How to Knit & Crochet for Pets
- 1). Choose washable yarn. Pets get dirty, so you'll need to wash a handmade collar, leash, jacket or blanket in the washing machine. Acrylic and super-wash wool offer a wide choice of colors in durable yarns that will hold up to any abuse your pet can dish out.
- 2). Go organic for chew toys. Organic yarns use natural dyes and non-chemically treated fibers. Avoid yarn with metallic threads or attached sequins or glitter, as well as fuzzy yarns. Pets can ingest these embellishments and could end up with intestinal troubles. If you wouldn't put it in your own mouth, don't give it to your pet to chew.
- 3). Measure twice, knit once. Measure your pet carefully when you make a sweater or other garment for him or her. Measure circumference around the chest and the distance across the front of the chest, as well as the distance between the legs if your sweater has leg holes. Choose the size pattern that most closely fits these measurements. Many craft stores sell books devoted to knitting and crocheting for pets. You may also find patterns online.
- 4). Choose patterns with close stitches and tight gauges. Smaller needles produce the tightest knitting or crocheting. Avoid large, loopy stitches, as your pet's claws or teeth could get caught in the fabric. Smaller-stitched garments will also wear better.
- 5). Be bold with color. Dogs and cats have limited color vision so don't worry about offending them with your color choices. Raid your yarn bag and choose colors that appeal to you.