Willowmere Turtleneck Dog Sweater: A Cozy Cable & Seed Stitch Knitting Pattern

There's something deeply satisfying about wrapping your furry best friend in a sweater you've knitted with your own two hands. The Willowmere Turtleneck Dog Sweater is more than just a garment—it's a labor of love that combines the timeless elegance of a cable panel with the charming texture of seed stitch. Whether you're braving a frosty morning walk or simply want your pup to look absolutely adorable by the fireplace, this pattern delivers both warmth and style.

This free knitting pattern is designed to be accessible for confident beginners while still offering a rewarding challenge. The rich forest green body, accented with a cream turtleneck and leg cuffs, creates a sophisticated look that will have everyone asking where you bought it. The fold-down turtleneck provides extra insulation for those chilly days, and the form-fitting shape ensures your dog can move freely and comfortably.

Let's dive into this delightful project and create something truly special for your four-legged companion.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

Yarn

• Worsted weight yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Wool-Ease) in Forest Green (MC) – approximately 250g
• Worsted weight yarn in Cream (CC) – approximately 50g

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5mm) straight knitting needles
• US 7 (4.5mm) circular needle (16-inch) for the turtleneck
• Stitch markers (at least 4)
• Cable needle
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge for the best fit.

Sizes & Abbreviations

Sizes

This pattern is written for Small (Medium, Large) sizes, fitting chest measurements of 14 (18, 22) inches. Choose the size that best matches your dog's measurements.

Abbreviations

• K = knit
• P = purl
• K2tog = knit two together (decrease)
• P2tog = purl two together (decrease)
• C4F = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B = slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• M1 = make one (increase)
• St st = stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side)

Pattern Stitches

Seed Stitch (multiple of 2 stitches)

• Row 1: *K1, P1* repeat to end of row.
• Row 2: *P1, K1* repeat to end of row.
• Repeat Rows 1-2 for pattern.

Cable Panel (over 12 stitches)

• Row 1 (RS): P2, C4F, K4, C4B, P2
• Row 2 and all WS rows: Purl all stitches
• Row 3: P2, K12, P2
• Row 5: P2, C4B, K4, C4F, P2
• Row 7: P2, K12, P2
• Row 8: Repeat Row 2
• Repeat Rows 1-8 for pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Worked in One Piece from Neck to Tail)

Step 1: Cast On & Join
With Main Color (MC) yarn, cast on 48 (60, 72) stitches. Join in the round, being extremely careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Step 2: Ribbed Neck
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 2 inches. This creates a snug, stretchy neckband that will keep the sweater securely in place.

Step 3: Seed Stitch Transition
After the ribbing, work in seed stitch for 1 inch. This adds a lovely textural transition before the turtleneck section.

Step 4: Turtleneck Fold
Continue in seed stitch for another 3 inches. This extended section will be folded down later to create the cozy turtleneck. The cream-colored interior will peek out when folded, adding a beautiful contrast.

Step 5: Body Shaping (Increases)
Now we'll shape the body to accommodate your dog's chest:

• Round 1: *K6, M1* repeat to end – 56 (70, 84) stitches
• Round 2: Knit all stitches
• Round 3: *K7, M1* repeat to end – 64 (80, 96) stitches
• Round 4: Knit all stitches
• Round 5: *K8, M1* repeat to end – 72 (90, 108) stitches
• Round 6: Knit all stitches

Step 6: Set Up Pattern Stitches
Now we'll establish the beautiful cable and seed stitch pattern:

• Work in seed stitch over the first 24 (30, 36) stitches
• Place a marker
• Work the Cable Panel over the next 12 stitches
• Place a marker
• Work in seed stitch over the remaining 36 (48, 60) stitches

Continue in this established pattern until the piece measures 6 (8, 10) inches from the cast-on edge.

Step 7: Leg Openings
This is where we create openings for your dog's front legs:

• Next Round: Work in pattern over the first 12 (15, 18) stitches, bind off the next 8 (10, 12) stitches for the first leg opening, work in pattern over the next 32 (40, 48) stitches, bind off the next 8 (10, 12) stitches for the second leg opening, work in pattern over the remaining 12 (15, 18) stitches.
• Next Round: Work in pattern, casting on 8 (10, 12) stitches over each bound-off section to close the leg openings. This creates a seamless tube again.

Continue in pattern until the piece measures 10 (13, 16) inches from the cast-on edge.

Step 8: Belly Decreases
Now we'll taper the sweater toward the tail for a comfortable, form-fitting shape:

• Round 1: Work in pattern, K2tog at each side of the belly (center of the seed stitch section) – this decreases 2 stitches total.
• Round 2: Work even (no decreases).
• Repeat these 2 rounds until 40 (50, 60) stitches remain.

Step 9: Tail End
Work in seed stitch for 1 inch. Bind off loosely in pattern. This relaxed bind-off ensures the tail end isn't too tight and allows for comfortable movement.

Finishing Touches

Step 10: Fold the Turtleneck
Fold the turtleneck section down to the outside of the sweater. The cream-colored interior will now be visible, creating a beautiful contrast against the forest green body.

Step 11: Leg Cuffs
With the Cream (CC) yarn, pick up and knit 8 (10, 12) stitches around each leg opening. Work in K1, P1 ribbing for 1 inch. Bind off in ribbing. This creates neat, stretchy cuffs that will keep the leg openings snug without being restrictive.

Step 12: Weave in Ends
Using your tapestry needle, carefully weave in all loose ends on the inside of the sweater. Take your time with this step—it makes a huge difference in the finished look and durability of your garment.

Step 13: Blocking
Gently block the sweater to shape. Lay it flat on a towel, gently pat it into the correct dimensions, and allow it to dry completely. This helps even out the stitches and gives the sweater a professional finish.

Tips for Success

• Measure your dog first: Take accurate chest and length measurements before choosing your size. A well-fitted sweater is much more comfortable for your pup.
• Use stitch markers liberally: They'll help you keep track of the cable panel placement and decrease sections.
• Check your gauge: Knitting a gauge swatch before starting will save you from disappointment later. It's worth the extra 15 minutes!
• Take breaks: The cable pattern requires focus, so don't rush. Enjoy the meditative rhythm of the knitting.

Once you've completed the Willowmere Turtleneck Dog Sweater, you'll have a beautiful, heirloom-quality garment that your furry friend will love. The combination of the rich cable panel and the soft seed stitch creates a texture that's both visually stunning and incredibly cozy. Your dog will be the most stylish pup on the block, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you created something truly special with your own hands.

Happy knitting, and give your pup an extra treat from us!