Sustainability in dogwear is shifting again — and it’s not about buzzwords anymore. It’s about craftsmanship, texture, and making things that last.
In this episode, I talk about what 2026 really looks like for makers. From waxed canvas and natural fibers to small-batch production and the rise of reclaimed materials — this is where slow-made design meets practical dogwear.
You’ll hear what I’ve learned testing my first waxed canvas project (spoiler: I used fabric that was way too light), and how that turned into a bigger plan for my 2026 Waxed Canvas Documentary Project.
Whether you’re sewing for your own dog or designing patterns to sell, this one’s about creating with purpose — not pressure.
Listen in and discover why slow-made is the new fast fashion.
Mentioned:
Comment “Waxed Canvas” below if you want to be alerted when the doc series starts, and send me any questions or episode requests. Or email me: jill@thankdogwemadeit.com
In this episode, I walk through the top three mistakes people make when resizing or grading dog coat patterns—and how I go about fixing them so coats fit comfortably across sizes and breeds.
Top 3 Mistakes
1️⃣ Stretching a pattern evenly instead of resizing it proportionally at the key grading points
2️⃣ Not understanding functional ease — what it is, why it matters, and how to remove and re-add it correctly
3️⃣ Starting with a complex pattern instead of mastering scaling on a simple one first (like the Cozy Coat!)
Want to see how it’s done step-by-step?
Watch the full video demo where Jill grades a pattern from a medium to a small and walks through each fix:👉 https://youtu.be/XwEoZn7uu3c
Resources Mentioned
👉 Free Cozy Coat Pattern → https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com
👉 Dog Size Chart → https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/dog-size-chart
👉Scale Your Dogwear System (SYDS): How to Size and Grade Dog Wear Patterns for Every Breed →
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/grading-patterns-waitlist
Podcast: Hackable or Headache - Picking the Right Pattern to Modify
Questions or feedback? Email me: jill@thankdogwemadeit.com
Puppies grow fast — here’s how to make a dog coat last longer with simple, grow-with-me adjustments.
In this episode, I share practical, sustainable solutions for making dog coats that last longer through those puppy growth spurts. From Velcro and elastic to clever drawstrings and extension panels, I’ll walk you through how to adapt a simple pattern (like my free Cozy Coat) so your pup doesn’t outgrow it in weeks.
Whether you’re sewing for a small terrier or a medium-sized poodle, you’ll hear tips for adjusting circumference, back length, and side coverage — plus my take on realistic expectations (spoiler: it’s not a forever coat, but it can last a lot longer).
✨ Free Cozy Coat Pattern Package:
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/free-cozy-coat-pattern-package
✨ Dog Size Chart (with breed examples):
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/dog-size-chart
Dog coat not fitting right? In this episode of Thank Dog We Made It, I walk you through the four key measurements every dog coat needs — and answer real questions about what to do when the fit just doesn’t look right.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
The tools you actually need for measuring
How to measure neck circumference, chest circumference, back length, and neck to withers
Why the neck to withers point is critical for belly band placement
Troubleshooting coats that pinch under the arms or slip forward
How to test your design with scrap fabric before cutting into the good stuff
A special note for male dogs when designing belly bands
🐾 Watch the full demo on YouTube: youtu.be/_5d8DYcJ638
🐾 Download the free 4-Step Measuring Workbook: thankdogwemadeit.com/f/4-step-measuring-workbook
🐾 Start sewing with the Cozy Coat Pattern Package (includes step-by-step videos): thankdogwemadeit.com/f/free-cozy-coat-pattern-package
Thank Dog We Made It is a podcast for makers and dreamers—those who love dogs, love design, and want to create dog wear that reflects both their style and their pup’s personality.
I’m Jill Bartlett, and I’m here to help you explore your creativity, one stitch at a time. Whether you're brand new to sewing or ready to design your own line of patterns, I’ll guide you through each stage—from simple hacks to full-blown designs.
Together, we’ll talk about fabric choices, fit, and function—but also about making slower, more sustainable decisions in a fast-paced world. Because making something with your own two hands—something that lasts, fits well, and brings joy—is powerful.
This show is part how-to, part pep talk, and all heart.
If you’re looking for a creative outlet that celebrates design, dogs, and doing things your own way—you’re in the right place.
Come join the journey. New episodes every week(ish) at thankdogwemadeit.com.
In this episode, I’m sharing the struggles I had when I made my first dog coat—and how that led me to create the FREE Cozy Coat Pattern Pack.
