How to make clothes for a French bulldog with your own hands?
18.02.2018 11 066
On the question of whether clothing is needed for a French bulldog, the opinions of veterinary specialists and breeders vary greatly. Some talk about its harm, because when animals are wrapped, the thermoregulatory processes inherent in nature are disrupted. Others, on the contrary, believe that clothing for dogs is a necessary attribute that cannot be avoided.
Both opinions have the right to exist, but each owner makes his own choice. It should be noted that dogs of this breed are short-haired, so in severe frosts and windy weather it is recommended to wear suitable clothing. In order not to spend money on buying clothes for your pet, you can sew or knit some items of clothing yourself.
Necessary materials
To sew clothes with your own hands you will need:
- textile;
- padding polyester;
- scissors, threads, needles;
- elastic bands, zippers, rivets, buttons and more;
- details for decoration (necessary for a bulldog girl).
If you want to knit some elements of a dog’s wardrobe, then you should get:
- knitting threads;
- knitting needles;
- crochet;
- a piece of soft natural fabric that will act as a lining.
Taking measurements
To create a pattern, you must first take all the measurements. The French bulldog is mainly sewn in overalls with a hood or raincoats, but for any other product you need to know the following measurements:
- The length of the product or the length of the back - the measurement is taken from the withers (from the collar) to the base of the tail.
- Neck circumference is determined by the length of the collar. Since this breed has a very sensitive neck, it is important to sew a jumpsuit that will not rub or irritate the skin, that is, make the neck free.
- Chest circumference - measured from the withers down, passing under the front legs through the entire chest and rising again to the withers.
- Waist circumference is determined by the narrowest part of the pet’s body, that is, directly in front of the hind legs.
- The height of the paws is necessary for sewing overalls.
If you have no experience in sewing clothes, then it is better to go to a tailor shop, where they will take all your pet’s measurements and sew clothes to order, or visit a dog clothing store.
Sewing instructions
You can start sewing clothes after taking measurements, creating a full-size pattern and preparing the necessary materials and tools.
Overalls
For your pet, it is better to choose fabric with a water-repellent effect, this will make the overalls universal. In order not to sew several overalls at once, you can make one model from high-quality fabric and sew a lining underneath it for severe frosts.
Important! If you have no experience in sewing clothes, it is better to make a trial version, for example, from an old sheet. Try it on your pet, adjust all the measurements if necessary, and only then proceed to sewing on the main fabric.
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The jumpsuit consists of two identical parts. After the pattern, you need to baste the parts manually and carry out preliminary fitting. If everything suits your pet, then you can sew all the seams on a sewing machine or by hand, sew in a fastener and adjust all the details (video from the Household Affairs channel).
Knitted sweater
Knitting pattern for a simple sweater using acrylic yarn:
- 38 loops are cast on the knitting needles and the first 22 cm are knitted with an elastic band: 2 knit stitches - 2 purl stitches.
- Next, 10 loops are knitted in the front row, the next 10 loops are closed and the row ends.
- The next purl row is knitted in this way - the first 18 stitches, then cast on another 10 stitches and finish the row. We have our first opening.
- After this, another 9 cm are knitted with an elastic band, 2 knit stitches - 2 purl loops, and a second armhole is made according to the same principle as described above.
- Then another 22 cm are knitted with an elastic band.
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This scheme is very simple and even a beginner can master it. To put on the sweater, wrap it around your pet's body and secure it to the back with a safety pin. You can come up with a different fastener to suit your taste.
Have you ever made your own clothes for your pet?
Photo gallery
Video “DIY dog clothes”
You will learn how to make a fashionable and comfortable outfit for your pet from an old sweater from the video from the TSV channel.
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How to calculate the size correctly
Choosing the wrong size will lead to the clothes constantly falling off, which can cause the dog to freeze. If it turns out to be too small, it will be extremely uncomfortable for her, which can negatively affect the animal’s psyche.
Often on dog clothing labels, you can see 3 size parameters:
- Back length
- Bust
- Neck circumference
The image shows the markings you should follow to calculate the dimensions.
It is important that winter clothes completely cover the back. This is the only way to provide your pet with warmth and comfort. Summer, autumn and spring clothes may be slightly shorter.
