Vintage Beaded Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern
The Beaded Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern is a delightful way to create a stylish, cozy garment for your furry friend. Designed with thoughtful details like gold chain and bead embellishments, this sweater elevates your pet’s wardrobe with a touch of elegance. With sizes available for regular, plus, and petite measurements, you’ll find the perfect fit for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re knitting for a small pup or a larger breed, this pattern ensures your dog stays warm and fashionable.
This pattern blends vintage charm with modern practicality. Originally published in a 1950s design collection, we’ve updated the instructions for clarity and ease of use. The worsted-weight yarn keeps the sweater warm yet lightweight, and the ribbed collar and edges provide a polished, comfortable finish. Plus, the decorative crochet edging and beadwork add a unique flair that will make your pup stand out on any walk or gathering. With clear instructions and an adaptable design, this project is perfect for knitters looking to create something special and personal.
Explore the classic Coats and Clark Everyone Wears Sweaters, Book No. 291 (1952). Click to view all the vintage sweater patterns in this timeless collection!
About the Images
To help you visualize the final product, we’ve included an AI-generated image of the finished sweater alongside the original illustration. The vintage illustration captures the charm of the original design, while the AI image provides a modern interpretation, giving you a clear sense of what to expect. Whether you’re drawn to the classic appeal or the updated details, this pattern offers a rewarding knitting experience that’s sure to bring smiles to you and your pet alike.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Coats and Clark Everyone Wears Sweaters Book No. 291 (1952). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are © Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2025. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Beaded Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern
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Regular Sizes (Small, Medium, Large, XL)
Materials:
- Original Yarn: CHADWICK’S RED HEART KNITTING WORSTED, 4 Ply, Art. E.232
- 5 skeins (1 oz. each) for 18-inch length
- 6 skeins (1 oz. each) for 24-inch length
- Modern Yarn Equivalent: Worsted Weight Yarn (#4 Medium)
- Approximately 500–600 yards for Small and Medium
- Approximately 600–750 yards for Large and XL
- Knitting Needles:
- 1 pair US Size 3 (3 mm)
- 1 pair US Size 4 (3.5 mm)
- Crochet Hook: US Size E (3.5 mm)
- Decorative Materials: Gold thread and 7 large beads for embellishment
Gauge:
6 sts = 1 inch; 7 rows = 1 inch.
Finished Measurements:
| Size | Length | Width (Chest) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 14 inches | 12 inches |
| Medium | 18 inches | 15 inches |
| Large | 22 inches | 18 inches |
| XL | 26 inches | 21 inches |
Body
- Cast On: Using US Size 3 needles, cast on:
- Small: 40 sts
- Medium: 44 sts
- Large: 52 sts
- XL: 60 sts
- Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 rows.
- Increase:
- Increase 1 st at both ends of the next row and every alternate row until you have:
- Small: 52 sts
- Medium: 56 sts
- Large: 68 sts
- XL: 80 sts
- Switch to Stockinette Stitch:
- Using US Size 4 needles, work in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) until the piece measures:
- Small: 14 inches
- Medium: 18 inches
- Large: 22 inches
- XL: 26 inches
- Fasten Off: Place all stitches onto a double-pointed needle to be worked later for the collar.
Gusset
- Cast On: Using US Size 4 needles, cast on:
- Small: 28 sts
- Medium: 32 sts
- Large: 38 sts
- XL: 44 sts
- Work Stockinette Stitch:
- Decrease 1 st at both ends every:
- Small: 6th row
- Medium: 6th row
- Large: 8th row
- XL: 8th row
- Continue decreasing until you have:
- Small: 16 sts
- Medium: 20 sts
- Large: 26 sts
- XL: 32 sts
- Work Evenly: Continue working without decreasing until the piece measures:
- Small: 5 inches
- Medium: 7 inches
- Large: 10 inches
- XL: 13 inches
- Place Markers: Place markers at both ends of the last row.
- Shape Front:
- Decrease 1 st at both ends of every 3rd row until there are:
- Small: 4 sts
- Medium: 6 sts
- Large: 10 sts
- XL: 12 sts
- On XL size only: Continue decreasing 1 st at both ends every alternate row until 4 sts remain.
- Fasten Off: Place these stitches on the same double-pointed needle holding the body stitches.
