The Cozy Canine Cable Hoodie: A Knitted Dog Sweater with Aran Braids & Faux Fur Trim

Wrap your small dog in the ultimate luxury of hand-knitted cables and a plush faux fur hood. This sweater is designed for warmth, style, and a perfect fit for your furry best friend. The rich forest green yarn, combined with the intricate Aran braids and a contrasting cream faux fur trim, creates a piece that looks like it came straight from a high-end boutique—but you made it with love. Whether it's for a chilly morning walk or a cozy evening indoors, this hoodie will keep your pup both warm and fashionable.

This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic cables and shaping, but with clear instructions, even an ambitious beginner can tackle this project. The result is a stunning, functional garment that your dog will adore (and you'll be proud to show off).

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather all your materials. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Yarn

• Main Color (MC): Worsted weight yarn in a rich forest green. You'll need approximately 250–300 yards.
• Contrast Color (CC): A contrasting cream yarn for the hood trim. Approximately 50 yards.
• Faux Fur Yarn (Optional): For the hood edge, you can use a fluffy faux fur yarn or a mohair blend for extra plushness. If you prefer, you can use the CC yarn instead.

Needles & Notions

• US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles: For the body and sleeves.
• US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles: For the ribbing.
• Cable needle: Essential for creating the Aran braids.
• Tapestry needle: For seaming and weaving in ends.
• Stitch markers (optional): To help keep track of pattern repeats.

Gauge

• Stockinette stitch (on larger needles): 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches.
• K2, P2 ribbing (on smaller needles, unstretched): 22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches.

Note: Always check your gauge before starting to ensure the sweater fits your dog correctly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is written for sizes XS (S, M) to fit chest measurements of 12 (14, 16) inches and back lengths of 10 (12, 14) inches. To adjust the size, add or subtract stitches in multiples of 8 for the cable pattern.

Abbreviations

• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
• P2tog: Purl two stitches together (decrease)
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to back, K2, then K2 from cable needle
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold to front, K2, then K2 from cable needle
• M1: Make one (increase)

Cable Pattern (Worked over 8 stitches)

This is the signature Aran braid that runs down the back of the sweater. Repeat these 4 rows to create the cable.

• Row 1 (RS): P2, C4B, P2
• Row 2 (WS): K2, P4, K2
• Row 3: P2, K4, P2
• Row 4: K2, P4, K2

Repeat rows 1–4 for the cable pattern.

Body (Worked in One Piece from Neck to Tail)

The body is knitted in a single piece, starting at the neck and working down to the tail. This eliminates bulky seams and creates a smooth, comfortable fit.

Step 1: Ribbing
With smaller needles and MC, cast on 48 (56, 64) stitches. Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 2 inches. This will form the neck opening.

Step 2: Switch to Stockinette
Switch to larger needles. Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 1 inch. On the last row, increase 8 stitches evenly across. You should now have 56 (64, 72) stitches.

Step 3: Begin Cable Pattern
Now you'll introduce the cables. Set up the pattern as follows:

• Row 1 (RS): K2 (edge), work cable pattern over 8 stitches, K4 (6, 8), work cable pattern over 8 stitches, K4 (6, 8), work cable pattern over 8 stitches, K4 (6, 8), work cable pattern over 8 stitches, K2 (edge).

You will have 4 cables across the back. Continue in this pattern, keeping the edge stitches in stockinette, until the piece measures 4 (5, 6) inches from the cast-on edge.

Step 4: Shape the Belly (Increase Section)
To accommodate your dog's chest, you'll increase stitches at the edges.

• Next RS row: K1, M1, work in pattern to last stitch, M1, K1.
• Repeat this increase row every 4th row 3 (4, 5) times total.

You should now have 62 (72, 82) stitches. Continue in pattern until the piece measures 7 (9, 11) inches from the cast-on edge.

Step 5: Shape Leg Openings
This step creates the holes for your dog's front legs.

• Next RS row: Work in pattern across the first 14 (16, 18) stitches (belly side), bind off the next 8 (10, 12) stitches for the first leg opening, work in pattern across the next 28 (32, 36) stitches (back), bind off the next 8 (10, 12) stitches for the second leg opening, work in pattern across the last 14 (16, 18) stitches (belly side).

You will now have three separate sections: left belly, back, and right belly.

Step 6: Work Sections Separately
Work each section separately for 1.5 (2, 2.5) inches, ending on a WS row. This gives the leg openings their depth.

Step 7: Rejoin Sections
Rejoin all stitches onto one needle by casting on 8 (10, 12) stitches over each leg opening (between the sections). You will have 62 (72, 82) stitches again. Continue in pattern until the piece measures 10 (12, 14) inches from the cast-on edge.

Step 8: Shape the Back End (Decrease)
To taper the sweater towards the tail, you'll decrease stitches.

• Next RS row: K1, K2tog, work in pattern to last 3 stitches, K2tog, K1.
• Repeat this decrease row every 4th row 3 (4, 5) times total.

You should now have 54 (62, 70) stitches. Work even for 1 inch. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Sleeves (Make 2)

The sleeves are worked directly from the leg openings, creating a seamless finish.

• With smaller needles and MC, pick up and knit 24 (28, 32) stitches around the leg opening.
• Work in k2, p2 ribbing for 1.5 inches.
• Bind off in ribbing.

Hood

The hood adds both warmth and that luxurious, cozy look.

• With larger needles and MC, pick up and knit 40 (48, 56) stitches along the neck edge.
• Work in stockinette stitch for 4 (5, 6) inches, increasing 1 stitch at each end of every 4th row to shape the hood. You should have 48 (56, 64) stitches.
• Bind off loosely.
• Fold the hood in half and sew the top seam to form a hood shape.

Faux Fur Trim

This is the finishing touch that makes the sweater truly special.

• With faux fur yarn (or CC), pick up and knit stitches along the front edge of the hood.
• Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 3 rows.
• Bind off loosely.

Alternative: If you prefer, you can crochet a simple single crochet border with the faux fur yarn instead of knitting it.

Finishing

Now it's time to bring everything together.

• Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle.
• Sew the belly seam from the leg openings to the bottom edge.
• Block lightly to even out the stitches and set the cables.
• Attach a button or snap at the chest if desired for easy on/off.

And there you have it—a stunning, handcrafted cable hoodie that your small dog will wear with pride. The combination of the rich green yarn, intricate Aran braids, and plush faux fur trim makes this sweater a true statement piece. Not only will your pup stay warm and cozy, but they'll also be the most stylish dog in the neighborhood.

Happy knitting, and enjoy every moment of creating something beautiful for your furry best friend!