Aran Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern

In this blog post, you will see an Aran dog sweater knitting pattern.

As the cold days settle in, keeping our furry friends warm becomes a priority.

What better way to do so than with an adorable dog sweater that reflects the rich history of Irish Aran knitwear?

If you’ve been searching for dog sweater knitting patterns that combine timeless elegance with a snug fit, this Aran-inspired dog sweater is the answer.

The best part? You can access a free pattern and start knitting today!

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

A Simple Design with Classic Roots

This free knitting pattern draws inspiration from the beautiful Aran Islands, known for their traditional cable patterns and rich knitting history.

The sweater features the classic Irish moss stitch, cable details, and ribbing, bringing together texture and charm in a way that highlights the highest quality Aran wool.

Whether your furry friend is a small dog or a large dog, this pattern ensures the perfect fit for dogs of most shapes and sizes.

Related Post: Men’s Aran Sweater Knitting Pattern

Perfect for Cold Weather

As temperatures drop, this knit dog coat will keep your dog warm during those chilly outdoor walks.

The snug fit, achieved through precise rib details, hugs your dog comfortably, while the combination of Irish moss stitch and a simple cable pattern provides just the right amount of stretch.

Whether your pup is exploring the forest or lounging at home, this sweater offers the warmth they need.

Knitting for Dogs of All Sizes

One of the great things about this pattern is its flexibility.

It comes in a variety of sizes, making it suitable for dogs of all sizes, from tiny terriers to larger breeds.

If you have a small dog, this adorable sweater will wrap them in warmth and style, while large dogs will benefit from the pattern’s tailored design.

No matter the size, the sweater offers a snug fit that doesn’t restrict movement, making it the perfect companion for active dogs.

Personalize with Style and Color

For knitters who love adding their personal style, this dog sweater pattern offers plenty of room for customization.

You can choose traditional colors like forest green to reflect the heritage of Aran knitwear or opt for something that suits your dog’s personality.

The cable and moss stitch patterns add rich texture, while the knit stitch gives the sweater a sleek and smart finish.

Aran Dog Sweater Pattern Instructions

Skill Level – Intermediate

This Aran dog sweater knitting pattern is a smart knit sweater that beautifully combines functionality with the timeless charm of Irish culture.

Featuring authentic Aran stitches, such as intricate cables and Irish moss stitch, this design offers a great-fitting sweater for dogs of all sizes.

The yarn I used for this design is available in a range of colors; you can easily personalize the look to suit your dog’s style while still capturing the essence of traditional Aran knitwear.

It’s a great addition to your pet’s wardrobe, offering both warmth and a stylish nod to a rich knitting heritage.

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

Grab 12 dog sweater patterns in my discounted bundle here!

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the Aran dog sweater pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
In all product listings, please credit Handy Little Me (Louise Bollanos) as the designer.
Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Materials you need…

Yarn

Any Bulky/Chunky/12 Ply yarn that can be matched with 6.5 mm (US 10.5) needles.
I used Lion Brand Hue and Me Yarn 125g/137 yds/125m.
You will need approx – Small dogs – 2 (274 yds)/Medium dogs – 2 (274 yds)/Large dogs – 3 (411 yds) for the dog sweater.

Needles

6.5 mm / (US 10.5) circular needles – use a 24″ or 32″ cable.

Notions

Scissors
Darning needle
Tape measure

Size Information

The instructions are for small, medium, and large dogs.
The sizes are easily adjustable for the length of the body and the width of the chest.
Width of chest at widest point: S – 7-8 inches / M – 10-12 inches / L – 15-16 inches.
Circumference of chest/body: S – 14/16 inches / M – 20/24 inches / L – 30/32 inches.
Length of back excluding the collar: S – 12 inches / M – 16 inches / L – 18 inches.

Gauge information

Gauge – 14 sts and 18 rows to 4 x 4 inches / 10 x 10 cm in pattern using 6.5 mm needles (US 10.5).

Even if you’re new to knitting, this pattern offers clear instructions to guide you through the process and is a great project to develop some cable knitting skills.

Before you begin, make sure to knit a gauge swatch to ensure you get the sizing just right.

