purlJam

# COSY COLLAR DOG SWEATER
## For Small Dogs (6lb Yorkie)

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## DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Beginner

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## MATERIALS

### Yarn
- **Worsted weight yarn** (approximately 100-150 metres/110-165 yards)
- Suggested: Machine washable acrylic or acrylic/wool blend for easy care
- Sample shown in red

### Needles
- 4.5mm (US 7) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain tension)
- 4mm (US 6) knitting needles for ribbing
- Spare needle or stitch holder

### Notions
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers (optional, helpful)
- Measuring tape

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## TENSION (GAUGE)
18 stitches and 24 rows = 10cm (4") in stocking stitch on 4.5mm needles

**IMPORTANT:** Take time to check your tension. Tension affects the fit of the finished garment.

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## MEASUREMENTS

This pattern is sized specifically for a small dog (approximately 6lb/2.7kg Yorkie):

- **Chest circumference:** 28cm (11")
- **Length from collar to base of tail:** 23cm (9")
- **Collar height:** 5cm (2")
- **Leg opening:** 7.5cm (3") circumference

**Fit note:** This sweater is designed to fit snugly but comfortably around the chest with approximately 2.5cm (1") of ease.

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## ABBREVIATIONS
- **k** = knit
- **p** = purl
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **RS** = right side
- **WS** = wrong side
- **k2tog** = knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
- **p2tog** = purl 2 stitches together (decrease)
- **inc** = increase by knitting into front and back of stitch
- **BO** = bind off (cast off)
- **CO** = cast on
- **st st** = stocking stitch (stockinette stitch): knit on RS, purl on WS

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## PATTERN NOTES

This dog sweater is worked flat in three pieces (back, chest, and collar) then seamed together. The sweater features leg openings that allow for comfortable movement and a roll-neck collar to keep your pet cosy. The design pulls over the dog's head and covers the back and chest, leaving the rear legs free for comfort.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### BACK PANEL

**With 4mm needles, CO 52 sts.**

**Ribbed edge:**
Row 1 (RS): *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2 once more (4 rows total, approximately 1.5cm).

**Change to 4.5mm needles.**

Work in st st (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 8 rows (approximately 3.5cm), ending with a WS row.

**Shape for leg openings:**
Row 1 (RS): K12, BO 8 sts, k until 20 sts remain on left needle, BO 8 sts, k to end. (36 sts remain: 12 sts + 12 sts + 12 sts with two 8-st gaps)

Row 2 (WS): P12, turn work, leaving remaining sts unworked.

**Work right section only:**
Working on these 12 sts only:
Continue in st st for 14 rows (approximately 6cm), ending with a WS row.
Place these 12 sts on a holder or spare needle.
Break yarn.

**Work centre section:**
Rejoin yarn to centre 12 sts with WS facing.
Working on these 12 sts only:
Continue in st st for 14 rows (approximately 6cm), ending with a WS row.
Place these 12 sts on a holder or spare needle.
Break yarn.

**Work left section:**
Rejoin yarn to remaining 12 sts with WS facing.
Working on these 12 sts only:
Continue in st st for 14 rows (approximately 6cm), ending with a WS row.
Leave sts on needle (do not break yarn).

**Join sections:**
Next row (RS): K12 from left section, turn work and CO 8 sts using cable cast on, turn work back, k12 from centre section (from holder), turn work and CO 8 sts using cable cast on, turn work back, k12 from right section (from holder). (52 sts)

Next row (WS): Purl across all sts.

**Continue body:**
Work 12 rows in st st (approximately 5cm), ending with a WS row.

**Shape neck edge:**
Row 1 (RS): K10, k2tog, k26, k2tog, k10. (50 sts)
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Row 3 (RS): K9, k2tog, k26, k2tog, k9. (48 sts)
Row 4 (WS): Purl.
Row 5 (RS): K8, k2tog, k26, k2tog, k8. (46 sts)
Row 6 (WS): Purl.

**Change to 4mm needles.**

**Neck ribbing:**
Row 1 (RS): K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): P2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2 once more.

**BO all sts in rib pattern.**

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### CHEST PANEL

**With 4mm needles, CO 40 sts.**

**Ribbed edge:**
Row 1 (RS): *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2 once more (4 rows total).

**Change to 4.5mm needles.**

Work in st st for 8 rows (approximately 3.5cm), ending with a WS row.

**Shape for leg openings:**
Row 1 (RS): K8, BO 8 sts, k until 16 sts remain on left needle, BO 8 sts, k to end. (24 sts remain: 8 sts + 8 sts + 8 sts with two 8-st gaps)

Row 2 (WS): P8, turn work.

**Work right section only:**
Working on these 8 sts only:
Continue in st st for 14 rows (approximately 6cm), ending with a WS row.
Place these 8 sts on a holder or spare needle.
Break yarn.

