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Large Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern (Free + Easy)

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.

Keep your large breeds cozy in colder climates with this chunky dog sweater—a simple pullover design knit flat, then seamed for a classic look and perfect fit.

It’s ideal for larger dogs (think Great Danes and other big dogs) and sits comfortably over a harness.

The ribbed collar adds extra warmth without bulk, and the straightforward construction makes it a great first garment for your pets.

View the free pattern below or grab the ad-free printable PDF in my shop here.

Before You Get Started

  • Skill level: Easy (advanced beginner). You’ll use knit, purl, SKPO, and K2tog.
  • Fiber choices: Works beautifully in super bulky wool, acrylic yarn, or polyester blends. Pick something high-quality and soft that’s machine washable (check the label).
  • Why a sweater for big dogs? Large dog sweaters help short-hair pups and seniors stay comfortable in colder temperatures—an extra layer of protection that can help prevent chills (and reduce cold-weather risks like hypothermia).
  • Style options: Keep the rib collar as written, or extend it for a cozy turtleneck. This reads like a large dog vest/apparel piece with optional short sleeves.
  • Leash/harness tip: The sweater fits over most harnesses; you can also add a small leash hole (optional) during finishing.

Pin for later!

large dog sweater free

How Do You Make A Sweater For A Large Dog?

Knit a back panel and a chest panel in super bulky yarn, seam them to form armholes, then pick up stitches to work short sleeves in the round.

The ribbed collar adds stretch and comfort, and you’ll customize the back length and chest girth for your pooch.

Full steps are below.

Tools/Materials Needed

Yarn

  • Super bulky (weight 6) yarn – approx. 2 x 100g skeins
    • Sample: Hayfield 100g Bonus Chunky (shade 0931) used here; good substitutes include Lion Brand Hometown USA or Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.
    • Choose fibers based on care: acrylic yarn or many polyester blends = easy machine wash; wool = warmer, hand-wash or gentle care.

Needles

  • 12 mm (US 17) straight needles (for back & chest)
  • 12 mm (US 17) 24″ circular needles (for sleeves)

Notions

  • Darning needle, scissors, tape measure, stitch markers (optional)

Sizing & Fit (Measure Your Pup)

  • Finished measurements
    • Back length: 28″  Back width: 12″
    • Chest piece length: 23″ Chest width: 9″
    • Sleeves: length 3.5″ width 6″

Customize for your dog: Measure back length (base of neck to tail) and chest girth (widest part of ribcage).

Adjust your cast-on counts and length to suit large dogs of different breeds for a perfect fit.

Gauge

9 sts x 16 rows = 4″/10 cm in garter stitch (use needles to meet gauge; a firm fabric = durability and warmth).

dog sweater knitting pattern

Abbreviations

  • Approx = Approximately
  • Beg = Begin(ning)
  • Cont = Continue(ing)
  • CO – Cast on
  • K = Knit
  • K2tog = Knit next 2 stitches together
  • P – Purl
  • Rem = Remaining
  • Rep = Repeat
  • Rnd(s) = Round(s)
  • St(s) = Stitch(es)

Pattern Overview

This pullover design is knit flat in two pieces (back + chest), then seamed to create leg openings.

Short sleeves are picked up and worked in the round.

The ribbed collar gives stretch and a classic look that layers easily under a dog jacket or over a light fleece for colder climates.

Copyright Info

  • Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern. 
  • If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
  • You may sell items produced using this pattern.
  • Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
  • For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Pattern Instructions

Back Piece

  1. With 12mm (US 17) straight needles, cast on 32 sts
  2. Work in ribbing – K2, P2 every row until the piece measures 4.5 inches from the CO edge.
  3. Next row – Knit
  4. Continue to knit every row until the piece measures 21 inches from the CO edge.
  5. Next – Then work in 2 x 2 ribbing (K2, P2) to finish the back edge, for 2.5 inches.
  6. Cast off in rib.

Chest Piece

  1. With 12mm (US 17) straight needles, cast on 16 sts.
  2. Work in ribbing – K2, P2 every row until the piece measures 4.5 from the CO edge.
  3. Next row – Knit.
  4. Continue to knit every row until the piece measures 16 inches from the CO edge.
  5. Then work in 2 x 2 ribbing (K2, P2) to finish the back edge, for 2.5 inches.
  6. Cast off in rib.

Making Up

  1. To make up the sweater, place the back piece and chest piece together with the right sides back to back.
  2. After that, stitch from the neck down on both sides for 7 inches.
  3. Leave 6-inch leg holes, then stitch again for 5.5 inches.
  4. Weave in any loose ends, then prepare to make the sleeves.

Sleeves

  1. With the sweater inside out ->
  2. With 12mm (US 17) circular needles, pick up and knit 30 sts.
  3. Purl every row until the sleeve measures 2 inches from the picked-up st edge.
  4. K2, P2 every round in ribbing for 1.5 inches.
  5. Cast off in rib.
  6. Weave in all loose ends.

Finishing & Care

  • Block lightly if desired to smooth seams and refine the collar and sleeves.
  • Care: Follow your yarn’s label—many acrylic/polyester options are machine washable (gentle cycle, cold water), then lay flat to dry. Wool often prefers hand washing.
  • Harness & leash: The sweater fits over most harnesses; you may add an optional leash hole (small buttonhole or reinforced eyelet) if needed.
  • For extreme colder temperatures, layer under or over a dog coat/dog jacket for an extra layer of protection.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making the dog sweater, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, tag me @handylittleme. 

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!

FAQs & Tips

Do big dogs really need sweaters?

Some large breeds and short-hair pups benefit from added warmth in winter—especially seniors or dogs with low body fat.

Can I make a turtleneck?

Yes—extend the ribbed collar section by a few inches for a snug turtleneck.

What fibers are best?

For everyday wear, try durable, easy-care acrylic yarn or polyester blends.

For maximum warmth, choose wool (check care).

Pick soft, high-quality fibers for your pup.

How do I adjust the size for my breed?

Use your dog’s back length and chest girth to scale the CO numbers and the length of each panel.

Add or subtract rows evenly on both back and chest pieces for a perfect fit.

Can I sell items I make from this pattern?

Yes—feel free to sell finished sweaters on platforms like Etsy.

Please link back to this pattern page; do not republish the pattern or use our photos.

Dog sweater knitting pattern

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Helpful Resources

This pattern is great for any advanced beginner knitters.

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4 Comments

    1. Hello! I had the pattern translated into Spanish, so hopefully, it is clear to understand and you will be able to make it! Thanks for visiting and happy knitting! 🙂

      Reply