2-Minute Dog Shirt from a T-Shirt Hack
Create a dog shirt in minutes with this quick hack. Then, tie-dye shirts so that you and your dog can match.
The kids were looking for shirts to match the dog. They did not want to spend much money and could not find anything they liked, so I created them.
I did not want to take the time to sew so I created a cut-and-wear shirt. The knit fabric in a t-shirt will not unravel much, so hemming is optional.
All you need is a T-shirt and a pair of scissors to complete this project. I have included extra steps for tie-dyeing the shirts.
Quick Dog Shirt Hack
When choosing a shirt for your dog, the size will depend on their measurements. Selecting a shirt that covers their back to the desired length is important.
Lennon is a 64 lb labradoodle. I used a youth 10/12 t-shirt.
Place the front legs of the dog through the arms of the shirt. Reach under and mark the spot for a cut line where the rib cage comes together.
Remove the shirt from the dog. Lay the shirt flat.
Draw an arc from the center point you marked to the side of the shirt. I used a disappearing ink pen. If you do not have one, cut the marker line off.
Cut along this line to create the dog shirt.
The shirt can be hemmed along the cut but works without sewing. I did not stitch Lennon’s shirt.
I cut the shirt before tie-dying.
Matching Tie-Dye Shirts with Your Dog
First, determine which design you want for the shirts. Lennon’s mom picked a pink and purple spiral pattern.
Use the same Tie-Dye Folding Technique for all the shirts. I tightly wrapped the shirts, which did not allow much dye absorption.
Add dye as desired to each shirt. Once dyed, place each in a zippered plastic bag and let it sit for up to 24 hours.
Rinse the excess dye from the shirts with cold water before removing the rubber bands. Continue to rinse until the water runs clear.
Wash in a hot cycle to help set the color.
We were pleased with how the shirts turned out.
More Dog Projects
Quick Dog Shirt Hack
Create a quick Dog Shirt from a human t-shirt in minutes. Perfect for making matching shirts for you and your dog, such as tie-dye.
Materials
- short sleeve t-shirt
Tools
- marker
- scissors
- optional: tie-dye supplies
Instructions
- The size of the shirt you pick will depend on the dog. Pick a shirt that goes down the dog's back as far as you want. I used a youth 10/12 on the 64-pound labradoodle.
- Place the shirt on the dog with the front legs through the arms. Determine the cut line by reaching under the dog and marking where the rib cage comes together.
- Remove the shirt from the dog and lay it flat.
- Draw an arc from the center point you marked to the side of the shirt. I recommend using a disappearing ink pen, but if you don't have one, you can simply cut off the marker line.
- Cut along the arc to create the dog shirt. Since t-shirt knit does not ravel, no hemming is necessary.
- Optional: Tie-dye or add a message to the back of the shirt.
Notes
Dye shirts so that the whole family can match.
