Valley Yarns Gambrel Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Gambrel Dog Sweater

What is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Gambrel is a fitted dog coat designed by Susan Baron, created to provide fashionable winter protection for canine companions. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a durable, colorful sweater that is easy-care and pill-proof, making it practical for active dogs. The garment is customizable across multiple size ranges, with finished measurements accommodating chest circumferences from 12 to 36 inches, back lengths from 6 to 30 inches, and neck circumferences from 8 to 20 inches.

Techniques Used

The Gambrel employs slip-stitch colorwork as its primary decorative technique, allowing knitters to create multi-colored patterns without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork. The garment is worked flat on circular needles, making it accessible for knitters who prefer flat construction methods. Two fastening options are provided: a button version featuring traditional buttonholes and buttons for secure closure, and a Velcro version offering an alternative fastening method. This design flexibility accommodates different preferences and ensures the sweater stays securely fastened during active wear.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Slip Stitch pattern, which repeats over 6 rows and incorporates knit and purl stitches to create textured colorwork. The pattern includes basic decreases such as knit 2 together (K2tog) for shaping. Foundational stitches include knit (K), purl (P), and slip stitches (Sl), which form the basis of the slip-stitch colorwork technique. This stitch selection keeps the project at an intermediate skill level while producing visually interesting results.

Materials and Yarn

The Gambrel is designed to be worked in Valley Yarns Haydenville Bulky, a yarn blend of 60% Superwash Merino and 40% Acrylic Microfiber. This fiber composition provides durability and easy care, essential qualities for a dog sweater that will withstand regular wear and washing. Yardage requirements vary by size, with main color (MC) ranging from 1 to 4 skeins (100g/109yds per skein), while contrast colors 1 and 2 (CC1 and CC2) require 1 to 3 skeins each depending on the finished back length.

Construction requires a US 9 (5.5mm) circular needle measuring 32 to 40 inches in length, allowing the flat-worked pieces to be accommodated comfortably. The recommended gauge is 14 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in the Slip Stitch pattern, which knitters should verify before beginning to ensure proper fit for their dog. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for finishing and either 1-inch buttons (2 to 5 depending on size) for the button closure version, or 3 to 15 inches of Velcro for the alternative fastening option.

Design Features

• Customizable sizing with six different chest circumference options ranging from 12 to 36 inches
• Slip-stitch colorwork pattern that is visually striking yet technically manageable for intermediate knitters
• Worked flat construction using circular needles, eliminating the need for double-pointed needles or in-the-round techniques
• Dual fastening options with button or Velcro closures for secure fit
• Made from superwash merino and acrylic microfiber blend for durability and easy care
• Intermediate skill level, making it accessible to knitters with foundational experience