Designing & Altering an Easy Dog Coat Pattern

One of the first things to keep in mind when making an easy coat or costume for you dog, is your dog!  You want him/her to feel comfortable in their outfit. After trial and error, and much research, I have found that "Simplicity Pattern 4316" is a very EASY dog pattern to work with. 

No, I don't have stock in Simplicity, nor do I prefer that pattern company over any other.  I have found, as both a sewing teacher, and a pet clothing designer, this pattern can be changed and altered to accommodate my pet designs very easily. All of the pet outfits  below were designed and made from this basic pattern.

This easy pattern only has ONE basic piece; more if you want to add a collar or a hoodie. If you look real close at each dog coat, you will notice each outfit is the same pattern, but designed very differently by the pet designers by adding contrasting fabric, bows, lace, fringe, fur, rick-rack, embroidery, buttons, and more.