There are often situations when the owner is simply not ready to spend a lot of money to dress his pet, which is why they are interested in how to knit a sweater for a French bulldog and overalls for a French bulldog with their own hands? To do this, you don’t need to have any extensive experience in sewing, etc., just read the simple instructions.
What clothes does a French Bulldog need? (+patterns)
The question of whether clothing is needed for a French Bulldog worries many breeders. Opinions on the need to dress your pets are divided. Some people believe that when a dog is wrapped up, thermoregulation does not occur.
Natural sweating occurs in any case, but if the dog is constantly wrapped in clothes, bacteria can form on the skin, hence scratching and problems with the fur. This opinion is true in circumstances where the owner actually dresses up the Frenchman even in warm weather, for example, in warm autumn in calm weather you can walk without clothes.
Also, damage to the skin is caused if you buy or sew clothes from non-breathable materials.
Breed Features
We will not dwell in detail on the characteristics of the French bulldog breed; we will only say that the French is a short-haired breed, so wearing clothes in cold and windy conditions is a necessity. There is no reason to worry that you will do harm in this case.
The main thing is to choose the necessary clothes according to the air temperature outside, take into account the size and it is strictly forbidden to wear small clothes that hinder the movements of our smaller brothers.
We also wrote that the neck of a French bulldog is a special sensitive place that should not be pressed. Hence, wearing collars is not recommended for a Frenchie. It’s true that it’s better to take measurements with it - this way you will more accurately determine the correct size and sew clothes that actually won’t press or rub.
The French Bulldog is a dog with a brave heart, a serious appearance, but a very kind soul and cheerful character. Inside he is hot, but outside he requires warmth, attention and care; veterinarians believe that dressing these dogs is simply necessary.
Even in summer, under the scorching sun, the skin can suffer and the coat can fade. Ears are the most sensitive and thin and also require protection. In summer it is advisable to cover them with a Panama hat (if it fits), and in winter with a voluminous hat.
It is better to wear shoes for these dogs in slush and rain, so as not to get dirty, or in winter - when it is very cold. The rest of the time, shoes are not recommended.
Basic measurements
The most important of them is the length of the product; even a child can handle this measurement - trust him with this important procedure. First, put your Frenchie in a stand and order him to obey, put on the collar and get down to business.
Measure the exact length of the product (if it is a dress or cape) starting from the withers (collar) or measure from the withers to the base of the tail. This measurement is called DS - back length. You will also come across the name - the length of the product, then they write - DI.
Most often, overalls with a hood (replacement for a hat) or raincoats are sewn for the French. Wearing a vest is also a necessity - you can put it on quickly! So let's move on to the next measurement.
This is the neck circumference - OS, you can simply measure it using the collar. As we said, the collar is not matched to a given dog. Well, the last measurement is to measure your chest circumference. Since we have a hero in front of us, this measurement will be large. You need to measure from the withers down, passing under the front paws, clasping the entire chest.
If taking measurements, making a template and a pattern is a real torment for you, trust the experienced professionals of the atelier. Or go to the store, there are age-appropriate items for each breed. By the way, when sewing a product that goes for sale, specialists take into account precisely these measurements. Another thing is if your dog is the size that is not suitable from the store, or you find synthetic materials there, refuse to purchase.
Then everything is in your golden hands, because it’s the health and activity of your pet! So, you have two options - create a unique design masterpiece with your own hands - sew or knit, or go to a dog atelier. By the way, your pet should accompany you, because most likely a specialist will want to take measurements on his own, and suddenly you will need to take additional measurements.
Wardrobe for a Frenchman
What should a dog's wardrobe be like? Each breeder has his own answer and point of view about this. A large wardrobe is always nice, because every day you can change dirty clothes and show off in new ones, although later you may have a large pile of laundry. It’s good for minimalists, but you’ll have to wash your clothes several times a day.
But you can choose a middle ground: a Frenchman must have overalls, preferably two or three (for severe cold, moderate and rainy weather). An insulated hat or other clothing, in particular a jumpsuit with a deep hood. Also buy at least one pair of shoes, a vest, a cape, pants, or even a tracksuit with sneakers.
