The Skift Dog Sweater is an ode to my dog, George. He’s new to my family, as we adopted him in July. As I was designing the Skift Cardigan (also featured in this issue!), I couldn’t help but think it would be so fun to complement it with a matching dog sweater, especially after learning that George loves to roll around on laundry and enjoys being tucked into the blankets at bedtime. Plus, why should humans have all the fun when it comes to hand knitted sweaters? The Skift Dog Sweater will be the perfect outfit for your best friend this winter, and they’ll be the envy of everyone at the dog park!

Spotted this one first? The human version is available for you as well!

SIZE
SM, L, 1X, 2X
shown in Large size. See Pattern Notes for sizing suggestions.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Chest Circumference: 14 (19, 27, 33, 38) inches / 35.5 (48.25, 68.5, 84, 96.5) cm
Total Length (with neck uncuffed): 14 (18.75, 25.5, 29.75, 34.25) inches / 35.5 (48, 65, 75.5, 87) cm

MATERIALS
Yarn
Universal Yarn Major (100% acrylic; 200g/328 yds); 122 Sea Glass: 1 (1, 2, 2, 3) skeins

Yarn Characteristics
spacer Major is a 2-ply chunky weight yarn made from 100% acrylic. It has a soft hand and feels quite lofty. It is a self-shading, marled yarn. I recommend choosing one of the lighter or more tonal shades to prevent the cable pattern from getting lost. Chunky or bulky weight acrylic or wool yarns with at least two plies would make a suitable alternative.

Recommended needle size
always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique
1 US #10/6mm 16-32 inch / 40-80 cm circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences in the round)
1 US #9/5.5mm 16-32 inch / 40-80 cm circular and set of DPNs (or your preferred needle for knitting small circumferences in the round)

Notions
stitch markers
removable stitch markers
cable needle
stitch holders or waste yarn
yarn needle

GAUGE
16 sts x 20 rows/rnds = 4 inches / 10 cm in Left or Right Twists pattern with larger needles.

PATTERN NOTES
This sweater is knit seamlessly from the top down (neck to approximately the base of the tail). It begins with the collar, which is knitted to double the length of your preference and cuffed. Then, increases for the chest are worked before dividing the piece to create the holes for the front legs. First, the back is worked even while the underside stitches are placed on hold. After the correct length is worked, stitches from the underside are returned to the needle and worked for the same length. Then, the underside stitches and back stitches are joined together again and worked in the round briefly, before once again placing the belly stitches on a hold and continuing the back stitches flat, gradually working decreases. After the correct length is achieved, stitches are picked up along the decreased edges and belly stitches and worked in the round one final time to create the ribbed edge. Finally, stitches are picked up from around each front leg hole and worked in ribbing to create the sleeves. The bottom hem and sleeves are both finished with a tidy 2-stitch I-cord bind-off.

Choosing a size to knit: Measure your pup and try the sweater on them as you go to achieve the perfect fit, as dogs vary greatly in shape and size. Detailed measurements are provided in the schematic to help you assess where you may need to adjust for the best fit. To further assist you in selecting a size, the following list suggests approximate weight ranges for each size:

Small: 10-15 lbs
Medium: 15-35 lbs
Large: 35-55 lbs
1X: 55-75 lbs
2X: 75-95 lbs

For reference, George is a petite American Foxhound. He wears the Skift Dog Sweater in Size Large with 1 inch / 2.5 cm of positive ease around the chest and weighs about 45 pounds. Peggy is a Cattle Dog/Border Collie mix and wears the Skift Dog Sweater in Size Large with 2 inch / 5 cm of positive ease around the chest and weighs about 45 pounds.