How to Crochet Houndstooth! (Easy Enough for a Beginner)

Inside: Learn how to crochet houndstooth with this free stitch pattern.

There’s nothing like a classic houndstooth pattern!  Whether you like bold, bright contrasts or subtle, muted blending this stitch pattern can fit your style.

I was inspired to make a video for this stitch pattern after seeing some comments on my How to Crochet video series about Harry Styles’ patchwork cardigan.

The sweater worn by Harry Styles is a knit design by JW Anderson. Crocheters around the world are also making their own versions of the sweater and were talking about duplicating the knit jacquard block.

Houndstooth is a great stitch pattern that resembles the jacquard stitch pattern, but with several advantages.

First, it is ridiculously easy to learn how to crochet houndstooth. It’s a 1 row repeat. One row to learn and that row is only single and double crochet stitches. Even a beginner can master this stitch pattern.

Next, unlike the knit stitch pattern the crochet version lies flat. This makes it ideal to use for blankets or scarves.

Last, the crochet version is reversible. Both sides are almost identical. The only difference is that one color will be a bit more prominent. Look at the sample below. The larger red and navy square shows a bit more blue while the small square on top shows more red.

The houndstooth stitch pattern is highly versatile. I wrote the pattern using a super bulky yarn, but you can adapt it to use any weight yarn.

Just remember to use the right hook size for your yarn and chain an odd number of stitches to recreate the pattern.

Crochet Houndstooth

By Kristen Mangus

MATERIALS

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Yarn

Super bulky (#6) weight yarn in 2 colors
Bernat Beyond (120g/ 4.2 oz, 73 meters/ 80 yd.) used in sample.
Contrast A: Pumpkin (Red, White & Boom)
Contrast B: Cream (Navy)

Hook

US Size L-11 (8 mm) hook
Furls Odyssey (8 mm size M) in Black & Nickel used in sample.
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

ABBREVIATIONS

Ch = Chain
dc = double crochet
Rep = Repeat
sc = single crochet
St(s) = Stitch(es)

If you need a refresher, be sure to check out my How to Crochet series!

GAUGE
11 sts x 9 rows in 4” in houndstooth pattern

SKILL LEVEL Easy

MEASUREMENTS
5.5” x 5.5” (14 cm x 14 cm)

NOTES 

Changing colors: This pattern switches colors on every row.  The color that is not being worked is carried along the row.  Switch colors on the last yarnover of the final dc st of the row.

Foundation chain: You may work the foundation chain through either 1 or 2 loops using the following special instructions.

• 1 loop: After finishing last pattern row work 1 additional row of sc.  This ensures that the first and last rows are the same height and have matching chained edges.
• 2 loops: Work pattern as written and fasten off after final pattern row.

Size: To work this pattern in an alternate size, cast on an odd number.

INSTRUCTIONS

With Contrast A, Chain 15 sts

Foundation Row:
Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Dc, sc. Rep from to last st. Dc pulling through Contrast B on last yarnover. Ch 1. Turn.

Row 1: Carrying previous color along, Sc in 1st st. *Dc, sc. Rep from * to last st. Dc pulling previous color through on last yarnover. Ch 1. Turn.

Rep Row 1 until desired length ending with Contrast A. 

Finish off according to the method used on your foundation row (see Notes above).  Fasten off and weave in tails.

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How to Crochet Houndstooth Tutorial Video

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Right handed

Left handed

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I hope you enjoyed this free stitch pattern! If you use it in any of your projects I’d love to see your finished work. Tag me with #goodknitkisses so I can check it out!