Clothes can be festive, for example, for exhibitions or visits, or casual. Everything is like with people, so fashionistas and fashionistas now understand us - there is no such thing as too much clothes. But is this what French bulldogs think when they are dressed in all sorts of fashionable accessories? Not at all, it’s actually difficult to teach a Frenchman to respect his image, but it’s still possible!
The sooner you start training by “dressing up,” the sooner the bulldog will understand that this is necessary because the owner says so, and if he dresses up, he will receive a reward. The main thing here is not to overdo it, trying to dress up your Frenchie for the purpose of having fun; the dog will feel this and simply refuse such an annoying procedure. It’s fun and funny for you to look at a funny fashionista, but how can he endure it?
The most favorite clothes for Frenchies among breeders are overalls, a quilted jacket with a hood, a coat, sneakers, a harness for a French bulldog, a blanket (warm overalls without sleeves) for cold weather.
If you are not good at sewing, but know how to knit, this is a great way to insulate your pet! Moreover, patterns for French bulldogs are not at all difficult to find. After all, you can wait out severe frosts, and weak ones - you can take a walk in some universal little thing knitted with your own hands, and the dog will be warm, and you will be pleased!
And one more piece of advice - a Frenchman should look simply stunning, he should feel warm and cozy. Nothing restricts movement... but the dog itself should not know that he is wearing clothes!
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Step-by-step description of knitting a sweater for a pet
Below is the process of creating a sweater for a Yorkie with your own hands (diagram), which even a beginner in knitting can easily reproduce.
Note! P – loop, n – yarn over.
It is necessary to prepare the tools:
- Knitting needles No. 3 (3 pcs.).
- Yarn in two/three colors.
- Notebook.
- Pencil.
- Needle with a wide eye.
- Scissors.
A schematic drawing of the future product is made
Gate
You should start from the gate. You will need to cast on 71 stitches with yarn No. 1. Next, knit an average of 16 rows with an elastic band, alternating knit and purl stitches. The tail of the thread is threaded and the end is cut off.
Tummy
Next comes the creation of the tummy. It starts from 25 p. You need to take a different color of yarn (No. 2).
1st row: knit stitches, 14 n between them.
2nd: simple elastic band.
3rd: remove the first stitch, make 1 n., 37 elastic stitches; 1 n., finish purlwise.
4th: elastic band.
5, 7, 9th: repeat 3rd row.
6, 8, 10th: rubber band method.
Sleeve Armholes
From the 11th row, the armholes of the dog sweater sleeves begin. You need to close 3 sts, then elastic.
12th: bind off 3 stitches, knit an elastic band.
13-27th: elastic band unchanged.
28th: set of 3 chain stitches.
29th: similar. It is necessary to continue knitting the belly to a length of 11.5 cm from the collar.
Change the color to the original (No. 1) and create 2 cm in length. Close all items.
Back
Now the back - there are 46 stitches on it. You need to take a thread of the main color (No. 3).
1st row: knit 23, knit 1, knit 23.
2nd: purl stitches.
3rd: remove first p., n., knit 45; make n., purl.
4th: purl method.
5, 7, 9th: repeat 3rd row.
6th, 8th, 10th: purl knitting.
11-12th: cast off 3 sts.
13-27th: alternate knit and purl rows.
28th: set of 3 chain stitches.
29th: similar. It is necessary to continue the front and back rows to a length of 16.5 cm. Then, on each front row, close 2 stitches from the edges. You need to lengthen the product to 22 cm and close the last row completely.
Attention! Sew the back and abdomen from the side with a wide-eye needle.
Create a trim with yarn No. 1, 2 cm wide. Close the row and sew the trim to the bottom of the back.
Sleeves
Next comes knitting the sleeves. All colors are used in turn.
1st-3rd rows: thread No. 2, 40 p., elastic band.
4th: thread No. 1, add 1 n. at the edges. You need to take yarn of the main color - No. 3.
5th-7th: elastic band.
8th: 1 stitch from each edge. The sleeve is increased by 2.5 cm. The last level is closed.
According to the description above, you also need to create the second sleeve of the jacket.
Step by step, you first need to connect the sleeves on the sides, then sew them into the armholes of the vest from the inside out.
The Yorkie sweater is ready. All that remains is to check the seams and thread the stretched threads.