It’s a free bundle designed to make your first dog coat project way easier than mine was.
We’ll talk about:
Why I wanted to create a package that walks you through every step of making your first dog coat
How to measure your dog so you get the fit exactly right
How to customize the free pattern to adjust it for your dog’s measurements
What’s inside the Cozy Coat Pack (pattern, measuring workbook, instruction guide, and how-to videos)
Whether you’re brand new to sewing or just want a simple, beginner-friendly project you can make in an afternoon, this episode gives you everything you need to get started—with less guesswork and more confidence.📍Links Mentioned:
📸 Tag your creations on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit
Got design ideas that show up at the worst time—and vanish just as fast? In this episode, we’ll talk about building your “idea vault,” how to capture creative sparks before they disappear, and why sketching (not sewing) might be the key to your confidence.
Links + Resources:
Find the full show notes here:
thankdogwemadeit.com/shownotes/16
Grab the Hack Pack:
thankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-pack
Save, follow, and share if today’s episode helped you reconnect with your creative side.
A great dog coat fits well—but what if it also feels right? In this episode, I'm exploring how to design pet wear that reflects your dog's personality, not just their measurements. Whether you're making for your own pup or designing for others, I'll share how simple tweaks can turn a basic pattern into something bold, expressive, and uniquely yours.
👉 Grab your free Dog Coat Sketch Templates to start sketching your next design today: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/dog-coat-sketch-templates
Resources & Links
🎨 Free Dog Coat Sketch Templates: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/dog-coat-sketch-templates
✂️ Cozy Coat Base Pattern (hack-friendly): https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/category/patterns
🧵 Hack Your Pattern Course Waitlist: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-your-pattern-waitlist
💬 Connect with Me on Instagram: @thankdogwemadeit
🌐 Explore More Free Resources: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/resources
Can AI really design dog wear? In this episode, I share what happened when I asked Stitch (my AI assistant) to hack one of my patterns—and what went hilariously wrong. You'll learn what worked, what flopped, and why your creativity still matters most. Plus, how to use AI as a design partner, not a shortcut.
Resources and Links:📥Download the Dog Coat Sketch Templates (Free)
🎁 Download the Dog Coat Sketch Templates + 4-Step Measuring Workbook (Free)
🎓 Learn more about the Hack Your Pattern course
Find full shownotes and links on the website:
Feeling like a fraud? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jill gets real about imposter syndrome—from not having a fashion degree to hesitating to share helpful content. She explores how empathy, not credentials, is the anchor that keeps her going—and why caring deeply might be your biggest strength as a designer.
Resources and Links
Creative People Guide
A free guide to help you connect with your creative circle and build confidence through community.
💬 Mentioned in Episode:
TDWMI Courses & Free Resources: thankdogwemadeit.com
Instagram: @thankdogwemadeit
"Is that extra zipper worth it?" In this episode, Jill shares the real cost—time, materials, and frustration—of hacking your designs, using her Cottage Comforts coat as a case study. If you're modifying patterns or designing your own, this is your reminder to weigh your ideas against what they’ll truly take to make.
🛠 Resources & Links
Not every pattern wants to be hacked—and sometimes, it’s the pattern itself that’s holding your creativity back. In this episode, Jill walks you through how to choose the right base pattern to modify, what to avoid (especially if you're just starting out), and how to make sure your next pattern hack actually works.
She shares real-world examples of how she transformed her Cozy Coat base pattern into everything from the Marley Davidson and Cottage Comforts to a Cooling Jacket and Thunder Wrap—and why those hacks worked. You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes story of the custom-designed, patented MuckyDog Waders and what made that hack especially challenging.
If you're ready to move beyond simple tweaks and confidently modify patterns in a way that feels creative and achievable, this one’s for you.
📌 Mentioned in This Episode:
💻 Join the Hack Your Pattern Waitlist
thankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-your-pattern-waitlist
🧵 Get the Cozy Coat Pattern (includes full rights to modify and sell)
thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/category/patterns
🐶 MuckyDog Waders – Patent-pending dog garment mentioned in this episode
muckydog.com
🎧 Listen to the Marley Davidson origin story
thankdogwemadeit.com/shownotes/4
Ever wondered what comes after sewing your first dog coat
Whether you're just starting or have been making dog wear for a while, there comes a moment when you think: Could I actually design something of my own? Not just tweak someone else’s pattern... but truly bring your own idea to life?
