Fashionable Fido: Crafting a Quilted Dog Coat with Patchwork Pizzazz
Instructions:
If your four-legged companion is a trendsetter, then this patterned patchwork dog coat is the perfect DIY project for you. With a charming decorative flower corsage as the pièce de résistance, your canine companion will be strutting in style like never before.
A quilted dog coat is not just a practical garment; it's a fashion statement for our loyal companions. These coats combine warmth and style, providing dogs with comfort during colder months while showcasing a touch of personality. Crafted with care and creativity, quilted dog coats often feature intricate patchwork patterns, adorable embellishments, and charming details like decorative flower corsages.
Beyond keeping our furry friends snug and cozy, these miniature fashion pieces become a reflection of the love and attention we pour into our pets' well-being. Quilted dog coats exemplify the bond between humans and their canine companions, offering both function and fashion to keep our four-legged friends strutting their stuff in every season.
Materials Needed To Make A Quilted Dog Coat
- 12 x 12in. (30 x 30cm) each of four coordinating fabrics
- 17 x 17in. (42.5 x 42.5cm) piece of striped lining fabric
- 17 x 17in. (42.5 x 42.5cm) piece of batting (wadding)
- Assorted buttons
- 36in. (90cm) of lilac ribbon
- 6 x 6in. (15 x 15cm) piece of lilac felt
- 6 x 6in. (15 x 15cm) piece of Bondaweb
- 5 beads
- Large snap fastener (press stud)
Start Making Our Quilted Dog Coat
Step One: Create the Patchwork Panel
Use the diamond template to mark and cut out six diamonds from each of the four coordinating fabrics, totaling 24 diamonds. Stitch the diamonds together in rows with a 1/4-inch (5mm) seam allowance. Press the seams in alternating directions for each row. Join the rows together to form a patchwork fabric piece measuring approximately 16 x 16 inches (40 x 40 cm). For larger dogs, adjust the size by adding more diamonds and resizing the coat template.
Step Two: Prepare the Coat Pattern
Measure your dog and enlarge the coat template to fit accordingly. Create a paper pattern from newspaper. Layer the lining fabric wrong side up, followed by the batting (wadding), and then place the patchwork panel right side up on top. Pin the paper pattern onto the layered fabrics and cut out the shapes through all layers.
Quilt The Patchwork For The Homemade Dog Coat
Step Three: Quilt the Patchwork
Remove the lining fabric and quilt the patchwork to the batting (wadding) by stitching along the seams of the diamonds. Add a second line of machine quilt stitching within each diamond, running parallel to the seamline. Embellish the patchwork piece by stitching buttons at random intervals.
Step Four: Create the Strap
Cut an 8 x 5-inch (20 x 12.5 cm) piece of fabric and fold it in half lengthwise with right sides facing. Machine stitch along the long edge and across one short edge. Trim the seams and corners, turn the strap right side out, and press it.
Attach The Straps To Our Dog Coat
Step Five: Attach the Strap and Lining
Position the strap on the right side of the coat, aligning the raw edges of the coat and strap, with the strap lying toward the center. Layer the lining on top with the right side facing the patchwork panel. Machine stitch around the edge using a 5/8-inch (15mm) seam allowance, leaving the top open for turning. Turn it right side out.
Step Six: Secure the Ribbon and Collar
Cut the ribbon in half and insert the ends into either side at the front of the dog coat. Fold back the front edge by approximately 1/4 inch (5mm) and slip stitch it closed, ensuring the ribbons are securely in place. Hand-stitch the collar in place and consider adding a row of buttons for extra flair.
Finish Making Our Quilted Dog Coat
Step Seven: Craft the Flower Corsage
Bond some of the larger leftover fabric pieces to a piece of felt using Bondaweb. Cut out five petal shapes with the petal template. Fold one end of each petal crossways and then fold the petal in half along its length.
Stitch the short folded edges together to create a flower, referring to the provided photograph as a guide. Embellish the flower with beads and a decorative button. Hand-stitch the flower near the collar of the coat.
Step Eight: Final Touches
Measure the strap around your dog and stitch the snap fastener (press stud) onto the strap and coat to ensure a snug fit.
With these detailed steps, you'll craft a unique and stylish quilted dog coat that's sure to make your furry friend the envy of the dog park.
