DIY: Reversible Dog Coat

If you are a frequent reader here at Grandma Bonnie's Closet you probably already know about Scooby our most recent rescue dog. If you missed that post you can check it out here.
Each and every morning around 4 am Scooby wants out for a walk. Its a little early for me but I understand his need. Being older he probably can't hold it like the younger dogs can. He usually goes out does his job and then wants to walk a little and inspect all the trees and shrubs around the yard. When he is finished about 15 minutes or so he is ready to go back in to sleep again. Well, there has been a few mornings recently that the air had a little nip in it. It actually felt great to me but Scooby would shiver complete his task and run right for our door. That is when I knew he had to be cold. Now I am wondering how he is going to like the cold winter weather.
So, I decided to make Scooby a coat today. I thought the DIY might come in handy for some of my readers that have dogs.

My first step was to look at pictures of dog coats on line and see how they are constructed. After having an idea of what I wanted basically I started by drawing a pattern onto some old wrapping paper. I used Scooby's neck, waist and back length to create the pattern below.

 Wrapping paper cut into the size and shape I needed.

I found an old sweat shirt for one layer and an old sundress for the other layer. I thought with two layers of fabric not only would the coat be warm but it would be reversible.

 I pinned the pattern on both fabrics and cut them out.

I made a pattern for a collar and cut two pieces of fabric for the collar. I cut off one of the straps on the sundress. I will use the strap to secure the coat to Scooby. I sewed the two collar pieces together leaving the top edge not sewn. I turned the collar outside right.  

I pinned the strap to the right side of the plaid fabric and pinned the collar in place on the right side also. Next, I pinned the navy piece of fabric on top with right sides facing together. The collar and belt are sandwiched inside. 

I sewed a 1/4 inch seam all around the outside edge leaving a small opening at the bottom. I used the opening to turn the coat outside right.

I pinned the remaining opening and stitched around the entire coat leaving it a nice finished look. I attached Velcro on the front wings so it can be secured easily around the neck.  I added a small piece of Velcro on the strap end. I sewed another small piece of Velcro on the inside of the coat for securing the strap around the waist. 

The coat is reversible. But as you might be able to tell I like the plaid side the best. 

What do you think? He sure does like his new coat! I am going to make another coat with a warmer fabric for the cold winter weather. I might even make a rain coat. Those are DIY's in the making. 

Do you think our winter is going to be mild or snowy? I am afraid we are in for a very wet and cold winter. What are you doing to prepare for winter?