In this episode, I walk through the journey many makers take—from hands-on sewing to exploring their own designs, and eventually digitizing and (maybe!) selling them. If you’ve ever felt that creative nudge, this episode will help you understand what your next step could be—and remind you that there’s no single right way to get there.
Full Episode Details:
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/shownotes/10
🎧 Related Episodes You Might Like:
🔹 Hack Your Pattern – How to Start Thinking Like a Dog Wear DesignerSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7H11GywbpR3zsBXy4wHqc0Apple: apple.co/3WZ5tHg
🔹 Plan Now, Sell More – Fall 25/26 Dog Wear TrendsSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/10wBTnTGK2jVHVl8PeRkXVApple: apple.co/4dQsGLy
🔹 Getting the Fit Right – Understanding Dog Chest ShapesSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1OrliEj7ybgI0sETm7go3iApple: apple.co/3JvD0Ho
🔹 Advanced Measuring Techniques – For Pattern DesignersSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1LBi7S1oGm7yiHjCxe8ejDApple: apple.co/4dQRVOY
Feeling stuck in your dog wear business? Maybe it’s that sense you’re on the wrong path—or that you’re craving something different.
In this episode, I share how I pivoted through four business models—from custom-fit coats to knitting patterns to a membership—before finally finding the niche that truly fit.
If you're a maker, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you rethink “failure” and recognize when you're heading in the right direction.
Resources and Links
In this episode, Jill shares the heartfelt story behind the Cottage Comforts coat – a design inspired by her late mother’s cozy red plaid jacket. From that first spark of inspiration to creating a pattern that others can sew, Jill walks through the entire process of bringing a dog wear design to life.
Links & Resources:
✨ From Patterns to Profits Course – Ready to take your designs further? Learn how to grade, digitize, and package your patterns to sell. Join the Course Here
If you’ve ever tweaked a dog wear pattern, imagined your own design, or thought, “Someone should totally make a pattern for this,”—this episode is for you.
Jill shares how running a monthly pattern membership opened her eyes to the moment people shift from maker to designer—and how you might already be further along than you think.
Links & Resources:
📖 Read the full blog post:
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/from-maker-to-dog-wear-designer
🎓 Join the Patterns to Profits waitlist:
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/patterns-to-profits
🖥️ Free Illustrator Cheat Sheet for Pattern Makers:
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/illustrator-cheat-sheet-for-pattern-makers
✨ Episode Summary
You measure carefully, sew everything beautifully — and somehow, the coat still doesn’t fit right.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing how basic measurements like neck, chest, and back length only tell half the story — and why adding a few extra steps to your measuring process can completely transform the fit, comfort, and adaptability of your designs.
Whether you’re making simple coats or developing more advanced patterns, this episode will help you see why better measuring is the key to better design.
Why most dog wear fit issues aren't caused by bad sewing
The critical moment I realized standard measurements weren’t enough
How finding the Withers point changed everything
What the 10-Step Measuring System includes — and why it matters
Why smarter pattern design is better than custom-fitting every dog
How better measuring leads to flexibility, adjustability, and more professional patterns
Real-world examples of how measurements like front height and withers position affect coat fit
Here are a few key moments from this episode:
[00:00] – Why your careful measuring might still lead to bad fit
I share the hidden mistakes that cause so many fitting issues.
[00:30] – The missing piece in basic dog measurements
Why neck, chest, and back length don't tell the full story.
[01:52] – Quick Spring Giveaway reminder: Final week to enter!
Your last chance to win full access to the Cozy Coat Course and Hack Pack.
[02:49] – The breakthrough: discovering the Withers point
How one extra measurement made my early designs fit better.
[03:50] – Why I had to create my own 10-step system
No guidebooks existed — so I built my own system through real-world fittings and trial and error.
[05:19] – Smarter pattern design vs. custom-fitting every dog
Why better measuring leads to flexible, scalable patterns (and a much better business model).
[06:48] – Real-life examples: Dobermans, deep-chested dogs, and why extra measurements matter
How understanding structure can completely change how a coat fits.
[07:51] – Your next step: Grab the free 10-Step Measuring Workbook and Video Guide
A free printable workbook and full video series to help you measure like a pro.
Download the Free 10-Step Measuring Workbook and Video Guide
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/dog-wear-measurements-made-easy
Read the Full Blog Post:
thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/10-steps-to-better-fitting-dog-wear-master-measuring-like-a-pro
Connect with me:
Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook — @thankdogwemadeit
Or email me directly at jill@thankdogwemadeit.com
Ever finished sewing a dog coat and thought, “Next time, I’d make the belly band longer” or “I wish this had pockets”?