**Work centre section:**
Rejoin yarn to centre 8 sts with WS facing.
Working on these 8 sts only:
Continue in st st for 14 rows (approximately 6cm), ending with a WS row.
Place these 8 sts on a holder or spare needle.
Break yarn.

**Work left section:**
Rejoin yarn to remaining 8 sts with WS facing.
Working on these 8 sts only:
Continue in st st for 14 rows (approximately 6cm), ending with a WS row.
Leave sts on needle (do not break yarn).

**Join sections:**
Next row (RS): K8 from left section, turn work and CO 8 sts using cable cast on, turn work back, k8 from centre section (from holder), turn work and CO 8 sts using cable cast on, turn work back, k8 from right section (from holder). (40 sts)

Next row (WS): Purl across all sts.

**Continue body:**
Work 12 rows in st st (approximately 5cm), ending with a WS row.

**Shape neck edge:**
Row 1 (RS): K8, k2tog, k20, k2tog, k8. (38 sts)
Row 2 (WS): Purl.
Row 3 (RS): K7, k2tog, k20, k2tog, k7. (36 sts)
Row 4 (WS): Purl.
Row 5 (RS): K6, k2tog, k20, k2tog, k6. (34 sts)
Row 6 (WS): Purl.

**Change to 4mm needles.**

**Neck ribbing:**
Row 1 (RS): K2, *p2, k2; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): P2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to end.
Repeat Rows 1-2 once more.

**BO all sts in rib pattern.**

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### COLLAR

The collar is worked by picking up stitches around the neck opening after seaming.

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## FINISHING

### Seaming

1. **Block pieces:** Gently steam or wet block back and chest panels to measurements. Lay flat to dry.

2. **Join shoulder seams:** With RS together, seam the upper corners of the back panel to the upper corners of the chest panel. Seam approximately 5cm (2") on each side, leaving a 15-16cm (6-6.5") neck opening in the centre. Use mattress stitch or backstitch.

3. **Join side seams:** With RS together, seam the sides of the back panel to the sides of the chest panel from the bottom ribbing up to the leg openings. Then seam from above the leg openings to the shoulder seams.

### Collar

1. **With RS facing and 4mm needles**, starting at centre back neck, pick up and knit stitches evenly around the neck opening as follows:
   - Pick up approximately 76 sts around the entire neck opening (adjust for a multiple of 4 if needed for rib pattern)
   
2. **Join to work in the round.** Place marker for beginning of round.

3. **Collar:**
   Round 1: *K2, p2; repeat from * to end.
   Repeat Round 1 until collar measures 5cm (2").
   
4. **BO loosely in rib pattern.**

### Final touches

1. Weave in all ends securely on the WS of work.

2. Give the finished sweater a final gentle steam if needed.

3. Try on your dog and adjust if necessary. The collar should roll naturally.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent. Lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry. If using superwash wool or acrylic, machine wash on gentle cycle in a mesh bag.

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## SIZING ADJUSTMENTS

**For a smaller dog (4-5 lbs):**
- Cast on 44 sts for back panel, 36 sts for chest panel
- Reduce body length by 2.5cm (1")

**For a slightly larger dog (7-8 lbs):**
- Cast on 56 sts for back panel, 44 sts for chest panel
- Add 2.5cm (1") to body length

Always measure your dog before starting:
- **Chest:** Measure around the widest part of the chest behind front legs
- **Length:** Measure from base of neck to where tail begins
- **Neck:** Measure around neck where collar sits

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## PATTERN TIPS

1. **Trying it on:** Try the sweater on your dog after completing the leg openings to ensure proper fit before continuing.

2. **Leg opening size:** If your dog has thicker legs, increase the bound-off stitches to 10 for each leg opening and adjust the cast-on accordingly.

3. **Collar fit:** If your dog dislikes things over their head, you can omit the collar and simply finish the neck edge with ribbing.

4. **Yarn choice:** Choose a soft, washable yarn as dog sweaters need frequent washing. Acrylic or superwash wool works beautifully.

5. **Customisation:** Add stripes, use self-striping yarn, or embroider your dog's name on the back panel for a personalised touch.

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## SCHEMATIC

**BACK PANEL:**
- Width at bottom: 29cm (11.5")
- Width at neck: 25.5cm (10")
- Length: 23cm (9")
- Leg opening: 4.5cm (1.75") wide

**CHEST PANEL:**
- Width at bottom: 22cm (8.75")
- Width at neck: 19cm (7.5")
- Length: 23cm (9")
- Leg opening: 4.5cm (1.75") wide

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN

This cosy dog sweater is designed specifically for small breed dogs like Yorkshire Terriers. The roll-neck collar provides extra warmth, while the leg openings ensure comfortable movement. The design is worked flat and seamed, making it perfect for beginner knitters who want to create something practical and adorable for their furry friend.

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**Happy Knitting! Your pup will love their new handmade sweater!**

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*Pattern designed for 6lb Yorkie, easily adaptable for other small breeds. For questions or pattern support, please keep your tension swatch and measurements handy.*