You Don’t Just Want to Make Patterns—You Want to Create Them

Jill Bartlett Author

May 06, 2025 |

Ready to design your own dog wear patterns? Here’s how makers shift into designers—and what it takes to turn your ideas into patterns.

From sketch to sellable pattern—how dog lovers become designers

When I first started offering a new dog wear pattern each month in my membership, I thought I was just helping people sew.

I’d design something, grade it into six sizes, write the instructions, film the tutorial—and release it to the members.

But I quickly realized this was about way more than just making.

People weren’t just sewing. They were imagining.

They were picturing something different. Something custom. Something their dog actually needed.

They didn’t want to just follow steps anymore.
They wanted to make it their own.

That quiet shift—from maker to designer—is where this story begins.

From a Monthly Membership to a Big Realization

My monthly pattern membership was one of the most creatively rich seasons I’ve had. I was constantly designing new styles, connecting with members, and getting real-time feedback on what worked and what didn’t.

But what surprised me most was the shift I saw in the people sewing those patterns.

They started asking me to design new things—things that didn’t exist yet.
They weren’t asking “how do I shorten the belly band?” or “can I turn this into a vest?”
They were saying:

• Can you design a hoodie?

• What about a T-shirt for dogs who run cold indoors?

• Could you create something for layering in between seasons?

That’s how the Rebel Hound Hoodie and the Salty T came to be.
These weren’t just requests—they were ideas.

That’s when I realized: my members were thinking like designers.
They just didn’t have the tools yet to create what they were envisioning.

They Didn’t Need More Patterns—They Needed a Path

I knew they didn’t just need more patterns.
They needed a clear path to create their own.

So I set out to build exactly that.

A step-by-step system that could take what someone had imagined—a sketch, a scribble, or just an idea they couldn’t quite execute—and turn it into something real.

A pattern that fits, that scales, and that’s ready to share or sell.

I built the course slowly and intentionally—layer by layer—for people ready to move beyond following patterns and start developing their own style.
Whether they’re using my Cozy Coat pattern or bringing their own, the process is the same.

Because when someone starts asking:

• “Could I simplify this?”

• “How could I improve this?”

• “Could I design my own from scratch?”

That’s the moment the shift begins.
And I wanted to give them something that would carry them all the way through it.

You Don’t Need a Fashion Degree to Design for Dogs

I’ve been in that space too.

I don’t have a fashion degree.
I didn’t come from the garment industry.
Everything I’ve learned about dog wear design—I taught myself.
Because let’s be honest: there’s very little information out there for people who want to design for dogs.

But I do have a background in design. I studied graphic design, and I spent over 15 years running an eLearning company—creating step-by-step tutorials and structured learning experiences.

That background shaped how I teach and how I break things down—especially when it comes to tools like Illustrator, grading, and scaling for different sizes.
It also gave me a deep respect for the learning process—because I’ve been through it myself.

When You Start Asking Different Questions

Once that mindset shift happens—when someone moves from following instructions to exploring their own ideas—it changes everything.

They start looking at patterns differently.
They start noticing fit. Construction. The why behind each design choice.

And eventually, they want more than just a finished project.
They want ownership.
They want a process they can trust—and return to again and again—as their confidence grows.

That’s where real design momentum begins.

Designing Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Confidence

Over time, I saw this pattern emerge again and again.
(No pun intended.)

Members had clear ideas. They knew what they wanted their dogs to wear. They could picture it in their heads. But they didn’t have the tech skills or confidence to bring those ideas to life.

And honestly?
That messy middle—that place between idea and execution—is where most people get stuck.

That’s the exact place I love to work.

A Framework to Help You Go From Idea to Pattern

That’s why I created my course, Patterns to Profits.

It’s not just a creative course. It’s a full framework—built to walk you through every step of designing your own dog wear patterns.

We cover:

• How to take accurate measurements (including the ones most people skip)

• How to research trends and choose appropriate fabrics

• How to digitize your design using Adobe Illustrator

• How to grade your pattern for different sizes

• How to package it with instructions so others can use it

• And how to market your pattern so people actually find—and buy—it

You don’t have to be perfect.
You just need the right tools, the right support, and a little momentum.

Maybe That Designer You’ve Been Waiting For… Is You

If you’ve ever looked at a pattern and thought,
“I love this, but I’d do it a little differently…”

Or you’ve sketched something for your own dog and wondered if others might want it too…

Or maybe you’ve been sewing for a while and you’re ready to make something that’s yours—

I want you to know:
You’re not just someone who makes patterns.
You’re someone who’s ready to create them.

And you’re closer than you think.

Free Resources to Help You Get Started

Not sure where to begin?
If you're still working on fit and measurements, start with my 10-Step Measuring Guide. It includes a printable workbook and full video series to help you measure like a pro.
👉 Grab the Measuring Guide here

Ready to start digitizing?
If you’re already working in Illustrator (or planning to), you’ll love my Illustrator Cheat Sheet for Pattern Makers.
👉 Download the Cheat Sheet here

What About You?

What’s an idea you’ve had for a dog wear pattern that you’ve never seen out in the world?

Drop into the Thank Dog We Made It Creative Circle or tag me on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit and share it—I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

And if you’re ready to take the next step, join the Patterns to Profits waitlist to get updates when the course reopens.

Categories: : Blog