How to Crochet a Houndstooth

A houndstooth pattern works well on clothes, blankets, hats and purses.

Alabama football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant’s hat and Scottish woven wool are two primary symbols of the houndstooth pattern. A houndstooth pattern is distinguished by two contrasting colors that resemble a checkered design. The typical houndstooth pattern is often featured in a black-and-white print. However, any two colors can make a successful houndstooth. In the art of crochet, the houndstooth stitch is a simple four-row color pattern with a multiple of three stitches.

Things You'll Need

• 2 medium-weight yarn colors
• Scissors
• 6 millimeter crochet hook

Instructions

1. Determine how long you would like your pattern and the number of chain stitches you plan on crocheting. For example, 81 chain stitches and one turning chain create a 28-inch product. Choose a multiple of three for your designated number of chain stitches. Stitch your chain using yarn color A.

2. Single crochet the second chain stitch from the hook. Double crochet the following chain stitch. Alternate single and double chain stitches until you reach the end of the row.

3. Use yarn color B to slip stitch the initial single crochet in the first row for a total of two chain stitches. In the third chain stitch, make a double crochet followed by a single crochet. Single crochet your double-crochet stitch and double crochet your single-crochet stitch. Continue alternating until you reach the end of the row.

4. Switch to yarn color A in the third row and make a single-crochet stitch. Use this single crochet to attach a double crochet. Continue by double crocheting your next single crochet and single crocheting the following double crochet. Continue to alternate single and double crochets until the end of the row.

5. Add another row of the repeating houndstooth pattern using yarn color B if you desire. Pull a loop of yarn color B through the initial single crochet in the third row. For the third chain stitch, create a double-crochet stitch followed by a single crochet. Single crochet each of your double-crochet stitches, and double crochet each of your single-crochet stitches. Continue alternating until the end of the row.

6. Continue the pattern by adding alternating rows with yarn colors A and B. Finish your houndstooth pattern by creating a row of chain stitches with yarn color A.

References

• Crochet Spot: Crochet Pattern: Houndstooth Pet Scarf
• Have A Yarn: Houndstooth Check
• CrimsonMagazine.net: Houndstooth History