| Many people want to learn how to make dog | | | | Parts of dog costumes you may want to create are: |
| costumes rather than buying them. And rightly so. | | | | hats, ruffles around the neck, decorations for the |
| Not only can it be cheaper to make a costume for | | | | dog's collar or harness, capes, vests, shirts, skirts, |
| your dog, but it allows you to use your imagination | | | | socks, or booties. |
| and creativity, which can offer a satisfaction far | | | | To create something that will cover your dog's collar, |
| beyond finding just the right costume to buy. | | | | you can make a tube of fabric or yarn that slips over |
| At the same time, multiple cities worldwide now have | | | | the collar, and all sorts of decorative items can be |
| events where dog costumes are worn and contests | | | | glued onto it. Or to make a ruffle, merely take a |
| are held. Wouldn't it be exciting if your dog costume | | | | long, narrow piece of brightly patterned fabric, hem |
| received the prize for being the most original or most | | | | the edges if necessary, and use a double row of |
| outrageous? | | | | loose running stitches near one of the long edges. Pull |
| Another incentive to learn how to make dog | | | | the threads from both ends (that's called "gathering |
| costumes is if you have a big dog. There seems to | | | | the material") so the fabric bunches up and forms a |
| be a more limited selection available in stores than for | | | | circle. You can adjust the ruffles and length of the |
| small dogs, and often the price of costumes goes up | | | | fabric as needed before fastening the thread. |
| substantially for bigger ensembles. | | | | A cape is also a good beginner's project, since it is |
| Also, if you're into celebrating holidays to the max, it | | | | basically a square- or rectangular-shaped piece of |
| can be fun to have your dog wearing something to | | | | fabric with a gather and ties on one end that go |
| match the spirit of the holiday by using its colors, | | | | around the dog's neck. Because you have so much |
| such as St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Kwanzaa, | | | | material, you can really embellish a dog cape to |
| Independence Day, etc. Hip dog clothes can also be | | | | present your ideas. |
| created to support your favorite sports team, keep | | | | Many people take old T-shirts or football jerseys and |
| your dog up to date with the latest fashions, or | | | | alter them to fit their dogs. Please make sure the |
| provide a retro look for various time periods. | | | | shirt is not so big that the dog trips over it, and not |
| Some things to consider before you make a dog | | | | too tight that the dog has a hard time walking. If you |
| costume are: | | | | want to make a shirt from scratch, you can use the |
| - the purpose of dressing up your dog | | | | free dog clothes pattern per the link below. |
| - your dog's tolerance for wearing things other than a | | | | Or how about sewing a vest or making a no-sew |
| collar or harness | | | | one out of felt, then using Velcro, buttons or hooks |
| - your dog's ability to handle the extra attention | | | | as fasteners? Again, all kinds of things can be added |
| - the amount of time you have available to make a | | | | to create a theme when you make a dog costume |
| costume | | | | using material that covers a good part of your dog's |
| - your budget | | | | body. |
| - the kinds of materials you already have on hand | | | | Let's not forget hats. These can provide the perfect |
| (try to reuse items whenever possible) | | | | accent or be the main part of an ensemble. They can |
| - availability of thrift and fabric stores | | | | be made out of a cardboard or plastic base with |
| - your expertise with making things | | | | paper or fabric glued onto them. |
| The more experience you have with sewing or | | | | As you can see, if you learn how to make dog |
| crafting, the less time it may take to learn how to | | | | costumes, you can make full use of your imagination |
| make dog costumes. However, if you've never tried | | | | and may even discover some hidden talents. |
| to make such a costume before, you can start out | | | | Although parts of the process may be frustrating, if |
| with something simple and become a pro in no time. | | | | you persevere, you will have a feeling of |
| If you are not all that handy but know the look you | | | | accomplishment that no one can take away, as well |
| want, consider taking an inexpensive store-bought | | | | as a unique costume for your furry friend. |
| costume and altering it to suit. | | | | |