There’s nothing in this world that we love more than our golden retriever, but boy does he bring a whole new meaning to the term “chaos on walks.”
Fido is pulling, you’re stumbling, and that plain nylon harness looks like something from a warehouse shelf. And there’s a better way to keep Fido close to your side when on leash. I remember clipping my cousin’s black lab into one of those stiff, plastic buckle harnesses and thinking there’s got to be a cuter way to do this.
There is.
A crocheted dog harness is soft on your pup’s fur, custom-fitted to his body, and honestly looks like something straight off Pinterest. My aunt crocheted one for her corgi last spring and people started stopping her on the trail to ask about it.
These 10 cute and stylish options are just right for you to capture on camera and wear during your wildest daily walk.
#1: This Crochet Dog Harness Is the Cutest Thing I’ve Ever Seen on a Pup
I have to admit, there have been many times when I’ve opened the front door to let Golden out for her walk, and she’s standing there wiggling her tail, ready to go. And I’m still scrambling to find her leash and collar. This harness has changed all that.
This crochet harness is worked in a multicolor cotton yarn. Soft peach, dusty rose, sage green, and warm yellow are all blended together into that faded boho palette that you have been pinning. The floral granny square is placed at the chest with a tiny rhinestone button center to catch the light. The back panel is the same floral granny square so it is cute from every angle, which will come in handy when your pup is strutting ahead of you on the trail.
You will need size 4 worsted weight cotton yarn in a variegated colorway (like Lion Brand Mandala or Caron Cakes) a 4.0mm crochet hook, a swivel metal D-ring (for the leash attachment) and one small flat back rhinestone.
Please make sure to measure your dog’s chest before starting this pattern, as this style of harness runs a bit fitted, and adding one extra round to the connecting strap will make it just the right snug fit for your dog.
Cotton keeps it breathable and washable, so muddy post-walk disasters don’t ruin the whole thing.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @atyourwittsend
#2: Hot Pink Crochet Dog Harness That’s Almost Too Cute to Put on Your Pup
I know what you’re saying. You have a golden and just when you’re trying to get her into her harness, she starts wiggling around like she just had three cups of coffee. Somehow the clips and straps get twisted and you end up more tangled than she does.
I just about died when I saw this hot pink crochet harness! It’s made from what appears to be a medium-weight cotton-blend yarn in a bold magenta-pink, crocheted into a step-in harness style with a central D-ring in brushed silver for the leash. And the best part is, the whole harness lays flat on the ground before your dog steps in, so there’s no more fussing over their head!
The front panel is constructed with a solid single or half double crochet stitch. This provides structure without bulk. The straps branch into a Y shaped back piece which helps disperse the pressure to the chest and not the throat. This feature is the most important because when dogs walk, they do not have to pull as hard against the pressure and have a easier time breathing.
What you’ll need: * size 4 worsted weight cotton yarn (cotton yarn will hold its shape better than acrylic yarn) * 5mm crochet hook * 20mm silver D-ring from any craft store (cotton yarn will not stretch out mid-walk)
Add at least 3 extra rows of slip stitches to reinforce the attachment of the D-ring, which takes the most stress.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @crochetwoman.leslie
#3: The Cutest Red Crochet Harness That Actually Stays Put (And Looks Adorable Doing It)
Now, let’s be honest, have you ever tried to get your pup ready for a walk and the harness was either too loose, too stiff or maybe it was just ugly? Well, this little red crochet harness did a 180 in my opinion.
This tiny Chihuahua is wearing a cool looking hand-crocheted red vest-style harness. This harness has a snug fit around the chest and hooks onto a bright red nylon leash with a silver clip. The material used is a chunky and cozy type that shows the individual crochet stitches. Someone put a lot of time and effort into this!
The harness is worked in 100% acrylic yarn (probably a worsted weight size 4). It is machine washable, which is great when your dog is determined to roll in whatever mystery thing is living in your backyard. The vest shape of the harness puts pressure over the chest rather than around the neck, so your dog is less likely to choke mid-sniff. It fits better, so my dog isn’t as likely to try to escape while we’re walking.
For the DIY side: I got a US size 5mm crochet hook, about 50 yards of red acrylic yarn, and a D-ring to attach the leash clip. The secret is measuring your dog’s chest before you start – most patterns size the dog by chest girth in inches, not by weight.
FYI: Slip the d-ring between the stitches on the back panel of the shirt while you’re still crocheting (before you sew it up) so that it stays more secure.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @huggybunnycrochet
#4: The Crochet Dog Harness That’s Actually a Little Work of Art
You know that moment when you’re trying to get your golden into her harness and she’s wiggling like crazy and the plastic buckle snaps again and you’re just standing there in the entryway with a piece of broken plastic wondering why dog gear has to be so ugly AND so flimsy?
This one is different.
