Walking your furry friend in the rain can range from slightly inconvenient to downright miserable, especially if your dog returns looking like a drowned rat and smelling like one too. While plenty of dog raincoats are available to buy, why not channel your inner creative spirit and make one yourself? Crafting a DIY dog raincoat isn’t just a potentially cost-effective project; it allows you to create a perfectly fitting, custom-designed garment for your canine companion. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in seeing your dog strutting proudly in something you made with your own hands. This guide will walk you through the process, from selecting materials to the final stitch.
Gathering Your Supplies: The Foundation of Your Project
Before you dive into cutting and sewing, you’ll need the right materials. The star of the show is, of course, the waterproof fabric. You have several options here, each with its own characteristics:
- PUL (Polyurethane Laminate): This fabric is popular for reusable diapers and wet bags for a reason. It’s soft, flexible, breathable to some extent, and reliably waterproof. It’s relatively easy to sew with and comes in countless fun prints.
- Laminated Cotton: Similar to PUL but often with a cotton fabric base that has a waterproof layer applied to one side. It offers great prints but might be slightly less durable or flexible than PUL over time.
- Oilcloth: Traditionally made with linseed oil, modern oilcloth is usually vinyl-coated cotton. It’s very waterproof and wipeable but can be stiff, making it potentially less comfortable for smaller or very active dogs. It’s also harder to sew.
- Ripstop Nylon (Coated): Lightweight and durable, often used in umbrellas and tents. Ensure you get a version with a waterproof coating (like silicone or PU). It can be slippery to work with.
- Repurposed Materials: Don’t overlook old raincoats (human ones!), shower curtains (check they’re not too crinkly or stiff), or even sturdy umbrellas. This is the ultimate budget-friendly and eco-conscious option!
Consider the climate and your dog’s needs. For colder weather, you might want to add a lining.
Optional Lining Fabric: A thin fleece or flannel lining can add warmth and comfort. Remember to pre-wash cotton-based linings like flannel as they can shrink.
Fasteners: Velcro (hook and loop tape) is often the easiest option for dog coats, allowing for adjustability. Ensure you get sew-on Velcro, not the sticky-back kind. Snaps or buckles are other possibilities, though they might require more precise placement or special tools.
Thread: Use a good quality polyester thread. Cotton thread can absorb moisture and weaken over time, compromising the waterproof nature of your seams.
Essential Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and mat (highly recommended for clean cuts on waterproof fabrics)
- Pins or sewing clips (clips are often better for waterproof fabrics as pins can leave permanent holes)
- Sewing machine (while hand-sewing is possible, a machine makes it much quicker and easier)
- Appropriate sewing machine needle (a universal needle might work, but a microtex or sharp needle is often better for tightly woven waterproof materials)
- Iron and ironing board (use with caution on waterproof fabrics – always test on a scrap piece first and use a pressing cloth or iron from the non-laminated side on a low setting)
- Paper for pattern making (wrapping paper, newspaper, or pattern paper)
- Pen or fabric marker
Taking Accurate Measurements: The Key to a Good Fit
A poorly fitting raincoat won’t be comfortable and might not offer adequate protection. Take the time to measure your dog carefully. It’s best to have someone help you keep your dog standing still and straight.
- Neck Circumference: Measure around the base of the neck, where a collar would comfortably sit. Don’t pull the tape too tight; you should be able to slip two fingers underneath.
- Chest Girth: Measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest, usually right behind the front legs. Again, ensure a comfortable fit, not too snug.
- Back Length: Measure from the base of the neck (where you took the neck measurement) along the spine to the base of the tail. Don’t include the tail itself.
Jot these measurements down immediately. It’s often helpful to measure twice to ensure accuracy.
Drafting Your Pattern: From Measurements to Shape
You don’t need to be a professional pattern drafter. A simple, effective raincoat pattern resembles a horse blanket. You can start with a large piece of paper.
- Draw the Back Piece: Draw a rectangle. The length should be your dog’s back length measurement plus about 1-2 inches for seam allowance and ease. The width should be roughly half the chest girth plus a few inches (this will depend on how far down the sides you want the coat to hang). You can refine this later.
- Shape the Neck: On one of the shorter ends of the rectangle (the front), curve the corners inwards slightly to create a more natural shape around the neck area.
- Shape the Rear: On the other short end (the back), you can leave it straight or curve it slightly to follow the dog’s rump.
- Create the Chest Piece/Flap: Decide if you want a separate chest piece or integrated flaps. For a simple approach, imagine extending a flap downwards from the front/neck area of your main back piece. This flap will go under the chest and fasten on the other side. Its length needs to be enough to wrap partially around the chest. Alternatively, make it a separate piece.
- Create the Belly Strap: This strap originates from one side of the main back piece, goes under the belly, and fastens on the other side. Draw a rectangular strap piece. Its length should be slightly more than needed to reach the other side (allowing for overlap for Velcro), and its width can be 3-5 inches, depending on your dog’s size.
- Add Seam Allowances: Once you have your basic shapes, go around all edges and add your desired seam allowance (e.g., 1/2 inch or 1.5 cm). Mark this clearly.
- Refine and Cut Out: Look at your pattern pieces. Do they seem proportionate? You can hold the paper pattern roughly against your dog (carefully!) to get a visual idea. Adjust as needed, then cut out your paper pattern pieces.