Collar
- Combine Stitches: Divide all held stitches among 3 double-pointed needles:
- Small: 56 sts
- Medium: 62 sts
- Large: 78 sts
- XL: 92 sts
- Work in Rounds: Using US Size 3 double-pointed needles, work in K2, P2 ribbing in rounds until the collar measures:
- Small: 4 inches
- Medium: 5 inches
- Large: 5 inches
- XL: 5.5 inches
- Bind Off: Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Sew Gusset: Sew the gusset to the body, leaving the spaces between the markers open for the dog’s front legs.
- Crochet Edging: Using the crochet hook and gold thread, work 1 row of single crochet along the back and leg openings for a clean finish.
- Add Gold Chains and Beads: For Sweater B, attach decorative gold chains and beads as follows:
- Using the crochet hook and gold thread, create two separate chains:
- The first chain should fit snugly around the collar.
- The second chain should be slightly longer.
- Sew both chains onto the collar, placing the beads evenly along the second chain for an elegant look.
- Block and Adjust: Block the finished sweater gently to measurements.
Dog Sweater B Knitting Pattern: Plus Sizes (1X–5X)
Materials:
- Original Yarn: CHADWICK’S RED HEART KNITTING WORSTED, 4 Ply, Art. E.232
- 6 skeins (1 oz. each) for 30-inch length
- 7 skeins (1 oz. each) for 36-inch length
- Modern Yarn Equivalent: Worsted Weight Yarn (#4 Medium)
- Approximately 750–900 yards for 1X–3X
- Approximately 900–1,100 yards for 4X–5X
- Knitting Needles:
- 1 pair US Size 3 (3 mm)
- 1 pair US Size 4 (3.5 mm)
- Crochet Hook: US Size E (3.5 mm)
- Decorative Materials: Gold thread and 10 large beads for embellishment
Gauge:
6 sts = 1 inch; 7 rows = 1 inch.
Finished Measurements:
| Size | Length | Width (Chest) |
|---|---|---|
| 1X | 30 inches | 22 inches |
| 2X | 32 inches | 24 inches |
| 3X | 34 inches | 26 inches |
| 4X | 36 inches | 28 inches |
| 5X | 38 inches | 30 inches |
Body
- Cast On: Using US Size 3 needles, cast on:
- 1X: 72 sts
- 2X: 78 sts
- 3X: 84 sts
- 4X: 90 sts
- 5X: 96 sts
- Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 rows.
- Increase:
- Increase 1 st at both ends of the next row and every alternate row until you have:
- 1X: 92 sts
- 2X: 98 sts
- 3X: 104 sts
- 4X: 110 sts
- 5X: 116 sts
- Switch to Stockinette Stitch:
- Using US Size 4 needles, work in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) until the piece measures:
- 1X: 24 inches
- 2X: 26 inches
- 3X: 28 inches
- 4X: 30 inches
- 5X: 32 inches
- Fasten Off: Place all stitches onto a double-pointed needle to be worked later for the collar.
Gusset
- Cast On: Using US Size 4 needles, cast on:
- 1X: 48 sts
- 2X: 54 sts
- 3X: 60 sts
- 4X: 66 sts
- 5X: 72 sts
- Work Stockinette Stitch:
- Decrease 1 st at both ends every 8th row until you have:
- 1X: 30 sts
- 2X: 36 sts
- 3X: 42 sts
- 4X: 48 sts
- 5X: 54 sts
- Work Evenly: Continue working without decreasing until the piece measures:
- 1X: 12 inches
- 2X: 13 inches
- 3X: 14 inches
- 4X: 15 inches
- 5X: 16 inches
- Place Markers: Place markers at both ends of the last row.
- Shape Front:
- Decrease 1 st at both ends of every 3rd row until there are:
- 1X: 6 sts
- 2X: 8 sts
- 3X: 10 sts
- 4X: 12 sts
- 5X: 14 sts
- On 5X size only: Continue decreasing 1 st at both ends every alternate row until 4 sts remain.
- Fasten Off: Place these stitches on the same double-pointed needle holding the body stitches.
Collar
- Combine Stitches: Divide all held stitches among 3 double-pointed needles:
- 1X: 98 sts
- 2X: 110 sts
- 3X: 122 sts
- 4X: 134 sts
- 5X: 146 sts
- Work in Rounds: Using US Size 3 double-pointed needles, work in K2, P2 ribbing in rounds until the collar measures:
- 1X: 6 inches
- 2X: 6.5 inches
- 3X: 6.5 inches
- 4X: 7 inches
- 5X: 7.5 inches
- Bind Off: Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Sew Gusset: Sew the gusset to the body, leaving the spaces between the markers open for the dog’s front legs.
