Hack Your Pattern, Own Your Design: A Fresh Take on Dog Wear Creativity

Jill Bartlett Author

Apr 25, 2025 |

Learn how to customize dog coat patterns with easy hacks! Get free sketch templates, design prompts, and start creating stylish, custom-fit dog wear.

Have you ever followed a sewing pattern exactly as written—only to wish you could change just one little thing?

Maybe you thought, “This would be perfect if it had a hood.”
Or, “I’d love to add a zippered pocket right there.”
Or maybe you sketched a version with a faux fur collar months ago but didn’t know how to make it happen.

That’s not a problem. That’s your inner designer talking.
And it’s time to start listening.

Pattern Hacking: Where Design Begins

Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t just sewing dog wear to keep our pups warm.
We’re doing it because we want them to stand out.
Because we want to say, “I made that.”
Because it feels really good to create something that fits them perfectly—and reflects who they are.

That’s where pattern hacking comes in.

Hacking a pattern isn’t about getting it wrong. It’s about making it yours.

It's how you go from “following instructions” to “designing something original.”
From sewing a coat to creating a statement.

What Exactly Is a Pattern Hack?

A pattern hack is a creative tweak to an existing sewing pattern. It could be as simple as:

• Adding a lining

• Shortening the back length

• Swapping Velcro for snaps

• Curving the hem for a sportier vibe

• Adding quilting, colour-blocking, or even racing stripes

But more than that—it’s the first step toward thinking like a designer.
You're no longer just constructing something. You're creating it.

And that shift? It changes everything.

Why This Matters (More Than You Think)

It’s easy to think that design is something other people do—people with degrees, studios, or decades of experience.

But that’s not true.

Design starts with curiosity. With questions. With “What if…”

And the minute you start asking those questions, you’ve already stepped into the role of designer.

So whether you’re dreaming of launching your own pattern line or just want to create one amazing coat that feels uniquely yours—this is where it begins.

Grab the Free Hack Pack

To help you dive in, I’ve put together a free starter kit:
The Cozy Coat Hack Pack—designed to help you sketch, plan, and personalize your next project.

Inside, you’ll find:

• A seasonal mood board to kickstart ideas

• Printable dog sketch templates so you can draw directly onto a dog silhouette

• Quick design prompts to get your creativity flowing

It’s not just a download—it’s your permission slip to start designing like you mean it.

👉 Click here to get the Hack Pack

Your Challenge This Week

Choose one design detail to hack.
Not five. Not a total overhaul. Just one.

Here are a few ideas to spark your thinking:

• Swap the belly band closure

• Add a collar or hood

• Colourblock the front and back

• Try a new fabric texture—quilted, waterproof, ribbed knit

• Add trim, piping, or reflective tape for flair and function

Sketch it. Sew it. Share it. Tag me @thankdogwemadeit—I’d love to see what you create.

Because You’re Not Just Making a Dog Coat…

You’re designing something functional, stylish, and totally custom.

You’re exploring what’s possible when you stop following instructions and start trusting your instincts.

You’re not just a maker.
You’re not just a dog parent.
You’re a designer.

So go ahead. Hack that pattern.

And own your style

Keep Creating

Want to take things further? You can get the Cozy Coat pattern and start sewing today—or join The Cozy Coat Course, where I guide you through every step of designing and sewing a custom-fit coat. 

The course includes the full pattern in all sizes, detailed lessons on measuring your dog and adjusting the fit, and creative hacks to help you tailor the style to your vision. You’ll also get access to my drag-and-drop design tool to explore fabric combinations, trims, and finishes before you even thread your machine.

Whether you jump into the course or start with the free Hack Pack, I hope this post inspires you to create something truly original.

Let’s make something amazing together.

Categories: : Blog