DIY Network

Leg Warmers Cold legs are a thing of the past when your dog steps out in these warm, waterproof leggings. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-129

Susan Beal starts off with oilcloth doggie leg warmers that have a simple elastic casing at the top and bottom and are perfect for walks in the rain.

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	Leg Warmers
	Figure A
	Figure B

Note: Sewing oilcloth or vinyl is much easier if you use a heavy-duty leather needle. Also try placing the oilcloth on a thin piece of plastic grocery bag so it slides smoothly over the feed dogs on the sewing machine (figure A).

Materials (figure B):

measuring tape
1/4-1/2 yd. oilcloth (depending on the size of your dog)
scissors
1 yd. 3/8" elastic
small safety pin or elastic guide
sewing machine

1. Measure the approximate circumference of each of your dog's legs and figure out how long a legwarmer ending above his foot should be. Add about 2" to each measurement to create a pattern. The extra fabric will account for the elastic casings at the top and bottom of each legwarmer and the seam that joins it vertically. (In other words, if your dog's leg is about 5" around and 3" long, cut a piece of oilcloth that is 7" wide and 5" long.)

2. Fold and pin down the top and bottom edges (long sides) to create a casing about 1" wide (figure C).

3. Sew along the edge of each casing, using a medium-length straight stitch. If you are using plastic underneath the oilcloth, just rip it away after you've sewn it (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

4. Guide a piece of elastic through each casing. Make sure you leave extra elastic extending out on each side (figure E). Cut it and secure it in place with pins.

5. Fold the legwarmer in half, right sides together, so that the top and bottom elastics meet up. Tug the elastic pieces so they are slightly gathered. Pin the seam together along the open edge (figure F) and sew it up, backstitching at the top and bottom.

Figure E

Figure F

6. Trim the extra material and elastic ends and turn it right side out.

7. Try the legwarmer on your dog's leg, making sure it fits comfortably and is not too tight.

8. Repeat to make more legwarmers (dogs look very stylish with all four legs, or even just two, accessorized).

GUESTS :

Susan Beal
Website: www.pdxsupercrafty.com