- Crochet Edging: Using the crochet hook and gold thread, work 1 row of single crochet along the back and leg openings for a clean finish.
- Add Gold Chains and Beads: For Sweater B, attach decorative gold chains and beads as follows:
- Using the crochet hook and gold thread, create two separate chains:
- The first chain should fit snugly around the collar.
- The second chain should be slightly longer.
- Sew both chains onto the collar, placing the beads evenly along the second chain for an elegant look.
- Block and Adjust: Block the finished sweater gently to measurements.
Dog Sweater B Knitting Pattern: Petite Sizes (XXXS, XXS, XS)
Materials:
- Original Yarn: CHADWICK’S RED HEART KNITTING WORSTED, 4 Ply, Art. E.232
- 4 skeins (1 oz. each) for XXXS and XXS
- 5 skeins (1 oz. each) for XS
- Modern Yarn Equivalent: Worsted Weight Yarn (#4 Medium)
- Approximately 300–450 yards, depending on size
- Knitting Needles:
- 1 pair US Size 3 (3 mm)
- 1 pair US Size 4 (3.5 mm)
- Crochet Hook: US Size E (3.5 mm)
- Decorative Materials: Gold thread and 5–7 small beads for embellishment
Gauge:
6 sts = 1 inch; 7 rows = 1 inch.
Finished Measurements:
| Size | Length | Width (Chest) |
|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 10 inches | 8 inches |
| XXS | 12 inches | 10 inches |
| XS | 14 inches | 12 inches |
Body
- Cast On: Using US Size 3 needles, cast on:
- XXXS: 28 sts
- XXS: 34 sts
- XS: 40 sts
- Work Ribbing: Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 rows.
- Increase:
- Increase 1 st at both ends of the next row and every alternate row until you have:
- XXXS: 40 sts
- XXS: 48 sts
- XS: 56 sts
- Switch to Stockinette Stitch:
- Using US Size 4 needles, work in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 8 inches
- XXS: 10 inches
- XS: 12 inches
- Fasten Off: Place all stitches onto a double-pointed needle to be worked later for the collar.
Gusset
- Cast On: Using US Size 4 needles, cast on:
- XXXS: 18 sts
- XXS: 22 sts
- XS: 28 sts
- Work Stockinette Stitch:
- Decrease 1 st at both ends every 6th row until you have:
- XXXS: 10 sts
- XXS: 14 sts
- XS: 18 sts
- Work Evenly: Continue working without decreasing until the piece measures:
- XXXS: 4 inches
- XXS: 5 inches
- XS: 6 inches
- Place Markers: Place markers at both ends of the last row.
- Shape Front:
- Decrease 1 st at both ends of every 3rd row until there are:
- XXXS: 4 sts
- XXS: 4 sts
- XS: 6 sts
- Fasten Off: Place these stitches on the same double-pointed needle holding the body stitches.
Collar
- Combine Stitches: Divide all held stitches among 3 double-pointed needles:
- XXXS: 44 sts
- XXS: 52 sts
- XS: 62 sts
- Work in Rounds: Using US Size 3 double-pointed needles, work in K2, P2 ribbing in rounds until the collar measures:
- XXXS: 3 inches
- XXS: 4 inches
- XS: 5 inches
- Bind Off: Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Finishing
- Sew Gusset: Sew the gusset to the body, leaving the spaces between the markers open for the dog’s front legs.
- Crochet Edging: Using the crochet hook and gold thread, work 1 row of single crochet along the back and leg openings for a clean finish.
- Add Gold Chains and Beads: For Sweater B, attach decorative gold chains and beads as follows:
- Using the crochet hook and gold thread, create two separate chains:
- The first chain should fit snugly around the collar.
- The second chain should be slightly longer.
- Sew both chains onto the collar, placing the beads evenly along the second chain for an elegant look.
- Block and Adjust: Block the finished sweater gently to measurements.
This adorable Beaded Dog Sweater combines classic charm with modern practicality, ensuring your furry friend stays warm and stylish. With sizes thoughtfully tailored for regular, plus, and petite measurements, this pattern accommodates dogs of all shapes and sizes. The elegant gold chain and bead detailing adds a touch of sophistication, making this sweater perfect for special occasions or everyday wear. Whether you’re knitting for a small pup or a larger companion, this timeless design is sure to delight both pets and their owners. Happy knitting!