The gauge is key to achieving a perfect fit, especially when working with intricate stitches like the cable and moss stitch.

Knitting Abbreviations

Beg – Beginning
CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue(ing)
Dec – Decrease (Cast off)
Foll – Following
K – Knit
K2tog – Knit the next 2 stitches together
M1 – Make one stitch
P – Purl
P2tog – Purl the next 2 stitches together
PM – Place marker
PSSO – Pass slipped stitch over
Rem – Remaining
Rep – Repeat
Rib – Work in 1×1 ribbing (see notes on page 7)
RS – Right side
SL – Slip one stitch
St(s) – Stitch(es)
WS – Wrong side
Work each stitch in the manner it presents = this means to work each stitch as it faces you – you will knit the knit stitches and purl the purls.
Stocking stitch – knit one row (the right side) and purl one row (the wrong side).

Cable Stitch Abbreviations

C4B – (cable 4 back) – slip 2 stitches onto the cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 2, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.
C6B – (cable 6 back) – slip 3 stitches onto the cable needle and hold at the back of the work, knit 3, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle.
C4L – Cable 4 left by slipping the next 3 sts to the front on cable needle, K1, K3 from the cable needle.
C4R – Cable 4 right by slipping the next st to the back on the cable needle, K3, K1 from the cable needle.
CR4L – Cross 4 left by slipping the next 3 sts to the front on the cable needle, P1, K3 from the cable needle.
CR4R – Cross 4 right by slipping the next st to back on the cable needle, K3, P1 from the cable needle.

Stitch Pattern Notes

1 x 1 ribbing

K1, P1 (It is obtained by alternating knit and purl stitches in one row and “knitting by pattern” in every next row.

This means that we make a knit stitch when the previous row stitch looks like V and make a purl stitch when the previous looks like a bump.)

Cast On: even number of stitches.

Row 1 (RS): (k1, p1) till the end of the row.
Row 2 (WS): (k1, p1) till the end of the row.

Repeat these two rows.

Moss Stitch

British Moss Stitch / Seed Stitch requires you to alternate knit and purl stitches row-by-row.

For an odd number of cast-on stitches, you simply start the next row with the stitch you ended with on the previous row.

Be careful if you end on a knit stitch and start on a purl stitch; you’ll end up creating a rib stitch pattern.

Cast on an even number of stitches (multiples of two).

1st Row: * k1, p1, repeat from * to end.

2nd Row: * p1, k1, repeat from * to end.

Continue repeating rows 1 – 2 until you have completed your desired number of rows.

Aran Dog Sweater Pattern

The pattern is written for all sizes starting with the small size – with changes for different sizes listed in all necessary places.
To follow the pattern more easily, circle or highlight all numbers pertaining to your dog’s size before beginning.
The small size is listed first, then the medium and large.

The Back Piece – (Knit flat – back and forth on the needles)

Cast on 24 (40/70) sts.

Work in 1 x 1 ribbing for 2 rows.
Increase 1 st at each end of every other row 4 (7/8) times, forming new patterns in ribbing as you work. 32 (54, 84)

Please note:

The small size has only the center diamond cable.
The medium size has two cable twists and the center diamond cable.
The large size has 2 cable twists on either side of the center cable diamond.