This adorable white crocheted step-in dog harness is made of a soft chunky cotton blend yarn that won’t irritate your pet’s skin when worn under the chest and belly. The overall look is a classic single crochet body panel with open-stitch strap arms allowing your pet to breath. And the little pink ribbon accent on the metal D-ring adds a cute touch.
When you put it on your dog, the harness wraps around the chest with two wide strap loops. The dog steps through both loops, you fasten them behind, and you are done. There is no wrestling over the dog’s head. The silver D-ring is positioned right at the shoulder blade so the pull on the leash is distributed over the chest, not the neck.
Worth it because: hand-crocheted cotton breaths better than nylon. We don’t get chafing when we walk a long way. And it holds its shape wash after wash!
If you have a dog that is more on the furry side, you might want to go up a yarn weight. The size 4 worsted cotton would be a little bit more structured, but still gentle on the fur.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @craftygal1965
#5: The Mint Green Crochet Harness That’s Actually Cute Enough to Frame
If you clip your golden’s harness and she’s wiggle so much it takes five minutes, this will help. It’s one of my favorite new finds.
This mint green crochet harness is worked in a double crochet shell stitch with what appears to be a medium-weight (size 4) acrylic-cotton blend yarn. I love that sage-green colorway. The body panel sits wide and flat across the chest, and the adjustable strap with a looped metal ring closure wraps around the belly for a snug fit.
What you’ll need to create this look is 150 to 200 yards of size 4 worsted weight yarn in a heathered mint shade and a 5.0mm crochet hook. The body panel is crocheted flat in rows using a textured shell or cluster stitch. The textured effect provides a surface with bumps rather than a hard, single point of pressure for your pup’s chest.
The belly strap is crocheted as a long, narrow strip separately, then attached to the body panel and finished off with two small metal O-rings for attaching the leash. Note: the length of the belly strap should match your dog’s girth measurement, so measure your dog twice before beginning that section.
By the way, the O-ring closure means no plastic buckles to break, and it’s easy to hold and wash. Plus, the O-ring stays soft against fur.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @carolscrochetedcreations
#6: The Blush & Silver Ruffle Crochet Harness That Makes Every Walk Look Like a Photoshoot
Even if your furry best friend doesn’t care what she’s wearing on your afternoon walk, you do. And that’s enough reason.
This little poodle is wearing a two-tone crochet harness in blush pink and silver-blue, and she’s giving you full vintage tea party vibes. The ruffle hem trim fans out just like a little girl’s ballgown skirt, and there’s a matching bow clip tucked behind her ear. It’s the kind of detail that will have people on the street stop and ask you where you bought your dog’s sweater.
To get the look, you will need size 2 fingering weight cotton yarn in blush and slate blue. I chose cotton because it holds the ruffles better than acrylic. The body of the harness is worked in a basic slip-stitch mesh pattern, and the ruffle is worked separately in shell stitch clusters and attached along the bottom edge. The bow is just a folded rectangle cinched at the center.
Good news: You can easily size this up for a larger dog by simply adding some chains at the beginning and adding extra rows before the ruffle section. The shell stitch in this pattern is scalable.
When you are finished with the harness, put a damp cloth on it, and put it on your dog. The lace will then look like it is supposed to do that, not just bunched up.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @its4bpudelg
#7: The Sunflower Crochet Harness That Makes Every Park Walk Feel Like a Pinterest Photoshoot
Not sure what to say? Here’s a hint: it’s the golden of dog harnesses. And for good reason. Everyone who sees it will want to know where you got it.
This harness is worked in off-white cotton yarn with hand-crocheted sunflower appliqués in golden yellow and warm brown centers. The whole harness has a dreamy, bohemian cottage feeling. It’s just what I imagine the little girl in my Pinterest board would wear! I also love the little pink rhinestone paw tag hanging off the front.
Quilted in a unique granny square style flat panel that lays across the chest, then fastened with the adjustable soft fabric straps on each side. The flat panel has braided white rope leash that is made of the same yarn texture, making it look like a well thought out choice. Add a sparkle ID charm in the color of pink or rose gold that clip onto the front ring.
Real talk: cotton yarn way better than nylon webbing because it breathes and your dog stays cooler especially on those long afternoon walks during the heat of summer.
Wash in cold water with gentle soap, reshape flat and lay flat to dry. So cute! Would make a great gift for a dog mom friend! You can find similar styles here: 12 Best Dog Gift Ideas: Top Picks for Every Pooch.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @the_gardnergirls
#8: The Boho Floral Crochet Harness That Makes Every Walk Look Like a Pinterest Post
She practically shakes with excitement the second you grab the leash to take her out for a walk, and you want her to look as good as she feels. You don’t want her wearing some ugly nylon strap from the pet store bargain bin.
This harness is something else entirely.
