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:

• Our Social Fabric

• FabCycle

• Blackbird Fabrics

• Download the Sustainable Fabric Guide for Dogwear Makers →

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:

• 🎁 Download the Cozy Coat Pattern Pack (Free)

• ✂ Join the Hack Your Pattern Waitlist

• 📸 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