Project introduction
This article is a pattern overview, not a full tutorial, for the Easy Dog Harness by Luvs2knit. The design is a step in style made for the designer’s shih tzus, with the dog placing its feet through the openings and the hook sitting on top of the back. For the full steps, see the Original designer’s pattern and instructions on the original blog post, which is the source for everything summarized here.
Luvs2knit explains that this was the first pattern she had written for a design she had made herself. Two dogs help show the fit story behind the written size. Angel, the white shih tzu, wore the first harness, which came out a bit larger. Babe, the multicolored shih tzu, wore the smaller harness, and that smaller version fit better, so it is the one presented in the written pattern.
The construction, in broad outline, begins with a starting chain and single crochet rows that form a flat base. The work then narrows to a short central section, extends again to rebuild width, and finishes with shaped strap sections worked on both sides. A tail is left for sewing on a metal ring, which completes the back closure area.
Pattern format and preparation
Preparation starts with gathering only the items named in the source, then reading the row format before you begin. The pattern is written in rows with turning chains, repeats, and decreases, using US single crochet terminology. No finished measurements, gauge, or stated skill level appear in the source, so check fit on your own dog as you work rather than relying on a size chart that is not provided.
- H crochet hook
- Red Heart Comfort, prod.no.e707d, 454g
- Worsted weight yarn, as named for the sample
- Metal ring, sewn on with the tail left at the end of the strap section
- Closure hooks, the designer used hooks taken from small Disney figure key chain toys
The source lists a short set of abbreviations to know before following the designer’s rows. Ch means chain stitch and Sc means single crochet, while rem means remain or remaining, Rep means repeat or repeats, rnd(s) means round or rounds, and cont means continue. Keeping that list nearby will help you follow the turning chain notes, picked up strap stitches, and decrease rows without pausing to decode each shortened term.
For sizing help, the source gives one specific note: you can adjust the size in the straps by repeating Row 26 and Row 29 two more times. That is the only adjustment guidance provided, so other changes are best tested carefully during a fitting. The original post also includes a Download Pdf option, giving readers another way to keep the designer’s written rows handy while they work.
