Imagine wrapping yourself in warmth and style this winter with the added satisfaction of creating something timelessly beautiful with your own hands. This easy, free crochet houndstooth scarf pattern will guide you through crafting a timeless accessory that not only complements your wardrobe but keeps you cozy and warm.
This project uses basic stitches and is accessible to beginner crocheters. You’ll need 2 different colors of yarn ( a total of 3 balls of yarn for the entire scarf) and a 5.5 mm hook.
Want to adjust the size of this classic houndstooth pattern?
Make sure to check out my notes on how to adjust the size of this free crochet houndstooth scarf to make the houndstooth design of your dreams.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.*
Want to add this pattern to your library or purchase an ad-free PDF version of this pattern? Find them in my Ravelry and Etsy shop.
Once you’re done making your Cozy Wool Houndstooth Scarf with this free pattern, you should check out the other two free crochet projects that are a part of the Scarf of the Month Club this month! You can find the design by Oombawka Design Crochet and the design by The Stitchin Mommy.
How This Scarf Is Constructed
The Cozy Wool Houndstooth Scarf free pattern is worked length-wise (meaning along the long edge of the scarf) and is made in an adult size, as written.
We’ll start by creating a red border for our scarf before we hop into creating the main pattern of our scarf using the houndstooth stitch.
After completing the houndstooth section, we’ll create another red border to finish it off.
How to Create the Houndstooth Crochet Stitch
This easy crochet pattern uses a fun twist on a beginner-friendly stitch called the Lemon Peel Stitch (click here to view my tutorial for this stitch).
The Lemon Peel Stitch alternates double crochet stitches and single crochet stitches to create a beautiful texture that is double-sided. Both sides look similar, though slightly different, but equally beautiful.
When we do the Lemon Peel Stitch by using two contrasting colors and changing them every row, it becomes the houndstooth stitch pattern as it looks very much like the traditional houndstooth fabric.
Choosing Yarn for This Pattern
I used King Cole Wool Aran for this project because it’s a sturdy, recycled wool that is super cozy. I wanted a classic houndstooth scarf and to me, that meant a proper wool yarn, which makes for a sturdier scarf (in my opinion).
If you want to use a different yarn, I recommend picking worsted weight or aran weight yarn with a similar gauge (find it on the yarn label) that has 2 different colorways that are contrasting enough to let the houndstooth stitch shine.
Most of all, make sure you pick a soft yarn that wears nicely next to the skin and is (ideally) machine washable.
Houndstooth Color Combinations
Whlie the most recognized houndstooth color combo is the traditional black and white, you don’t have to stick to them.
I personally love the look of what some folks refer to as “peppermint houndstooth” which is the white and red combination that I’ve used in my sample. But some other great color combos that look great in houndstooth are:
- Cream and forest green
- Pink and white
- Red and black
- Orange and black
- Brown and cream or tan
- Blue and grey
- Raspberry and baby pink
I really love the combinations of new colors in the houndstooth stitch to make it look a little different and to give it a pop of color.
Disclaimer
Feel free to sell the finished product created with this free crochet pattern but please provide pattern credit back to me when posting online, and please provide a link to my blog: https://theloopylamb.com. Please do not resell, distribute, duplicate, or share this pattern in any printed or digital form, or claim this pattern as your own patterns or design. Please do not use my photos when selling your finished items. This pattern is for personal use only.
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Skill Level:
- Easy
Terminology:
- U.S. Terminology
Supplies:
- I / 5.5 mm Crochet Hook (or whatever hook size needed to match gauge)
- King Cole Wool Aran (100% Superwash Wool, Aran (4), 100 g/3.5 oz, 196 yds/180 m)
– Available at LoveCrafts, Amazon and local yarn shops (check the stock at your local stores on King Cole’s website) in the following colors and amounts,- Color A: Cranberry, 2 balls (approx. 290 yds)
- Color B: Cream, 1 ball (approx. 172 yds)
- Tapestry Needle / Yarn Needle
- Scissors
- Stitch Marker (optional)
Abbreviations:
(Click links to view a photo tutorial and video tutorial for that stitch)
- CH = Chain
- DC = Double Crochet
- FO = Finish Off
- HDC = Half Double Crochet
- Rep = Repeat
- RS = Right Side
- SC = Single Crochet
- SK = Skip
- SL ST = Slip Stitch
- ST(s) = Stitch(es)
- WS = Wrong Side
- YO = Yarn Over
Finished Size:
- Scarf is approximately 68” long x 6.5” wide when crocheted to gauge
Gauge:
- Approx. 12 STs x 14 rows = 4” in pattern stitch
Gauge Swatch Instructions:
- Using Color A, CH 24.