Aran Dog Sweater Pattern – Small Size

Foundation Row 1 (RS): *P1, K1 – rep from * to work 4 edge sts, PM, P9, K6, P9, PM, *K1, P1 – rep from * 4 edge sts to end.
Foundation Row 2 (WS): *K1, P1 – rep from * to work 4 edge sts, SM, K9, P6, K9, SM, *P1, K1 – rep from 4 edge sts to end.
Now, you will continue in the following cable pattern:
Row 1 (RS): P1, K1 to marker, SM, P9, C6B, P9, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 2 (WS): Work in moss stitch (K1, P1) to the first marker, SM, then work each stitch in the manner it presents, slipping the markers until you get to the final marker, SM, work in moss stitch (P1, K1) to end.
Row 3: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P8, C4R, C4L, P8, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 4: Rep row 2.
Row 5: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P7, C4R, K2, C4L, P7, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 6: Rep Row 2.
Row 7: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P6, C4R, K4, C4L, P6, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 8: Rep Row 2.
Row 9: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P5, C4R, K6, C4L, P5, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 10: Rep Row 2.
Row 11: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, C4R, K8, C4L, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 12: Rep Row 2.
Row 13: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P3, C4R, K10, C4L, P3, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 14: Rep Row 2.
Row 15: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, C4R, K12, C4L, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 16: Rep Row 2.
Row 17: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, CR4L, K12, CR4R, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 18: Rep Row 2.
Row 19: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P3, CR4L, K10, CR4R, P3, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 20: Rep Row 2.
Row 21: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, CR4L, K8, CR4R, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 22: Rep Row 2.
Row 23: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P5, CR4L, K6, CR4R, P5, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 24: Rep Row 2.
Row 25: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P6, CR4L, K4, CR4R, P6, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 26: Rep Row 2.
Row 27: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P7, CR4L, K2, CR4R, P7, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 28: Rep Row 2.
Row 29: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P8, CR4L, CR4R, P8, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 30: Rep Row 2.
Rows 1-30 form the cable pattern; rep those rows until your back piece measures 12 inches, ending with a WS row.

Aran Dog Sweater Pattern – Medium Size

Foundation Row 1 (RS): *P1, K1 – rep from * to work 7 edge sts, PM, P2, K4, P2, PM, P9, K6, P9, PM, P2, K4, P2, PM, *K1, P1 – rep from * 7 edge sts to end.
Foundation Row 2 (WS): *K1, P1 – rep from * to work 7 edge sts, SM, K2, P4, K2, SM, K9, P6, K9, SM, K2, P4, K2, SM, *P1, K1 – rep from 7 edge sts to end.
Now, you will continue in the following cable pattern:
Row 1 (RS): P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P9, C6B, P9, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 2 (WS): Work in moss stitch (K1, P1) to the first marker, SM, then work each stitch in the manner it presents, slipping the markers until you get to the final marker, SM, work in moss stitch (P1, K1) to end.
Row 3: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P8, C4R, C4L, P8, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 4: Rep row 2.
Row 5: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P7, C4R, K2, C4L, P7, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 6: Rep Row 2.
Row 7: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P6, C4R, K4, C4L, P6, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 8: Rep Row 2.
Row 9: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P5, C4R, K6, C4L, P5, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 10: Rep Row 2.
Row 11: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, C4R, K8, C4L, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 12: Rep Row 2.
Row 13: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P3, C4R, K10, C4L, P3, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 14: Rep Row 2.
Row 15: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P2, C4R, K12, C4L, P2, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 16: Rep Row 2.
Row 17: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P2, CR4L, K12, CR4R, P2, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 18: Rep Row 2.
Row 19: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P3, CR4L, K10, CR4R, P3, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 20: Rep Row 2.
Row 21: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, CR4L, K8, CR4R, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 22: Rep Row 2.
Row 23: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P5, CR4L, K6, CR4R, P5, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 24: Rep Row 2.
Row 25: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P6, CR4L, K4, CR4R, P6, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 26: Rep Row 2.
Row 27: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P7, CR4L, K2, CR4R, P7, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 28: Rep Row 2.
Row 29: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P8, CR4L, CR4R, P8, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 30: Rep Row 2.
Rows 1-30 form the cable pattern; rep those rows until your back piece measures 16 inches, ending with a WS row.

