Podcast 21 – Sustainable Dog Fashion Trends for 2026: Fabrics, Waxed Canvas & Maker Tips

Episode Air Date: October 21, 2025

Runtime: 23:24

✨ Episode Summary

Sustainability in dogwear is changing fast — and 2026 is the year makers start leading that shift. This episode is about what’s actually happening in sustainable dog fashion and how you can adapt, whether you’re sewing for your own pup, creating patterns to sell, or building a small-batch brand. I break down what I’m seeing in fabrics, materials, and design — plus a few lessons learned from my first waxed canvas project (including what I’d do differently next time).

You’ll walk away knowing what to focus on this year: materials that last, stories that connect, and a design process that keeps sustainability realistic.

What You’ll Learn:

The biggest shifts in sustainable dog fashion for 2026
Why craftsmanship, texture, and longevity are replacing fast trends
How to use deadstock, remnants, and end-of-roll fabrics as your edge
What I learned testing my first waxed canvas project (and why 7 oz cotton didn’t cut it)
Why “limited edition” and “small batch” are your best marketing tools
How one great base pattern can become your whole collection

🕒 Episode Highlights

Here are a few key moments from this episode:
00:00 — Why sustainability in dogwear matters now more than ever

01:11 — The shift from “eco-friendly” talk to craftsmanship and longevity

02:40 — 2026 fabric trends: waxed canvas, organic cotton, and recycled blends

04:10 — My lessons from making a waxed canvas bag (and what I’d do differently)

06:22 — How to shop sustainably using deadstock, end-of-roll, and discount fabrics

07:41 — My go-to local suppliers: Our Social Fabric, FabCycle, and Blackbird Fabrics

09:13 — What “slow-made” really looks like in small-batch production

11:40 — Using one base pattern to design multiple styles sustainably

13:35 — How scraps, remnants, and re-waxing create longevity and story

15:22 — What’s next: my 2026 Waxed Canvas Documentary Project

📥 Ready to Take the Next Step?

Want to try these ideas for yourself? Start with my free Cozy Coat Pattern Package — it’s the simple, adaptable base pattern I use in this episode’s examples. It includes a printable pattern, video tutorials, a step-by-step guide, and a measuring workbook to help you get the fit right the first time.

Resource Links Mentioned
Our Social Fabric — Vancouver’s nonprofit textile recycling shop
FabCycle — circular textile reuse center
Blackbird Fabrics — sustainable, small-batch fabrics
Download — Sustainable Fabric Guide for Dogwear Makers

💬 Got Questions or Feedback?

If something in today’s episode resonated with you—or brought up a question you’ve been wondering—I’d love to hear from you.

DM me anytime over on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit, drop me an email jill@thankdogwemadeit.com, or come join the conversation inside the Creative Circle. This is exactly the kind of stuff we talk about together.

You can also comment, rate, or follow the podcast here:
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Hey there!
I'm Jill Bartlett

I'm the pattern designer, educator, and founder of Thank Dog We Made It, a learning hub born from my many years running Scouter Wear, a boutique dog wear company inspired by my beloved dog, Scout.