Easy Lengthwise Houndstooth Free Pattern

Pattern Description:

This very easy lengthwise houndstooth pattern eliminates frequent color changes by stitching lengthwise and integrating color changes into the fringe on the short edges. 

It can be created as a scarf, lapghan, or afghan, utilizing single crochet (SC) and double crochet (DC) stitches.

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Yarn: One skein of yarn in two contrasting colors. An example provided is Red Heart Soft.
• Yarn Weight: Size 4 or smaller is best.
• Hook: Two crochet hooks, one larger and one smaller, chosen to match the yarn so the resulting fabric is not too loose. Examples include an I hook for the starting chain and an H hook for the fabric.
• Measurements:
  • Scarf: Approximately 60 – 65 inches in length (chain will stretch), and about 6 – 7 inches in width.
  • Lapghan or Baby Afghan: Approximately 50 – 52 inches in length. Width is “until desired width”.

Stitches & Abbreviations Used:

• chain (Ch)
• single crochet (SC)
• double crochet (DC)
• color change
• fringe creation and attachment

Instructions for Crafting the Easy Lengthwise Houndstooth Pattern:

Crafting the Foundation: The Beginning Chain (Ch)

The initial step involves creating the foundation chain, which will define the ultimate length of your project.

• Begin by selecting your larger hook.
• Chain (Ch) stitches until your chain measures approximately 2 inches less than your desired final length. This allowance accounts for the natural stretch of the chain.
  • For a scarf, aim for a finished length of about 60 – 65 inches, meaning your initial chain should be around 58-63 inches.
  • For a lapghan or baby afghan, the target length is approximately 50-52 inches, so your chain should measure around 48-50 inches.

Establishing the Pattern: Row 1

After completing your foundation chain, you will begin forming the houndstooth pattern using your first color.

• Switch to your smaller hook (e.g., the H hook if you used an I for the chain).
• Work a single crochet (SC) stitch into the 3rd chain (Ch) from the hook.
• Continue across the row by alternating between one double crochet (DC) and one single crochet (SC). That is, after the initial SC, you will do a DC in the next chain, an SC in the following, and so on.
• Ensure you end the row with a double crochet (DC).
• Do not be concerned if you find yourself with an extra stitch at the end of this row, as it “will be covered with the fringe” later.
• At the very end of this row, before turning, attach your new contrasting color.
• Chain (Ch) 1 with the new color and then turn your work.

Developing the Houndstooth Fabric: Row 2 and Subsequent Rows

Row 2 establishes the alternating stitch pattern that will be repeated throughout the rest of your project to create the distinctive houndstooth texture.

• Using your new color, work a single crochet (SC) directly into the double crochet (DC) stitch that is below the turning chain. This ensures the pattern starts correctly and keeps the houndstooth effect aligned.
• Proceed across the entire row by alternating single crochet (SC) and double crochet (DC) stitches. The key to forming the houndstooth pattern correctly is to place single crochets (SC) into the double crochet (DC) stitches from the row below, and double crochets (DC) into the single crochet (SC) stitches from the row below. This creates the interlocking, staggered appearance characteristic of houndstooth.
• Just like in Row 1, you should always end each row with a double crochet (DC).
• At the conclusion of Row 2, and every subsequent row, you will always attach your new contrasting color in the last stitch.
• After attaching the new color, Chain (Ch) 1 and turn your work to prepare for the next row.

Achieving Desired Dimensions

You will repeat the pattern established in Row 2 for all subsequent rows until your project reaches its desired width.

• For a scarf, continue repeating the rows until it measures approximately 6 – 7 inches in width.
• For a lapghan or afghan, repeat the pattern until you achieve your desired width for that specific item.

As you work, you may notice that the sides of your project will appear slightly different, with “one of the colors more predominant on each side”. 

This is a normal characteristic of this lengthwise houndstooth pattern. If possible, try to end your project with the same color you began with.

The Finishing Touch: Fringe Application

Once you have reached your desired width and finished your last row, the final step involves adding the fringe.

• You will find that a natural fringe has already started to form from the various tied-off ends created during your color changes.
• To enhance the appearance, you have the option to add some additional fringe. You can do this using either one of your colors, or both, depending on your preferred aesthetic. This additional fringe can be attached to both short edges to complete your houndstooth design.

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