Adding a snap channel
Some dogs are not okay with having their legs lifted into their clothes, so I worked on this hack to allow the belly band to snap open and closed! I love using plastic fasteners, they're also known as Kam Snaps. They're commonly used in baby onesies and you can usually buy them at any fabric/sewing/craft store. You will also need the fastening tool.
The concept for this hack can be modified for other options to like buttons, velcro or even a zip. But my personal preference is the snaps, I think they're super easy and discrete.
How to...
- Cut out all the pattern pieces as described in the instructions.
- Sew the shoulder seams as per instructions (step 4)
- Sew ONE side seam only, leaving the other side open
Then, follow these instructions:
1. Now you're going to cut 2 snap reinforcement panels. The reason for this is that you need extra width in the belly panel so your snaps don't cause the garment to lose any length in the chest. Your tank top should be made of stretch fabric, but for the snap panels you need to use non-stretch so ensure your snaps are safe and secure. I used white flannelette. It needs to be 5-6cm wide. My snaps are 20mm, so I prepared my snap panel 6cm. If you have smaller snaps you could do a thinner panel.
2. Take your first snap panel and fold it over itself, long ways. Pin to the open side seam on the main fabric and sew in place. Take your second snap panel and fold it over itself, pin to the matching side seam on the belly panel and sew in place. You may also choose to top stitch these panels so the inside seam sits flat and neat :)
3. Now your going to follow step 5 and 6 from the instructions for your NECK CUFF ONLY.
4. For the leg & body cuff you need to take the ends and fold them over themselves, sew on both ends. Now turn the strip right side out, so the tiny seam is inside the band.
5. Pin the respective bands all the way around then sew in place. You may also choose to top stitch these bands neatly down.
6. The last step is to add your plastic fasteners. If you haven't used them before, have a practice on a thick piece of scrap fabric. See below for how I laid out my snaps.
CONGRATULATIONS! Your snap hack is now complete :D