If you are looking for a project that makes your pup look absolutely “dapper,” you’ve found it! This Free Dandy Dog Sweater Pattern is one of my favorites because it uses a textured stitch that looks far more complicated than it actually is. It’s a sturdy, handsome design that’s perfect for those crisp morning walks.
What You’ll Need
I recommend a yarn that can handle a bit of rough-and-tumble play while still feeling soft against your dog’s fur.
- The Yarn:Brava Worsted Weight Yarn. It’s durable, washable, and comes in great colors.
- XS: 110 yards
- S: 205 yards
- M: 375 yards
- The Hook: A Size H/5mm crochet hook.
- The Gauge: This is key for a good fit! Aim for 14 stitches x 13 rows = 4 inches.
Getting Your Gauge Right
Before starting the sweater, work up this sample to ensure the sizing will be accurate:
- Row 1: Ch 18. Work (sc, dc) in 2nd ch from hook. *Sk next ch, (sc, dc) in next ch; repeat from * 6 more times. Sk next ch, sc in last ch. [17 sts]
- Rows 2–14: Ch 1, turn. *(sc, dc) in next st, sk next st; repeat from * 7 more times. Sk next st, sc in last st. [17 sts]
Abbreviations (U.S. Terms)
- Ch: Chain
- Sc/Dc: Single/Double crochet
- Fphdc/Bphdc: Front/Back post half double crochet
- Sl st: Slip stitch
- Sk: Skip
Let’s Start Stitching!
1. The Collar
We’ll start with a ribbed collar for that classic “Dandy” look.
- Row 1: Fhdc (foundation half double crochet) for (33, 43, 53) sts—or ch (34, 44, 54) and hdc in 2nd ch from hook across. Join to the first st with a sl st.
- Row 2: Ch 1, do not turn. *Fphdc around next st, bphdc around next; repeat around, ending with fphdc. Join with sl st.
- Row 3: Ch 1, turn. *Bphdc around next, fphdc around next; repeat around, ending with bphdc. Join with sl st.
- Row 4: Ch 1, turn. *Fphdc around next, bphdc around next; repeat around, ending with fphdc. Join with sl st.
- Rows 5–(6, 8, 10): Simply alternate Rows 3 and 4 until you reach the length for your size.
2. The Chest & Body
- Row (7, 9, 11): Ch 1, do not turn. (Sc, dc) in the first st, *sk next st, (sc, dc) in next st; repeat around. In the last st, work (sc, dc, sc) to increase. Join. [35, 45, 55 sts]
- Row (8, 10, 12): Ch 1, turn. (Sc, dc) in first st, *sk next st, (sc, dc) in next st; repeat around, ending with (sc, dc, sc) in the last st. Join. [37, 47, 57 sts]
- Rows (9, 11, 13) through (13, 17, 25): Keep repeating the previous row to continue expanding the chest.
3. Creating Armholes
- Row (15, 19, 27): Ch 1, turn. Work (sk next st, (sc, dc) in next) for (2, 4, 6) times. Sk next st, sc in next. Ch (7, 11, 15) and skip (9, 13, 17) sts for the first leg. (Sc, dc) in the next sc. Repeat (sc, dc) in each st for (10, 11, 17) more times. Sk next st, sc in next, ch (7, 11, 15) and skip (9, 13, 17) sts for the second leg. Resume pattern and join. [44, 58, 80 sts]
- Row (16, 20, 28): Ch 1, turn. Work (sc, dc) in next st, sk next st around (including the chains). Join.
4. Body Length & Tapering
- Rows (17, 21, 29) through (20, 30, 44): Continue the “sc, dc, sk 1” pattern until the sweater is as long as you’d like it.
- Tapering (Row 21, 31, 45): Ch 1, turn, sl st in first (2, 4, 6) sts. Work (sc, dc) in next st, sk next st for (18, 23, 32) times. Sk next st, sc in next. Leave remaining sts unworked.
- Continue Tapering: Decrease the number of repeats each row until you reach the end row for your size, leaving you with a clean, angled finish on the belly.
The Grand Finale
- Finishing Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in every stitch and around the row ends. This “frames” the sweater and makes it look professional! I love using an Invisible Join here for a seamless look.
And there you have it! Your Dandy Dog Sweater is ready for its debut. I’d love to see how it looks on your pup—happy crocheting!
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