- Row 1: SC in the 2nd CH from the hook, *DC in the next CH, SC in the next, rep from * until end of the chain. Change to Color B. (23)
- Row 2: CH 3 (counts as first ST) and turn. SK first ST, *SC in the next ST, DC in the next, rep from * until the end of the row. Change to Color A.
- Row 3: CH 1 and turn. *SC in the first ST, DC in the next, rep from * until 1 ST remains. SC in last ST. Change to Color B.
- Rows 4 – 21: Rep rows 2 – 3, changing colors at the end of each row.
FO.
Notes:
- Gauge is vital to ensuring the project turns out to be the expected size. You can make this project without matching gauge however, not matching gauge will affect the size of your finished scarf and the amount of yarn used. Gauge is measured over the houndstooth pattern stitch worked in turned rows. I recommend taking the time to make a gauge swatch and matching the pattern gauge (see gauge swatch instructions to make your gauge swatch).
- This pattern is worked in turned rows.
- To adjust the size of this pattern to your desired length, chain an odd number of chains for your foundation chain.
- To change color, use the last YO of the last stitch before the color change.
- CH 3 at the beginning of a row counts as the first stitch and is included in the stitch count for the row.
- Placing a stitch marker in the top of your CH 3s can help to keep track of where to work your last ST in the following row.
Want to add this pattern to your library or purchase an ad-free PDF version of this pattern? Find them in my Ravelry and Etsy shop.
Cozy Wool Houndstooth Scarf – Free Crochet Houndstooth Scarf Pattern
Using Color A, CH 210.
Row 1 (RS): HDC in the 2nd CH from the hook and in each CH across. (209)
Row 2 (WS): CH 1 and turn. HDC in the first ST and each ST across.
Row 3: CH 1 and turn. *SC in the first ST, DC in the next, rep from * until one ST remains. SC in last ST.
Change to Color B
Row 4: CH 3 and turn. (CH 3 counts as first ST here and throughout), SK first ST, *SC in the next ST, DC in the next, rep from * until the end of the row.
Change to Color A
Row 5: Repeat Row 3.
Change to Color B
Row 6: Rep. Row 4.
Change to Color A
Row 7: Rep. Row 3.
Change to Color B
Row 8: Rep. Row 4.
Change to Color A
Row 9: Rep. Row 3.
Change to Color B
Row 10: Rep. Row 4.
Other Great Free Crochet Patterns To Check Out
Change to Color A
Row 11: Rep. Row 3.
Change to Color B
Row 12: Rep. Row 4.
Change to Color A
Row 13: Rep. Row 3.
Change to Color B
Row 14: Rep. Row 4.
Change to Color A
Row 15: Rep. Row 3.
Change to Color B
Row 16: Rep. Row 4.
Change to Color A
Row 17: Rep. Row 3.
Change to Color B
Row 18: Rep. Row 4.
Change to Color A
Row 19: Rep. Row 3.
Rows 20 – 21: CH 1 and turn. HDC in each ST across.
FO and weave in ends. Block, if desired.
Want to make a matching houndstooth hat? Make sure to check back next week for my next free houndstooth crochet pattern – the Cozy Wool Houndstooth Beanie!
I’d love to see your crochet scarves made with my free crochet houndstooth scarf pattern! Share your Cozy Wool Houndstooth Scarf with me on social media by tagging me @theloopylamb or using #theloopylamb in your posts.
Join The Loopy Lamb Crochet Community Facebook Group to connect with other crafty friends and share your fabulous projects made with this free crochet houndstooth scarf pattern
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