Have a small dog? This is the easiest {no sew} small dog snood {or infinity scarf} tutorial! 

Our Italian Greyhound, Rosie, has very little body fat and very short fur. Needless to say, she’s not a happy to be walking in a winter wonderland type girl (she’s so much like me). Even if it’s summer time, she’s burrowed under her blankets on the couch in the a/c. So you can imagine winter time = sweaters, pajamas, coats.

While I was doing some online shopping, I came across something called a “snood”.

Snood: (/snuːd/, rhymes with ‘food‘, not ‘wood‘) is historically a type of European female headgear, or in modern times a tubular neck scarf. In the most common form, the headgear resembles a close-fitting hood worn over the back of the head.

I’ve seen dog snoods for sale but my DIY-eye saw the opportunity for a super easy tutorial where I could choose the patterns and colors for a lot less than $12+ each and not have to wait for (or pay for) delivery.

Ready to make one? 

Small Dog Snood Tutorial

1. Shop your closet or thrift shop for a stretchy long-sleeved knit shirt or thermal shirt (this type works best as it won’t unravel or need hemmed).

2. Make sure the cuff area stretches enough to go over your dog’s head comfortably. It should be loose fitting but not so loose it’s hanging. Loose but snug. Got that? Italian Greyhounds have VERY small heads so this is perfect for Rosie. 

3. Then simply cut the sleeve off near the armpit area/where the shirt meets the shoulder. Cut your snood shorter if desired. 3/4 length sleeves work too! 

Ta-da! The easiest DIY no-sew dog snood ever! 

If using a sweater, you may have to hem the larger cut side of the sleeve to prevent un-raveling. 

I paid 1.50 for size large shirts from the thrift shop. That’s $3.00 for 4 snoods! Or FREE if you end up cutting up shirts from your own closet. Well, maybe minus the money you’ll need to replace your wardrobe if you go crazy. 

I snoodle her by putting her head through the larger part of the snood first (the side I cut), letting it naturally bunch around her neck/collar area. If it’s too bulky, remove and cut the sleeve shorter. The smaller cuff area rests closest to her ears and top of her head, the larger part of the sleeve sits at her shoulders. 

Rosie mostly wears them as infinity scarves over her collar but when it’s cold, I pull it up over her ears for her outdoor potty breaks. Awe, baby! Or is that granny? Too cute either way! 

And for those concerned about safety, Rosie only wears her snood under adult supervision.

Please supervise your snood-wearing pooch.

Note: Rosie is a 10 lb. senior dog with a tiny skull. If your dog is larger, try sewing a larger version using a stretchy fabric and by looking at the shape of a shirtsleeve and the size of your dog. You don’t have to be a professional seamstress, just a few simple stitches. Results may vary. 🙂 

Update: And just like that, that quick, one DIYShowOff reader has already raided her closet and a few minutes later, her sweet chihauhaus are cozy and warm! This is Phoebe & Sable. They love to snuggle. Aren’t they cute?! Thanks for sharing, Mary-Louise! xo 

Share your photos and show off your snoodled pups by emailing them to thediyshowoff at gmail dot com. 

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