Knitting With Dog Hair: Transforming Shedding Into A Sentimental Craft
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Kendall Crolius’s Knitting With Dog Hair is a heartfelt and practical guide that can transform your everyday dog shedding challenge into a meaningful craft. First published in 1994 and updated for re-release in November 2024, this book combines eco-conscious practices with the emotional bonds we share with our dogs. It may sound strange, but this may be an inventive and sustainable way to solve an age-old problem, transforming your pet’s fur into a comfy creation!
With expanded patterns, breed-specific tips, and community stories, it’s a must-read for dog lovers and fiber art enthusiasts alike. In the book, Crolius highlights a range of imaginative projects. One reader even made a pair of leg warmers! Learn more about how this book came to be and how you can get started knitting with your dog’s hair!
From Skepticism To Sensation
Crolius’s journey began in the 1980s when her husband gifted her spinning lessons at a local fiber arts store. She quickly fell in love with the meditative craft, but it wasn’t until she started brushing Ollie, a friend’s Great Pyrenees, that she stumbled upon her unique idea.
Her idea for a book was initially met with skepticism. Most publishers thought it was a joke. After Knitting With Dog Hair was initially published, the grand reception surprised everyone—including Crolius. Crolius was on The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and CBS This Morning. The book was also featured in The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and People, and landed on lists like Barnes and Noble’s “Ten Books You’ll Never Believe Got Published,” Entertainment Weekly’s “Knitting With Dog Hair and Other Ridiculous Book Titles,” and Mental Floss’ “39 Weird Books That Really Exist.”
History Of Knitting Dog Har
Knitting with dog hair has a deeper history than many realize. The indigenous Salish community in the Pacific Northwest spun wool from the Salish Woolly dog breed to create blankets and garments, which were prized for their warmth and durability.
The practice also saw a resurgence during World War II when wool was rationed. British knitters turned to alternative fibers, including chiengora (another name for dog wool), to make much-needed garments. Scandinavian and Russian cultures have also used dog hair for its insulating properties, especially in harsh climates.
Today, knitting with dog hair is experiencing renewed interest as people seek sustainable and sentimental crafting options.
Turning Fur Into Memories
The emotional resonance of knitting with dog hair goes far beyond the craft itself. It’s a way to preserve a piece of your beloved pet. The book shares heartfelt stories about owners creating scarves, sweaters, or keepsakes from their dogs’ fur.
One memorable letter came from a woman who knitted a scarf from her beloved pet to remember her by. “Fluffy is gone now, and I am so deeply grateful to you that I have this scarf to remember her by,” recalls a fan in the book. That’s the power of this craft—it’s about connection.
Getting Started: Collecting & Preparing Fur
For those new to the craft, Crolius provides detailed guidance on collecting fur in the book and recommends focusing on double-coated breeds like Samoyeds, Huskies, Great Pyrenees, and Golden Retrievers. Their undercoats are soft, fluffy, and ideal for spinning.
Timing is critical. Dogs naturally shed their coats during seasonal changes, offering the best opportunity to collect fur. Brush your dog frequently during shedding season, and keep the fur clean and dry for storage.
Crolius also emphasizes diet and grooming. A healthy diet contributes to better coat quality, and regular bathing ensures the fur is clean before spinning.
We recommend this grooming kit which safely sucks your dog’s hair into a chamber while grooming. It’s easy and less messy than traditional grooming.
Challenges & Rewards Of Chiengora (aka Dog Wool)
Knitting with dog hair has unique challenges. Canine hair fibers lack the elasticity of wool, making them better suited for loose-fitting garments.
Texture also varies—Samoyeds produce silky fibers, while other breeds may yield coarser yarns. Each breed and even individual dogs have unique textures.
Crolius encourages experimentation and blending dog hair with other fibers like wool or alpaca to improve elasticity and ease of knitting. Despite these hurdles, the craft is deeply rewarding.