For a jacket you can add a collar or hood
This method of work is suitable for beginner needlewomen. It will allow you to create a beautiful and practical thing for your pet. A similar pattern can be used to knit, for example, a sweater for a toy terrier.
Additionally! The jumper can be insulated using a knitwear lining.
Clothes for the French Bulldog: overalls and sweater
There is an opinion that pets do an excellent job of thermoregulation and therefore do not need clothing. However, veterinarians express their opinions on this matter. Experts remind that artificially bred short-haired dog breeds need additional heating. When building a wardrobe, we are talking not only about frosty winter walks, but also about humid weather, as well as the scorching sun. Let's look at dog fashion using the French bulldog as an example.
What clothes does a bulldog need?
Any attentive owner tries to provide his pet with the most comfortable living conditions. Caring for a French bulldog is not difficult, because it is an undemanding breed. However, it needs some warmth, especially in winter.
Clothing for the French Bulldog has long gone beyond functionality and has become not only a useful accessory, but also a fashionable highlight of the popular breed. Modern fashion designers create entire lines of outfits designed for these dogs.
But even those who do not follow fashion should take care of the quality of clothing and its aesthetic side. A well-tailored suit will not only warm the dog, but will also give an unforgettable experience to both the owner and passers-by.
So, what will a bulldog need:
- Overalls. The most practical wardrobe item. Warms, keeps the coat clean and gives a pleasant mood. Most often, owners choose this particular clothing;
- Headdress. A hat for a French bulldog is needed for insulation and protection from the scorching sun. For the winter, you can knit an accessory according to the “model’s” measurements, and in the summer it is best to dress your pet in a Panama hat or cap;
- Costume. For the most fashionable pets, there is also the option of a combined costume. A knitted sweater looks great paired with pants.
- Shoes. An optional detail, but some owners prefer to complement the dog’s fashionable look with moccasins. Before you buy such things, remember that you need to accustom your dog to shoes from puppyhood.
- Blanket. Protects your pet in rainy weather.
Gallery: clothes for the French bulldog (25 photos)
What you should pay attention to
You can not only buy dog clothes in the store, but also sew them yourself. Before you create your own clothes for French bulldogs, check out these tips for choosing a dog's wardrobe:
- Clothes should be comfortable. An active pet will want to explore the park, scour the bushes, or chase a thrown ball. The jacket shouldn't interfere with this. Watch your seam allowances when sewing. It is their absence that makes clothes tight and unwearable.
- For ease of washing, choose practical materials. And also make sure that the fabric does not lose color after frequent rinsing.
- French bulldogs are prone to allergies, so only natural fabrics should be used.
- Young animals are very active, so the suit will have to be washed after every active walk. Therefore, it is better not to limit yourself to one copy, but to sew several sets of clothes at once.
- For winter walking, choose waterproof fabrics that will protect your pet's fur from moisture.
- For a summer promenade, light outfits are suitable that will protect your pet from the sun. Make a choice in favor of T-shirts and, of course, Panama hats.
We buy and sew clothes for the French bulldog
Special clothing for a French bulldog is one of the manifestations of caring for a pet, part of the city culture of keeping pets.
Opinions vary as to whether dogs should be clothed. Veterinarians are inclined to believe that the short-haired “Frenchie” has to literally experience first-hand all the troubles of a harsh climate and dank dampness.
You have to walk them in any weather, watching how the puppy huddles up to the entrance in the rain and hurries home in the cold after relieving itself. Animals raised in the “greenhouse” conditions of city apartments freeze about as much as non-hardened people.
What clothes are needed
Short-haired puppies can be litter-trained in an apartment, but keeping them indoors has a negative impact on their development. These inquisitive dogs have an excellent sense of smell, they live in a world of smells and sounds, they need new “discoveries” every day, in communication with living beings. In closed conditions, French bulldogs grow up lazy, lethargic and depressed.
Short-haired Frenchies cannot fully warm up in winter during long walks, even if they are constantly on the move. It is unsafe for their health when there is a sharp drop in temperature overnight.
Here you can’t do without a warm overall, covering the puppies’ ears from sharp gusts of wind and warming their torso from the frost. Running on ice behind a bicycle - wounded paw pads and worn out claws. Comfortable shoes for long walks are appropriate in your pet's wardrobe.
