Thank Dog We Made It

Sustainability in dogwear is shifting again — and it’s not about buzzwords anymore. It’s about craftsmanship, texture, and making things that last. In this episode, I talk about what 2026 really looks like for makers. From waxed canvas and natural fibers to small-batch production and the rise of reclaimed materials — this is where slow-made design meets practical dogwear. You’ll hear what I’ve lea...

In this episode, I walk through the top three mistakes people make when resizing or grading dog coat patterns—and how I go about fixing them so coats fit comfortably across sizes and breeds. Top 3 Mistakes1️⃣ Stretching a pattern evenly instead of resizing it proportionally at the key grading points2️⃣ Not understanding functional ease — what it is, why it matters, and how to remove and re-add it...

Puppies grow fast — here’s how to make a dog coat last longer with simple, grow-with-me adjustments. In this episode, I share practical, sustainable solutions for making dog coats that last longer through those puppy growth spurts. From Velcro and elastic to clever drawstrings and extension panels, I’ll walk you through how to adapt a simple pattern (like my free Cozy Coat) so your pup doesn’t out...

Dog coat not fitting right? In this episode of Thank Dog We Made It, I walk you through the four key measurements every dog coat needs — and answer real questions about what to do when the fit just doesn’t look right. Here’s what you’ll learn: The tools you actually need for measuring How to measure neck circumference, chest circumference, back length, and neck to withers Why the neck to withers p...

Thank Dog We Made It is a podcast for makers and dreamers—those who love dogs, love design, and want to create dog wear that reflects both their style and their pup’s personality. I’m Jill Bartlett, and I’m here to help you explore your creativity, one stitch at a time. Whether you're brand new to sewing or ready to design your own line of patterns, I’ll guide you through each stage—from simple ha...

In this episode, I’m sharing the struggles I had when I made my first dog coat—and how that led me to create the FREE Cozy Coat Pattern Pack. It’s a free bundle designed to make your first dog coat project way easier than mine was. We’ll talk about: Why I wanted to create a package that walks you through every step of making your first dog coat How to measure your dog so you get the fit exactly ri...

Got design ideas that show up at the worst time—and vanish just as fast? In this episode, we’ll talk about building your “idea vault,” how to capture creative sparks before they disappear, and why sketching (not sewing) might be the key to your confidence. Links + Resources: Find the full show notes here: thankdogwemadeit.com/shownotes/16 Grab the Hack Pack: thankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-pack Save,...

A great dog coat fits well—but what if it also feels right? In this episode, I'm exploring how to design pet wear that reflects your dog's personality, not just their measurements. Whether you're making for your own pup or designing for others, I'll share how simple tweaks can turn a basic pattern into something bold, expressive, and uniquely yours.👉 Grab your free Dog Coat Sketch Templates to st...

Can AI really design dog wear? In this episode, I share what happened when I asked Stitch (my AI assistant) to hack one of my patterns—and what went hilariously wrong. You'll learn what worked, what flopped, and why your creativity still matters most. Plus, how to use AI as a design partner, not a shortcut. Resources and Links: 🎁 Download the Dog Coat Sketch Templates + 4-Step Measuring Workbook...

Feeling like a fraud? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jill gets real about imposter syndrome—from not having a fashion degree to hesitating to share helpful content. She explores how empathy, not credentials, is the anchor that keeps her going—and why caring deeply might be your biggest strength as a designer. Resources and Links Creative People Guide A free guide to help you connect with your...

"Is that extra zipper worth it?" In this episode, Jill shares the real cost—time, materials, and frustration—of hacking your designs, using her Cottage Comforts coat as a case study. If you're modifying patterns or designing your own, this is your reminder to weigh your ideas against what they’ll truly take to make.🛠 Resources & Links “From Dog Wear Sketch to Sellable Pattern” episode Cozy Coa...

Not every pattern wants to be hacked—and sometimes, it’s the pattern itself that’s holding your creativity back. In this episode, Jill walks you through how to choose the right base pattern to modify, what to avoid (especially if you're just starting out), and how to make sure your next pattern hack actually works. She shares real-world examples of how she transformed her Cozy Coat base pattern in...

Ever wondered what comes after sewing your first dog coatWhether you're just starting or have been making dog wear for a while, there comes a moment when you think: Could I actually design something of my own? Not just tweak someone else’s pattern... but truly bring your own idea to life? In this episode, I walk through the journey many makers take—from hands-on sewing to exploring their own desig...

Feeling stuck in your dog wear business? Maybe it’s that sense you’re on the wrong path—or that you’re craving something different. In this episode, I share how I pivoted through four business models—from custom-fit coats to knitting patterns to a membership—before finally finding the niche that truly fit. If you're a maker, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you rethink “f...

In this episode, Jill shares the heartfelt story behind the Cottage Comforts coat – a design inspired by her late mother’s cozy red plaid jacket. From that first spark of inspiration to creating a pattern that others can sew, Jill walks through the entire process of bringing a dog wear design to life. Links & Resources: 📏 Download the Free Dog Coat Sketch Templates – Get started with your own...

If you’ve ever tweaked a dog wear pattern, imagined your own design, or thought, “Someone should totally make a pattern for this,”—this episode is for you. Jill shares how running a monthly pattern membership opened her eyes to the moment people shift from maker to designer—and how you might already be further along than you think. Links & Resources:🎓 Join the Patterns to Profits waitlist:⁠ht...

✨ Episode SummaryYou measure carefully, sew everything beautifully — and somehow, the coat still doesn’t fit right. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how basic measurements like neck, chest, and back length only tell half the story — and why adding a few extra steps to your measuring process can completely transform the fit, comfort, and adaptability of your design...

Ever finished sewing a dog coat and thought, “Next time, I’d make the belly band longer” or “I wish this had pockets”?That little voice? That’s your inner designer—and this episode is all about giving it a microphone. In this episode, I’m walking you through the idea of pattern hacking—what it means, how it helped me transition from maker to designer, and how you can start making bolder, more pers...

What do biker jackets, 1950s rebel films, and a ride down the California coast have to do with dog coat design? In this episode, I share the story behind one of my most popular creations—the Marley Davidson, a bold, stylish dog coat inspired by the grit and swagger of vintage motorcycle culture. You'll hear how a feeling from my past turned into a pattern that resonated with customers and how I la...

Ever had a dog coat that should have fit perfectly—only to find it rides up under the dog's front legs or hangs way past the tail? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most overlooked details in dog wear design: chest shape. I’ll walk you through the three most common chest types (Barrel, Deep, and Round), share personal stories from real-life fitting fails (and fixes!), a...

In this episode, I’m sharing the not-so-secret ingredient behind nearly every big leap I’ve made in my business: community. From weekly virtual calls with fellow creatives to local workshops and the amazing energy of my small group accountability circle—this episode is all about why surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference. I’ll take you behind the scenes of what help...

If you're planning to sell dog wear patterns this fall, it's time to get ahead—because successful designers aren’t waiting until September to start. In this episode of Thank Dog We Made It, I’m sharing why spring is the best time to start designing, testing, and preparing your dog wear patterns for the fall/winter 2025/26 season—and how to do it without the last-minute chaos. We’ll cover: Fall/Win...