With a hand-stitched ensemble of orange, red and pink blooms hand-stitched against a dark base, this purple-trimmed floral crochet vest definitely has that boho-meets-autumn-garden feel to it, so if you’re more of a Pinterest girl than an Autumn, you know you should be adding this to your collection. The burgundy grosgrain bow sits right on the chest to give this outfit a little structure, and looks great in natural light, which is of the upmost importance to me.
I’m happy to report that this harness uses a soft crochet cotton blend that lays flat against my chest so it won’t bunch up or chafe against my skin. Because other harnesses I tried before this one are so stiff, they would start to rub under my front legs after twenty minutes of walking. I also like the fact that the inside fabric has no rough edges at the trim, this harness has a smooth ribbed purple border that doesn’t rub against my delicate skin.
I love her brand badge on her chest, it says Oh Pawlease UK.. Also known for her hand crafted statement harnesses. Sizes are typically XS through M, so please measure your dog’s chest girth before ordering.
Pair it with your dog’s collar for a fun, way to keep it going while shopping.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @ohpawleaseuk
#9: The Boho Rainbow Harness That Makes Every Walk Look Like a Pinterest Post
Your golden probably insists on greeting every stranger that comes into the park, so why not make her the best-dressed dog in town?
This harness is giving full boho-festival vibe. It’s crocheted in a multicolor variegated yarn in coral, sage green, golden yellow and dusty blue. The harness comes with a small coral satin bow in the middle of the chest. The bow adds a little touch of fashion to the look.
To make this harness you will need some variegated cotton yarn (you can use acrylic but it won’t be as comfortable against your rabbit’s fur). I used the technique of crocheting a granny square into a band that is wide enough to go around your rabbit’s chest and neck. Then you simply sew the plastic side-release buckles to the band – the black buckle in the picture below is a ¾ inch clip.
I like that the bow is separate. Sew it onto a small crocheted base and you can swap bows depending on what vibe you’re feeling.
The best part: It’s cotton so this harness is machine washable on a gentle cycle! Doggie can stay cool and dry and it wont get thrown away after one muddy trail walk.
Cut the yarn ends tight and weave them deep into the stitches. Ends that are not cut or woven deep into the stitches catch on fur.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @madewithlove_jamm
#10: The Crochet Dog Harness That Looks Like It Came Straight Off Pinterest
You know what it feels like when your golden is about to run into the neighbors yard and your pulling on the leash and it is digging into your hand and you are thinking there has to be a better way. This is the better way.
Harness is giving full cottage-garden energy!! Cream cotton base with pink bobble stitch trim and olive green edging that will make it look like something you’d frame on your wall! Not only is it pretty, but the H-shaped flat layout means the harness sits across the dog’s chest and back without pressing on her throat, which is important for our sensitive doggies.
Marie Claire The key pieces are: 100% cotton yarn in cream, magenta, and sage green, wooden toggle buttons for adjustability on side panels, and a swivel clip D-ring attached to a braided cotton leash at the center back where a crocheted, two-tone olive and cream cord attaches the leash to the outfit.
One of the things I wanted to get with this harness was bobble stitches, they’re not just decorative either! They add a grip texture to the edge of the harness, which stops it shifting around on your dog mid walk!
Button the side panels more loosely in summer to allow air to circulate through the open mesh crochet panel at the back, keeping your girl cool and the harness in place.
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @unge.mutia
The Yarn Twist Secret That Makes or Breaks a Crochet Harness
Most crochet harness tutorials do not tell you the most important information when crocheting the harness: the direction in which the yarn is twisted. Today we are going to talk about this.
When you crochet a harness, the straps will be under pressure as your golden pulls on the walk. (And we both know she does, doesn’t she?) So, harnesses made with single-twist cotton can slowly loosen and distort under the tension. Use plied cotton yarn (also called 3-ply or 4-ply) because the multiple twist layers lock together.
Remember that when you size up a chest girth, you should also remember to add for the depth of the chest (the measurement from the top of the spine to the sternum). Since Goldens tend to have a deep chest, a harness that fits the chest girth may still pinch or gap oddly.
Every time I finish a harness before I do anything I slide two fingers flat under every strap except the chest band. If I can’t slide them easily I frog back a row and adjust.
But if you have a girl with a bit of skin irritation from rubbing, coconut oil for dogs can actually help soothe the spots while you resize her.
Your Golden Deserves a Clean Home Too
I know you’ve put a lot of love into your space. Whether it’s the throw pillows, or cozy rugs, don’t let muddy paws undo all that hard work.
Pick one product from the list below and just try it this week. I know it seems silly but even trying the drying mitt really changed things for me.
Your golden’s not going anywhere (and neither is the mess!), so it might as well be a situation where you can have the right tools making your life easier. The right gear means less cleanup and more time cuddling the couch.
So which one are you going to take first? and does your girl have a name yet ? :p [IMAGE] https://query.gigaimage.com/image.php?image=http://adf.ly/1eSKxm
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
