Alexander Max - Outrageously adorable dog knits: 25 must-have styles for the pampered pooch

The biggest appreciation goes to all the lovely dog models and their equally lovely owners for their involvement in this project. So huge gratitude to the Davies-Stockley family (and Tilly), Kirsten Rose (and Poppy), Noelle Woosley (and Percy), Hannah Cohen (and Ruby), the Cooper-Firth family (and Jade), Jo Brignall (and Casper), Chi-Bun Cheng (and Elmo), Mario Crisan (and Coco and Carla), Ivy, and Adam Grieve (Schnitzel and Harry Potter). Very many thanks to the incredible knitters, who were able to bring to life some downright bizarre requests for doggie knitwear and make them look fabulous. Thank you to everyone who allowed their homes to be turned into doggie studios for the day, including the Davies-Stockley family and three Doyle households. Sorry for all the dog hair. Thanks to the HarperCollins Rights team for boundless enthusiasm for this project.

Much appreciation goes to Jacqui Caulton for her beautiful design and to Claire Davies for her hilarious and stunning images and work as co-dog wrangler. Thanks to White Stuff, Northcote Road, for the loan of their vintage suitcase to fill with dogs. Finally, credit goes to Jeannine Dillon for sharing a subjectively good sense of humor.

Inspired by antique Victorian lace bonnets, this beautiful example of hand-knit finery will look darling on furry friends with larger heads (and calmer dispositions). Knit in pure white for an authentic look or choose a bright color or stripes for a wild take on a classic patternor go all out with a super-sized rose corsage (see )! Materials Size 6 (4mm) knitting needles Double knit yarn Darning needle This was knitted for a dog with a bulldog-shaped-head. The bonnet is worked in one piece from the ties at the back through to the front picot edging.

You could embellish it with flowers, beads, buttons, or lace. To adapt it for a smaller dog, use size 2 (2.75mm) knitting needles and 4-ply yarn, or to make it larger, try chunky yarn with size 9 (5.5mm) needles. Directions Cast on 130 sts Knit first 2 rows On next 2 rows, cast off 50 sts and knit to end Knit 1 row Purl 1 row Continue in stockinette stitch for 21 rows With the right side facing, cast on 24 sts and knit to end of row With the wrong side facing, cast on 24 sts and purl to end of row Continue in stockinette stitch for 16 rows Knit 2 rows Purl 1 row K1, * yo (yarn over), k2tog, repeat from * to last stitch, k1 Purl 1 row Knit 1 row Purl 1 row Cast off knit-wise Fold under picot edging and sew to underside of bonnet. Sew side seams. Sew bottom side edges to ties, stretching the ties as you sew. Weave in all loose ends

This delightful rose is the ideal embellishment for almost every item of knitwear and can be created in any color or texture of your choosing.

Spruce up an everyday roll-neck sweater or accessorize an adorable vintage bonnet with this fetching final touch. Materials Size 6 (4mm) knitting needles Double knit yarn in green (or chosen color) Double knit yarn in pink (or chosen color) Darning needle Directions To make leaves (x2) Using green yarn, cast on 3 sts Knit 1 row Purl 1 row K1, m1, k1 Purl 1 row K1, m2, k1 Purl 1 row K1, m1, k2, m1, k1 Purl 1 row K1, m1, k4, m1, k1 Work 3 rows in stockinette stitch K1, k2tog, k4, k2tog, k1 Work 3 rows in stockinette stitch K1, k2tog, k2, k2tog, k1 Work 3 rows in stockinette stitch K1, k2tog, k2tog, k1 P2tog twice K2tog, pull yarn through and cut To make rose With pink yarn, cast on 8 sts Knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 10 in. (25.5cm) (For a larger rose, keep knitting until youve reached desired size) Cast off and weave in any loose ends Roll up and sew onto leaves (Note: Ensure that such embellishments are tightly stitched onto knitwear and that chew-prone puppies in particular are supervised when wearing them, as they may present a choking hazard.)

Who can resist such an adorable little Christmas elf... even when she has just knocked over the tree, yanked down the tinsel, and eaten all the presents? Materials Size 6 (4mm) knitting needles Double knit yarn in green (or chosen color) Double knit yarn in rust (or chosen color) Darning needle Directions To make hat (x2) Using green yarn, cast on 30 sts Work in seed stitch for 2 rows **K2tog, work to last 3 sts, p2tog Work 1 row** Repeat from ** to ** until 4 sts remain K2tog, k2tog Turn work, k2tog, cut yarn and pull it through Having made two, put both triangles alongside each other and sew along the two top edges to create a pointed hat, then turn the right way out Fold in the two pointed edges at bottom of hat and sew them in place along side seam so the bottom edge of the hat is straight To make trim (x2) Using rust yarn, cast on 30 sts Work 3 rows in stockinette stitch, starting and ending with a purl row On next knit row, **k2tog, k6, k2tog, turn work Purl back over these 8 sts Turn, k2tog, k4, k2tog Purl back over these 6 sts Turn, k2tog, k2, k2tog Purl back over these 4 sts Turn, k2tog twice P2tog, cut yarn and pull it through** Returning to remaining 20 sts, repeat from **to** to make three pointed shapes To make neck band Using green yarn, cast on 3 sts Working in garter stitch, work until piece measures 7 in. (18cm) Its a good idea to measure under your dogs chin for a more bespoke measurement. Remember: the neck band will stretch Cast off stitches and weave in any ends Using rust yarn, sew the two trims to the bottom edges of the hat Using green yarn, sew on the neck band Oh l l! Perfectly adaptable and simply magnifique on dogs of all sizes, this beret can be worn at a jaunty angle for Paris chic or as a flat cap for that lovable roguish je ne sais quoi. (10cm) between her ears. (10cm) between her ears.

However, it fits all sizes from pugs to bull mastiffs. Directions Cast on 60 sts Work first 5 rows in garter stitch (knit each row) to make brim Increase: k10, *m1 (knit into front and back of same stitch), m1, k1, repeat from * 12 times, then knit last 14 sts **Purl 1 row Knit 1 row** Repeat from ** to ** twice Purl 1 row Decrease: *k6, k2tog (knit 2 together), * repeat 10 times, knitting last 4 sts Purl 1 row Knit 1 row Purl 1 row Decrease: *k5, k2tog, * repeat 10 times, knitting last 4 sts Purl 1 row Knit 1 row Purl 1 row Decrease: *k4, k2tog, * repeat 10 times, knitting last 4 sts Purl 1 row Knit 1 row Purl 1 row Decrease: *k3, k2tog, * repeat 10 times, knitting last 4 sts Purl 1 row K2tog to end of row Thread a 3 ft. (1m) length of yarn through all stitches. Turn the beret inside out and pull the loose end through to close the top stitches. Stitch down the back seam and weave in the ends