The Darling Darby pattern is a dependable “to go to” for all canines but particularly the smaller breeds sight hounds who NEED a coat. I first used the pattern for my granddog Zizou who is an Italian greyhound. I knit him a close fitting ‘sleeve“ which camouflaged with his coloring. This time I wanted a slightly slouchier fit. The yarn I used lent to this task. The Queensland Collection yarn has milk protein and silk which makes a soft yet sturdy drape.

I added some custom features such as an extra long neck gator, (in seed stitch), so it could be worn doubled over for a hefty look or extended out to cover the ears. Zizou does not like to be caught in the wind tunnels created between buildings where he lives in Portland, Maine.

It really didn’t take 8 months to make, but you knitters know if you are knitting multiple projects and live a complicated life, the length of time it takes is not really relevant.

I made key holes in the neck gator for his leash. I also stylized the legs and keyholes with a single crochet edging in contrasting red yarn.

Based on my first coat experience, I wanted to make the back longer to cover his rear end and flanks. I did so by knitting back and forth across the back, only decreasing as needed (instead of decreasing until 10-12 stitches remained). The only problem I encountered was I knit the under chest measurement too long. So, I ended up turning the border over and sewing it with red yarn for some accent and style.