Tip: If you have an existing dog coat that fits well (even if it’s not waterproof), you can carefully trace around it (adding seam allowances) to create your pattern base.
Handle waterproof fabrics with care. They can be slippery under scissors or a sewing machine foot.
Using sewing clips instead of pins is highly recommended, as pins create permanent holes that can compromise waterproofing.
Always test your stitch settings and needle type on a scrap piece of your chosen waterproof fabric before sewing the actual coat.
Never iron directly onto the laminated side of PUL or similar fabrics; use a low heat setting and a pressing cloth, or iron from the fabric side if possible.
Cutting Your Fabric: Precision Matters
Lay your waterproof fabric flat, ensuring it’s smooth and wrinkle-free (iron carefully if needed, following safety precautions). If your fabric has a print with a direction, pay attention to how you place your pattern pieces. Place your paper pattern pieces onto the fabric and secure them with weights or clips (avoid pins if possible). Carefully cut around your pattern pieces using sharp fabric scissors or, ideally, a rotary cutter and mat for the cleanest edges. Remember to cut out lining pieces as well if you’re using them. You should have:
- Main Body Piece (x1 waterproof, x1 lining if using)
- Belly Strap Piece (x1 waterproof, x1 lining if using)
- Chest Piece/Flap (if separate) (x1 waterproof, x1 lining if using)
If your main body piece pattern was only half (to be cut on a fold), make sure you cut it accordingly.
Sewing Your Dog Raincoat: Bringing It All Together
Now for the exciting part! Set up your sewing machine with polyester thread and the appropriate needle.
Step 1: Prepare the Straps (and Chest Piece if separate)
If using lining: Place the waterproof strap piece and lining strap piece right sides together. Sew around three sides, leaving one short end open for turning. Clip the corners, turn right side out, press carefully (if fabric allows), and topstitch around the sewn edges for a neat finish. Repeat for the chest piece if it’s separate.
If not using lining: Fold the strap piece in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press (if possible). Fold the raw edges inwards towards the center crease and press again. Topstitch along both long edges to secure. Alternatively, hem the edges neatly.
Step 2: Assemble the Main Body (with Lining)
Place the waterproof main body piece and the lining main body piece right sides together. Pin or clip all around the edges, leaving a gap of about 4-6 inches along one straight edge (like the bottom hem) for turning. Sew all the way around, remembering your seam allowance, but leave the gap open. Clip any curves and corners carefully. Turn the entire coat right side out through the gap. Gently push out the corners and edges. Press the edges flat (carefully, respecting the fabric!). Tuck the raw edges of the gap inwards and press them flat. Topstitch close to the edge all the way around the entire coat – this will close the turning gap and give a professional finish.
Step 3: Assemble the Main Body (without Lining)
You’ll need to finish the raw edges of the main body piece. You can do this by folding the edge over twice to create a hem and topstitching it down. Alternatively, for a very neat and waterproof finish, you can bind the edges with waterproof bias tape (you can buy this or make it from your waterproof fabric). Sew the bias tape around the entire perimeter of the main body piece.
Step 4: Attach the Straps and Fasteners
Lay the coat flat, lining side up (or inside up if unlined). Position the belly strap where it feels comfortable for your dog (usually midway along the back length). Pin or clip the raw/open end of the strap securely to one edge of the coat. Sew it firmly in place, perhaps with a square and cross stitch pattern (‘X’ inside a box) for extra strength.
If you have a separate chest piece, attach its raw/open end to the underside of the neck area similarly.
Now, determine the placement for your Velcro or fasteners. Wrap the coat loosely around your dog. Mark where the belly strap overlaps on the other side of the coat. Mark where the chest flap overlaps. Cut your Velcro pieces to size. Sew the rough (hook) side of the Velcro onto the end of the strap/flap. Sew the soft (loop) side of the Velcro onto the main body of the coat where the strap/flap will attach. Ensure your stitching is secure, as this area takes stress.
Step 5: Optional Additions
Harness Hole: If your dog wears a harness underneath, you can add a reinforced hole. Mark the spot where the leash attachment point sits. Create a small, reinforced buttonhole or finish the edges of a small slit with bias tape or dense zigzag stitching.
Reflective Tape: For visibility during gloomy weather or night walks, sew strips of reflective tape onto the sides or rear of the coat.
Tips for Sewing Success and Finishing Touches
Go Slow: Waterproof fabrics can sometimes shift or pucker. Sew at a moderate, controlled speed.
Lengthen Stitch: A slightly longer stitch length (e.g., 3.0mm) can be beneficial, as fewer holes mean better water resistance.
Test Seam Sealing: For ultimate waterproofing, you can apply a liquid seam sealer (found in camping supply stores) over the stitch lines on the inside of the coat after sewing. Always test on scraps first, as some sealers can discolor fabric.
Introduce Gently: Some dogs take time to get used to wearing clothes. Introduce the raincoat positively with treats and praise for short periods before heading out into a downpour.
Check Fit: Once finished, try the coat on your dog again. Check that it allows for comfortable movement and doesn’t restrict them in any way. Make minor adjustments to fastener placement if needed.
Creating a DIY dog raincoat is a rewarding project that combines practicality with creativity. By choosing your fabric, taking careful measurements, and following these steps, you can make a functional and stylish coat that keeps your best friend dry and comfortable during wet weather walks. Don’t be afraid to experiment with designs and details to make it truly unique for your pup. Happy sewing!