The expression that a good owner will not kick his dog out into the street in chilly windy weather is quite fair, but let’s clarify - without a raincoat. The owner of an elite short-haired puppy will strive to provide him with comfortable conditions, including walking time.
Advice: To an outside observer, it seems that the outfits prevent a puppy on a leash from relieving himself and frolicking in nature. This is a matter of habit - accustom your little bulldog to clothes in the same way as to a leash or harness. Offer him a light flannelette vest for sleeping if the apartment is cool, or a dress for a little girl.
The collar and leash for this fairly strong breed should be strong, made of thick genuine leather. But don't buy a wide accessory - this breed has a short neck. And do not fasten it too tightly - the pet should not feel it on the throat until the owner pulls on the leash.
It is difficult to choose the right muzzle due to the characteristic structure of the skull. It is a must-have for every dog lover for walking in crowded places. Even if the dog is not aggressive, the accessory will calm those around him and save him from unnecessary comments and questions.
Which design to choose
Fashion for things for four-legged friends changes in the same way as for people - there are “freak” trends and functional proposals.
Golden Rule: How you want others to perceive your pet is how your French Bulldog should be dressed.
Yes, animals in fancy dress look so funny! But think about whether the representatives of the serious breed themselves like this perception. They also have emotions and worries about how others perceive them. Imagine yourself on a morning jog down the street dressed as a shark, frog or spider. They experience similar experiences.
“Freak” outfits also have a right to exist, but for a special occasion, and not for every day. And this applies more to puppies, and not to a full-fledged guardian of the house with fighting genetics. It’s sad to look into the eyes of a dog dressed as a pig, in whose gaze you can read: “My master is an idiot”!
Much when choosing an outfit depends on the character of your pet. For a playful, funny “cutie,” you can sew a red skirt with white polka dots with your own hands for the summer, in addition to a bow around the neck. Think about it: will this elastic band put pressure on your stomach, and will this bow interfere with swallowing food? A jumpsuit or coat for a serious shorthaired fighter should be of a modest design. The Be cap emblem on one ear is acceptable if it amuses the wearer.
Functionality and convenience
Comfortable and warm clothing for short-haired breeds is offered in an assortment. Every year, designers of dog clothes offer entire “fashion lines”, in which there are many cute outfits with decent ideas and original decor.
Housewives often sew and knit warm clothes themselves, cut harnesses and collars from beautiful leather, putting all the love and care into their pets.
The wardrobe of representatives of the short-haired breed includes: Waterproof raincoat (raincoat). Warm overalls (preferably lined and with a hood). Insulated vest for cool days. Shoes for frosty weather and jogging on icy paths.
Everything else is at the request of the owners, including hats. Girls need special underpants when they are in heat. When dressing these dogs, preference is given to natural fabrics - they are prone to allergies and diaper rash between the toes.
In the summer, excess clothing can lead to overheating of the animal with unpleasant consequences: heat shock; dehydration; fainting.
Often in hot weather they only wear a harness, a cap and sunglasses. An evening promenade along the embankment can be done in the same designer style as the owner of the “French” - a light vest or T-shirt with shorts.
How to sew or knit a simple pattern yourself
Patterns and technology for making simple products with your own hands are quite accessible for beginning craftswomen. But the work must be done carefully, all seams are overlocked, appliqués, decorations and stickers are securely fastened.
The French bulldog is a “stocky” breed; take these features into account when sewing clothes for dogs. Ready-made patterns are adjusted to fit a boy or a girl (the back structure is different).
If the pattern is general, then for this breed we make the neckline wider, and the sleeves and pants shorter. “Store” outfits for pets come with an indication of the sizes - the volume of the neck and sternum, the length of the back, the height at the withers (less often).
Tip: If you don’t have sewing skills, but you like the pattern of a vest, cape, overalls or the design of a knitted sweater for your pet, you don’t have to do it yourself. Original clothes for French bulldogs will be made for you by tailors in the studio.
How to take measurements
1. For the vest, measure: neck circumference - ОШ; height at withers - VX; chest width (under the front paws) - W;
back length - DS (to the root of the tail); chest volume under the paws - OG; abdominal volume (in the narrow part) - coolant; side length distance between varnishes - DB; the length of the abdomen from the front legs to the urinary organ is L.
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