on the inside.
- 2
Sew the three hearts to the back: a large group of two near the neck and one lower down, or wherever you like.
- 3
Wash and lay flat to dry, gently shaping the turtleneck.
Important notes
- Tip: Measure your dog: around the neck, around the widest part of the chest, and from the neck to the base of the tail.
- Tip: Choose the size by chest measurement, then adjust the length by working more or fewer rows.
- Tip: Use machine-washable yarn. Dog sweaters get muddy!
Video tutorial
The video tutorial is being filmed
In the meantime, every stitch used in this pattern has a step-by-step guide with photos in our stitch library.
Open the stitch libraryPattern FAQ
How do I choose the size?
Measure around the widest part of your dog's chest and pick the size closest to it. The rib and hdc stretch to fit.
Will this work for male dogs?
Yes. The belly is shaped short, so the sweater stays clean. Start the belly shaping earlier for extra room.
Can I add a harness opening?
Yes. See the "Leash hole" variation: a ch-3 gap at the centre back.
What yarn is best?
A machine-washable bulky acrylic or wool blend. Avoid fuzzy yarns that collect dirt.
Can I sell what I make from this pattern?
Yes. You may sell finished items made from this pattern in small handmade batches. Please credit Sweety Dreamz as the designer. Do not share, translate or resell the written pattern or its photos.
Is there a printable version?
Yes. Use the Print button at the top of the page. The print view removes ads and decorations, and you can leave out the pictures to save ink.
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Chunky Dog Sweater Crochet Pattern, © 2026 Sweety Dreamz. Source: https://sweetydreamz.com/patterns/chunky-dog-sweater-crochet-pattern/. Please do not redistribute this pattern.