Olive Linen Stitch Dog Coat Free Knit Pattern

Olive Linen Stitch Dog Coat Free Knit Pattern

Introduction

This little coat is made for the small dog in your life who deserves to be as cozy as they are cute. It is knit from one simple flat rectangle, so even if you have never knit a garment before, you can make this. The linen stitch gives the olive chenille a woven, almost tweedy texture, and the two wide ochre bands add a warm folk-art touch. The result is a soft, plush tube that slips over the head, with two small openings for the front legs and a button at the chest to keep it snug.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Super bulky (weight 6) chenille plush yarn, 100% polyester. Color A (Olive): 2 skeins, about 130 yd total. Color B (Ochre): 1 skein, about 55 yd.
• Needles: 8.0 mm (US 11) straight needles; 8.0 mm (US 11) circular needle, 40 cm, for the edging.
• Notions: Cable needle or spare needle, tapestry needle, stitch markers, measuring tape. Optional: 2 cm button and a small amount of smooth yarn for a crochet chain loop.
• Finished size: To fit a small dog with a 28 cm neck, 40 cm chest, and 30 cm back length. The flat piece measures 40 cm wide x 30 cm long before seaming.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• BO: bind off
• k: knit
• p: purl
• sl: slip the stitch from the left needle to the right needle without working it
• wyif: with yarn in front (hold the working yarn toward you before slipping)
• RS: right side (the outside of the coat)
• WS: wrong side (the inside of the coat)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd(s): round(s)
• rep: repeat

Gauge

10 sts and 18 rows = 10 cm / 4 in in linen stitch, slightly stretched. Knit a small swatch in linen stitch, give it a gentle stretch, and measure a 10 cm section; if you have more stitches than 10, go up a needle size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Slip every slipped stitch purlwise with the yarn in front. This is what creates the woven linen texture, so keep it consistent.
• Chenille can shed and worm, so work with a light tension and avoid tugging the yarn tightly.
• Count your stitches at the end of each section; you should always have 40 sts on the needle.
• Try the coat on your dog (or measure against them) before you finish the edging so you can adjust the leg openings if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Back Panel (one flat rectangle, worked in A and B)

With A, CO 40 sts.

Rows 1-4: Knit every row (garter stitch) (40 sts).

Rows 5-36: Work in linen stitch as follows (40 sts, 16 linen rows):

Linen Row 1 (RS): [k1, sl1 wyif] rep to last st, k1 (40 sts).

Linen Row 2 (WS): [p1, sl1 wyif] rep to last st, p1 (40 sts).

Repeat Linen Rows 1-2 for the full section.

Change to B.

Rows 37-44: Work in linen stitch (40 sts, 4 linen rows).

Change to A.

Rows 45-76: Work in linen stitch (40 sts, 16 linen rows).

Change to B.

Rows 77-84: Work in linen stitch (40 sts, 4 linen rows).

Change to A.

Rows 85-88: Knit every row (garter stitch) (40 sts).

Next row: BO all 40 sts.

Leg Openings and Side Seams

Fold the piece in half lengthwise with RS together, matching the CO and BO edges.

Step 1: Seam 14 cm from the CO edge (neck end) up each side.

Step 2: Leave the next 6 cm open on each side for the front legs.

Step 3: Seam the remaining 10 cm to the BO edge (chest end) on each side.

Neck Edging

With the circular needle and A, pick up 1 st per garter bump around the neck opening (about 56 sts). Join to work in the round.

Rnds 1-3: Knit every rnd (garter stitch in the round) (about 56 sts).

Next rnd: BO loosely.

Leg Opening Edging (make 2)

With the circular needle and A, pick up 1 st per garter bump around one leg opening (about 24 sts). Join to work in the round.

Rnds 1-2: Knit every rnd (about 24 sts).

Next rnd: BO loosely.

Repeat around the second leg opening.

Chest / Hem Edging

With the circular needle and A, pick up 1 st per garter bump around the chest/hem opening (about 56 sts). Join to work in the round.

Rnds 1-3: Knit every rnd (about 56 sts).

Next rnd: BO loosely.

Optional Button Loop

With a small amount of smooth yarn, crochet a short chain loop at the chest edge, long enough to fit around a 2 cm button. Sew the button to the opposite chest edge.

Assembly and Finishing

Weave in all ends on the wrong side, working them through a few stitches so they stay secure in the chenille. Block the coat lightly to the finished measurements, but do not stretch the linen stitch, as that will flatten its texture. Lay it flat to dry, then try it on your dog and adjust the button or loop if needed.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the ochre bands for a contrasting color like rust or cream for a different folk-art palette.
• Add a second button and loop pair at the chest for a more adjustable fit on dogs with a broader chest.
• For a lighter version, work the body in a smooth super bulky wool instead of chenille, keeping the same gauge.