Aran Dog Sweater Pattern – Large Size

Foundation Row 1 (RS): *P1, K1 – rep from * to work 8 edge sts, PM, P4, K6, P4, PM, P2, K4, P2, PM, P9, K6, P9, PM, P2, K4, P2, PM, P4, K6, P4, PM, *K1, P1 – rep from 8 edge sts to end.
Foundation Row 2 (WS): *K1, P1 – rep from * to work 8 edge sts, SM, K4, P6, K4, SM, K2, P4, K2, SM, K9, P6, K9, SM, K2, P4, K2, SM, K4, P6, K4, SM, *P1, K1 – rep from 8 edge sts to end.
Now, you will continue in the following cable pattern:
Row 1 (RS): P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P9, C6B, P9, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 2 (WS): Work in moss stitch (K1, P1) to the first marker, SM, then work each stitch in the manner it presents, slipping the markers until you get to the final marker, SM, work in moss stitch (P1, K1) to end.
Row 3: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P8, C4R, C4L, P8, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 4: Rep row 2.
Row 5: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P7, C4R, K2, C4L, P7, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 6: Rep Row 2.
Row 7: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P6, C4R, K4, C4L, P6, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 8: Rep Row 2.
Row 9: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P5, C4R, K6, C4L, P5, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 10: Rep Row 2.
Row 11: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, C4R, K8, C4L, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 12: Rep Row 2.
Row 13: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P3, C4R, K10, C4L, P3, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 14: Rep Row 2.
Row 15: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P2, C4R, K12, C4L, P2, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 16: Rep Row 2.
Row 17: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P2, CR4L, K12, CR4R, P2, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 18: Rep Row 2.
Row 19: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P3, CR4L, K10, CR4R, P3, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 20: Rep Row 2.
Row 21: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, CR4L, K8, CR4R, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 22: Rep Row 2.
Row 23: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P5, CR4L, K6, CR4R, P5, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 24: Rep Row 2.
Row 25: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P6, CR4L, K4, CR4R, P6, SM, P2, C4B, P2, SM, P4, C6B, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 26: Rep Row 2.
Row 27: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P7, CR4L, K2, CR4R, P7, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 28: Rep Row 2.
Row 29: P1, K1 to marker, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P8, CR4L, CR4R, P8, SM, P2, K4, P2, SM, P4, K6, P4, SM, K1, P1 to end.
Row 30: Rep Row 2.
Rows 1-30 form the cable pattern; rep those rows until your back piece measures 18 inches, ending with a WS row.

Working The Neck (Worked in the round)

Now, you will join your work in the round to continue the ribbing for the neck.

Work in 2 x 2 ribbing (K2, P2) on 32 (54/84) sts for 4 (5-6) inches or longer if you wish, depending on the length of your dog’s neck.
Cast off loosely in rib.

The Underside/Chest (Knit flat – back and forth on the needles)

Cast on 14 (18/22) sts and work in K2/P2 ribbing for 2 (3/4) inches.
Change to work in stocking stitch, starting with a knit row until the piece measures 5.5 (6.5/7.5) inches.
Decrease 1 st at the beg and end of every other row 5 (5/6) times, then every row until you have 2 sts left (all sizes).
Cast off.

Making Up

Sew the underside/chest to the main piece, fitting the point of the underside to the opening underneath the neck.
Seam for 3 (3.5/4) inches and leave a 2 (2.5/3)inch gap for the leg holes on either side.
Sew up the rem length after the leg holes have been measured out.
Weave in any loose ends.

The Sleeves (if you want to add sleeves)

In the same colored yarn or a contrasting color, you may wish to add sleeves.

Pick up and knit around 22 (26/30) sts around the leg hole.
Join in the round and work K2, P2 ribbing.
Cont to knit in 2 x 2 ribbing for 2 inches (you may want to make this longer).
Cast off in rib.
Secure and weave in any loose ends.
Repeat for the second sleeve.

Free Knit Dog Sweater Patterns for Every Knitter

Whether you’re knitting for small dogs or large dogs, this pattern is part of a collection of free knit dog sweater patterns available to knitters everywhere.

From beginner-friendly designs to more advanced cable patterns, there’s something for everyone in this variety of designs.

For more dog sweater knitting patterns, you may be interested in this post, which features a roundup of 20 fall dog sweaters – 20 Beautiful Fall Dog Sweater Knitting Patterns

You may also like these free knitting patterns for dog sweaters (choose your next project right here!):

Conclusion

This Aran dog sweater knitting pattern is the perfect blend of simplicity and tradition, offering a stylish, snug fit for dogs of all sizes.

With its rich Irish heritage and practical design, it’s a great pattern to knit when cold weather hits.

Your furry friend will not only stay warm but look adorable in this high-quality, hand-knit sweater.

So grab your needles, the best Aran wool, and dive into this free pattern to create a timeless piece of knitwear for your beloved companion!

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Happy Knitting!