That little voice? That’s your inner designer—and this episode is all about giving it a microphone.
In this episode, I’m walking you through the idea of pattern hacking—what it means, how it helped me transition from maker to designer, and how you can start making bolder, more personal design decisions with every pattern you touch.
You’ll hear the story of my very first hack (spoiler: it involved a too-short coat, a skirt, and a totally unnecessary but totally rebel hoodie shat), and how that one tweak led to a whole new way of designing for dogs—including my Easy Rider fringe jacket and the best-selling Alpine Coat with built-in harness.
If you’ve ever felt like a pattern didn’t quite fit your vision, or if you're ready to move from “maker” to “designer,” this episode will give you both inspiration and permission to do just that.
Why small tweaks = big design confidence
Examples of beginner-friendly dog coat hacks
How I turned one base pattern into several best-sellers
Why identity-driven design matters more than “perfect” sewing
The mindset shift that helped me build my business
📏 Grab the Measuring Guide + Workbook
The method I developed after learning the hard way that Scout was longer than most dogs.
➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/4-step-measuring-workbook
🎨 Download the Free Cozy Coat Hack Pack
A printable design board, dog sketch templates, and real Cozy Coat hack examples to get your creativity flowing.
➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-pack
🧵 Get the Cozy Coat Pattern
My go-to base pattern for all sorts of design experiments.
➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/category/patterns
🎓 Explore the Cozy Coat Course
Get the full pattern plus step-by-step lessons on measuring, sewing, and customizing your coat.
➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/cozy-coat-course
📝 Read the Full Blog Post for This Episode
Prefer reading? Catch all the highlights and inspiration from this episode in blog form.
➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/hack-your-pattern
Have you hacked one of your dog coat patterns before?
What’s one thing you’d love to try adding, changing, or redesigning?
Tag me on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit or send me a DM—I’d love to see your sketches, ideas, and finished designs!
✂️ In This Episode, You'll Learn:🧰 Resources & Links Mentioned:💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
What do biker jackets, 1950s rebel films, and a ride down the California coast have to do with dog coat design?
In this episode, I share the story behind one of my most popular creations—the Marley Davidson, a bold, stylish dog coat inspired by the grit and swagger of vintage motorcycle culture. You'll hear how a feeling from my past turned into a pattern that resonated with customers and how I later adapted the look using my Cozy Coat base pattern.
I’ll also walk you through why sketching matters, how I turned the design into something functional and fashion-forward, and how you can take your own ideas from spark to pattern.
If you’re designing your own dog wear—or dreaming about it—this episode is for you.
🧵 SHOW NOTES & LINKS
🏍️ Inspiration for the Marley Davidson Design
Harley-Davidson Men’s Generations Jacket
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/mens-generations-jacket/p/98162-21VM
Marlon Brando in The Wild One
https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/marlon-brando-the-wild-one
James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause
https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/rebel-without-a-cause
Ever had a dog coat that should have fit perfectly—only to find it rides up under the dog's front legs or hangs way past the tail? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most overlooked details in dog wear design: chest shape.
I’ll walk you through the three most common chest types (Barrel, Deep, and Round), share personal stories from real-life fitting fails (and fixes!), and explain why chest width, front height, and neck-to-withers measurements are just as important as chest circumference.
Whether you're sewing for your own dog or designing patterns to sell, this episode will help you understand how to get a better fit—and avoid common mistakes.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why chest circumference isn’t enough to ensure a proper fit
How posture and chest shape affect coat length
The 3 main dog chest types and how to spot them
The measurements you really need to take
How to adjust your patterns for a better fit
A visual tip using rectangles, ovals, and circles to identify chest shapes
🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:
📖 Blog Post – Pawsome Fit Guide: Dog Chest Shapes
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/dog-chest-shape
📝 Download the Free Measuring Workbook
https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/4-step-measuring-workbook
🎥 Watch the Step-by-Step Measuring Video (featuring Scout!)
https://scouterwearclub.newzenler.com/courses/11-steps-to-measure-your-dog
Let’s Connect:
Have questions or your own story to share about dog coat fit? I’d love to hear it!
Add a comment below, DM me on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit, or send a message through my website.
If you enjoyed this episode:
Please follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes, and feel free to share it with someone who’d love it too. Leaving a quick review also helps others find the show!
Talk soon,
Jill