Eco-Friendly Reusing Of Sheddings
For dog owners, shedding is a regular (and often frustrating) part of life. Rather than letting those fluffy tufts of fur litter your home, knitting with dog hair provides a sustainable solution. By repurposing something your dog naturally produces, you reduce waste and give the material a second life.
Chiengora is inherently renewable. Many dogs shed their coats seasonally, and collecting this fur for spinning is a simple and natural way to utilize it. Unlike synthetic fibers or wool, which require large-scale manufacturing facilities or farming operations, dog hair can be gathered without harming the environment or animals.
As Crolius says, “All that fuzz that used to clog up your vacuum cleaner can now be put to good use.” It’s also good for the environment, given how much dog hair ends up in landfills and yarns are bought each year.
Ethical & Humane Concerns
One of the most significant advantages of knitting with dog hair is its ethical nature. Unlike some animal fibers that involve shearing or even harming animals, chiengora is collected naturally. Most of the hair is shed or brushed out during grooming sessions.
For anyone under the impression that dogs are being skinned, perish the thought. This is entirely humane. In fact, many dogs enjoy the grooming process, making it a mutually beneficial activity.
However, it’s essential to note that not all types of fur are suitable for spinning. Cut hair, for example, may not have the structure needed to hold together in yarn.
But Does It Smell Like Dog?
One of the most common misconceptions about chiengora is that garments made from dog hair will smell like wet dogs. In reality, proper washing and preparation eliminate any odor. Crolius reassures skeptics that it smells like any other yarn once the fur is cleaned.
If I’m Allergic to Dogs, Can I Enjoy Dog Wool?
Yes, since the fur is cleaned before it is carded and spun, the dander, which is what causes allergies, is removed. So, even those who have a dog allergy should be able to enjoy a sweater or scarf made of chiengora.
Can You Knit With Cat Fur?
Yes, like dog fur, “wool” can be created from your cat’s fur. The process is the same for creating the yarn, but keep in mind that cat hair has a greater tendency to mat, making it a little harder to work with.
How To Knit With Dog Hair
This 2012 VICE video with Crolius walks you through the entire process, from dog hair collection and cleaning to carding, spinning, and knitting!
Tips For Caring For Garments Knit With Dog Hair
Dog hair garments are heirloom-worthy but require specific care. This includes:
- Washing: Hand wash in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent or dog shampoo.
- Drying: Lay flat to dry and avoid wringing or twisting.
- Storage: Keep fur, yarn, and finished garments in sealed bags to protect against moths and dust.
Advice For Aspiring Dog Hair Spinners
For those intrigued by the idea of knitting with dog hair, here are some tips:
- Start Small: A scarf or hat is a great first project to build confidence.
- Learn The Basics: Familiarize yourself with spinning and carding techniques.
- Seek Inspiration: Join online communities or follow #chiengora on social media to connect with other enthusiasts.
- Experiment: Blend dog hair with wool or alpaca for different textures and properties.
Crolius also recommends visiting DogKnitting.com, where readers can find spinners for hire, patterns, and resources.
A Timeless Craft
More than a decade after its debut, Knitting With Dog Hair remains a testament to creativity, sustainability, and the bond between humans and their pets. It’s more than a crafting guide—it’s a celebration of love and resourcefulness.
For dog lovers looking to turn shedding into something beautiful and meaningful, Crolius’s book invites you to see your furry friend’s fluff in a whole new light. Every stitch carries the memory of your pet. It’s not just knitting; it’s storytelling.
What Do You Think About Knitting With Dog Hair?
What’s your take on this unique craft? Would you ever collect your dog’s fur and turn it into a sentimental keepsake? Or does the idea seem a little too outside the box?
Have you tried anything creative with your pet’s fur before? If you could make something meaningful out of your dog’s shedding, what would it be? A scarf, a blanket, or maybe even a quirky stuffed animal?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Whether you’re ready to start spinning or still wrapping your head around the concept, we’d love to hear from you.