Hackable or Headache? Picking the Right Pattern to Modify

Jill Bartlett Author

Jun 14, 2025 |

Learn how to hack dog coat patterns with ease. Discover beginner-friendly sewing tips, Cozy Coat hacks, and how to modify pet wear designs that sell.

🎧 Rather listen than read?

This blog post covers the key takeaways, but if you’d rather hear the full story—including real examples, design challenges, and behind-the-scenes insights—I dive deeper in the podcast episode:

👉 Hackable or Headache? How to Pick the Right Pattern to Modify

You’re halfway through tweaking a dog coat pattern. You’ve reshaped the back, adjusted the belly band, maybe even tried a new neckline—and then suddenly, nothing’s lining up. The seams are fighting you. The fit feels totally off. You’re frustrated and wondering… was this a bad idea?

The answer? It might not be your creativity that’s the problem.
It could be the pattern you chose to hack.

Not All Patterns Are Built to Be Hacked

When people start modifying patterns, they often focus on what they want to create. But there’s something even more important to consider:

👉 Is the base pattern flexible enough to support your idea?

Some patterns are wonderfully hackable—simple shapes, few seams, easy-to-adjust lines. Others? Not so much. They might have shaping seams (like darts or princess lines), tricky closures, or are so form-fitting that a small tweak throws everything off.

If you've ever found yourself discouraged mid-project, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. That’s why I created this guide: to help you choose a pattern that actually wants to be hacked.

What Makes a Pattern Hackable?

Here’s what I look for when choosing a base pattern to modify:

• Large, flat pattern pieces that are easy to reshape

• Minimal internal construction—no darts or shaping seams

• Simple openings (neckline, hem, belly wrap) that you can easily adjust

• Versatile structure that works with different types of fabric

• Permission to modify and sell, if you’re creating commercially

One of my favourites is the Cozy Coat. It’s made of one main body piece and a collar—no sleeves, no darts, no fuss. And it comes with full rights to modify, rework, and even sell your new version. It’s the perfect jumping-off point if you’re new to design.

Choose the Right Pattern for the Hack You Want

You can hack a more complex pattern—but only if you’re working within the original structure.

For example:

• Got sleeves? You can turn short sleeves into long ones—or even make them puffy.

• Got a long, flat back? You can turn it into a ruffled skirt with ease.

But the opposite?
👉 Adding sleeves where there were none, or flattening out a gathered back panel? That’s a much harder path.

So here’s my advice: pick a pattern that already gets you most of the way to your vision. You’re not trying to force a pattern into something it was never meant to be—you’re building on a strong foundation.

Case Study: The MuckyDog Waders

One of the most complex hacks I’ve worked on was for a patent-pending design now sold by MuckyDog. It was a full-body garment that covered the underbelly, all four legs, and even the paws—plus it needed to open along the top of the back to be pulled on and off easily.

I didn’t start with a paper pattern—just a few off-the-rack examples. I had to create a brand-new pattern from scratch and grade it into a full range of sizes. What made it work? Built-in flexibility.

Even with elastic and drawstrings at the legs, shaping both front and back leg openings was a challenge. And if the design had been tight-fitting or rigid, it would have been even harder to pull off.

That kind of hack is possible—but definitely not where I’d recommend starting.

Real Examples of Cozy Coat Hacks

Here are just a few ways I’ve transformed the basic Cozy Coat into entirely different styles:

• The Marley Davidson
  I split the back into colour-block panels, added a D-ring at the top, and created a bold, moto-inspired style.

• Cottage Comforts
  Fleece-lined with a faux sheepskin collar, a zipper up the back, and elastic at the neck—no Velcro in sight.

• Thunder Jacket Hack
  Shortened the overall shape and added a longer, wider belly wrap in stretchy fabric to provide gentle compression for anxious dogs.

• Cooling Jacket Hack
  A triple-layer design: two mesh layers and a 100% absorbent cotton interior. You soak it in cold water, put it on the dog, and let it work its magic.

Each of these started from the exact same pattern. The key was knowing where to add, where to edit, and what to leave alone.

My Pattern-Hacking Checklist

Before you start cutting, ask yourself:

✅ Does this pattern have large, modifiable pieces?
✅ Are the seams minimal and straightforward?
✅ Is the structure forgiving and flexible?
✅ Does the original design align with what I’m trying to make?
✅ Do I have the rights to modify and sell this pattern?

If the answer is yes—you’re good to go.

Ready to Start Designing Your Own Patterns?

If you’re ready to move from small tweaks to confident design, my upcoming course Hack Your Pattern might be just what you’re looking for.
It opens this summer, and it’s built to help creative dog wear makers like you take your ideas from good to sellable.

👉 Join the waitlist for early access and early-bird pricing

Got a Dog Coat Design Idea?

Are you sitting on an idea that you'd like to turn into a dog coat?
Let me know in our Thank Dog We Made It Creative Circle — or tag me on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit or send me a DM.
I’d love to hear your ideas or see what you’re working on!

If You Enjoyed This Post…

Please share it with a friend who’s curious about designing their own patterns.
And don’t forget to follow the blog or subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a new idea. 💛

Categories: : Blog, Business, Pattern Making