15 Winning Dog Costumes to Make this Year!

Sew your furry baby any costume she or he wants! Here you’ll find costumes for dogs; free patterns, video tutorials, no-sew projects, and inspiration. Now you can take your fur baby to events and contests in style.

I love to see the creativity when people deck their fur babies out in costume. I have seen some beautiful designs over the years, and it’s that time of year once again. Get ready for the photo ops!

Sew (or just make) some fun this year for your best friend. Here are patterns and tutorials for dogs big and small. Most of the patterns are free, and there are a few bonus ideas without patterns to spark your creativity. Get inspired, and have some fun.

Collectible Beanie Babies

This photo is from hausbyjordie on Instagram. It is probably the easiest costume, and the most comfortable for your pet if they are not used to having wearing clothes and accessories. It’s also great for procrastination! Grab some cardboard and paint, or get fancy with your vinyl cutter; make your dog into a beanie baby in minutes!

Versatile Pajama Pattern

Here is a free pattern with additional information and templates to turn the jammies into a costume. You can also let your imagination dictate your dog’s costume by making your own templates.

Witch Dog Costume

Here is a free costume pattern by Mimi & Tara. You can use it for your small dog, but there are a few bigger sizes available.

Teddy Bear Costume Hack

Can you believe there’s a dog in there? This no sew costume is a video tutorial on TikTok. It’s so much fun to watch even if you don’t want to use it for yourself. The hack is that you will use an existing stuffed bear and alter it so you put your dog’s face and front legs into the bear’s body. Here’s the link to the video.

Chia Pet

This costume is for inspiration, but you can combine some of the other patterns in this post to create it! Measure your baby and make a pattern, then hot glue greens all over the place! You can even glue brown felt onto the shirt to make a faux collar and pant legs.

Collar and Cuffs

This is the only pattern that is not free, but it was so cute I just couldn’t resist! If you look closely under the bowtie you will even find some bling. Here is the link to the Etsy store Sofia and Friends.

Make Your Own

This video tutorial will show you how you can make a bodice pattern for your dog; no matter the size! You will learn how and where to measure, and then you can either add a skirt or use that bodice to hold things like tulle or tissue paper for your costume ideas.

Pupcake!

This cupcake costume is so adorable! It’s another no sew project made from a paper box and felt. You can check out the tutorial and use the same process to make other similar costumes. Visit Lovely Indeed for the free tutorial.

Easy No Sew Costumes

There are several costume templates made from craft foam available at Craft Your Happiness. These costumes are very light weight and easy to make. If you fur baby doesn’t love to be adorned, perhaps this is a good place to start.

Court Jester

Is your pet a practical joker? Show the world a bit of who they really are! I know some of your dogs are so silly. This free pattern is great fun!

Sweet Tooth Duo

Here is a link to HelloRubyDoodle.com where you can scroll through a few duo costume ideas. There are no patterns, but they are beautifully done and unique. I’m sure you will enjoy the inspiration, and I hope you can use the other patterns in this post to help you make the costume of your dreams.

Santa Paws

This costume pattern comes in multiple sizes, and it’s reusable for Christmas! lol Visit Mimi & Tara for the free printable sewing pattern.

Taco Dog

Food on your dog is easy and cute; and tacos are IN! Here is a free tutorial for the taco costume you’ve always wanted from Life at Cloverhill.

Little Ladybug Costume

If the tutu and wings aren’t enough, there’s a headband accessory! I found this tutorial on HGTV.com. I love a good ladybug costume, and I love versatile sewing projects; you get them both with this pattern.

Ewok

I love how the ears on the costume match the dog’s fur color! You could buy one, but making your own is really sew much better. Add an Ewok or two to your family costume this year.

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