A:  Instructions can be found on this site.  Click on the appropriate link at left to be taken to the instructions for your machine.

Q:  What materials are the booties made out of?

A:  The fabric is 60" wide 330 denier untreated Cordura. This year, our group will be using a tan color.

The hook Velcro is 3/4" wide. 

The Velstretch is 3/4" wide (usually white).

Q:  Where do I purchase supplies for making booties?

A:  We get our materials from Louise at Arrowhead Fabrics (www.dogbooties.com).  Be sure to tell her you are a member of "Paw Partners" so that you get our discount and special color.  If you tell her how many booties you intend to make, she will send you the correct amount of materials.

Q:  Can I customize my booties by embroidering something on them?

A:  If you do any sort of embroidery, make sure it's near the top, but not actually hitting the top edge.  It shouldn't be too big either.  You don't want to cause any stiff spots that are going to chafe the dog as it runs.  The bootie needs to be able to flex freely.

Q:  I don't have have a serger.  What are my other options for making booties with my regular sewing machine?

A:  Just make sure you use a pinking shears or pinking rotary cutter on the top edges.  Some people do a zig-zag stitch along the seams, but this is not necessary.  The booties wear out long before the seams start to fray.

Q:  Do I need to zig-zag stitch all the way around the whole bootie before I start to sew?

A:  No.  This material does not fray easily at all, so you don't have to worry about hemming the entire bootie.  Just pink the top edge.

Q:  When you sew the Velcro on, how do you then sew the second side of the bootie?  Do you sew the velcro only to the seam allowance, then fold the velcro in while you sew the second side?  Or do you fold the velcro with the material and sew through two layers of velcro and two layers of material?

A:  Don't forget that the Velstretch and hook are being sewn onto the outside of the bootie, while the seams will remain on the inside (once the bootie is turned).  Be sure to check out the pictures on the direction pages of this site.  The Velstretch isn't attached the whole way across.  Only the hook is anchored all the way around.  You only anchor one end (and a little bit inward) on the stretch so that it is free to flex.  It won't be in your way when sewing the second side.

Q:  Will I know which musher receives my booties?

A:  Yes.  Once final counts are made, a determination will be made as to where the booties will go.  Once we know this, we will let you know, so you can keep an eye on "your musher" during the race!

Q:  How many booties should I try to make my first time?

A:  Honestly, most people try for 100 to start, but if you want to only do 50 for starters, anything helps!  One yard of fabric makes approximately 36 booties.

Q:  Is the thread used a special type of thread?

A:  The recommended type is Maxi-Lock, which is a polyester/cotton blend.  Any brand of that blend is fine and can be found at any local store.

Q:  Do the seams on the inside of the bootie bother the dogs' feet?