UPDATE: 05/19/2013: I have added some pictures to demonstrate how to carry along the unused portion of the yarn.
I recently decided to start selling my crochet items and WOW have I been amazed at how the orders just keep coming. I made this houndstooth scarf for a great customer of mine that has certainly kept me busy. She asked me if I knew how to make a hounds tooth scarf. I did a little research and like every other person that crochets, tweaked around with the yarn until I came up with something that I liked to fit the type of material I was using. Needless to say, there were at least 3 to 4 unraveling sessions. Don’t you just love that? My husband always tells me he hates to see me do that because he knows how much work it takes to create each item. I do admit though that I am really pleased with the end results.
As anything, I’m sure there are other patterns out there, but my creative side wanted to try to do something on my own and I gave it a try. Please bear in mind this will be my first written pattern, so anyone that uses this pattern would basically be a tester. Any questions, comments, or concerns about the pattern are very welcomed!
Supplies:
- I used Caron Simply Soft Yarn which is medium (4) worsted weight. My colors were off white and black. I definitely suggest a soft yarn for this project because otherwise the scarf will be very “stiff” due to the type of stitches used. I know this from personal experience. (Hint: I tried 2 other types of yarn prior to this one). I used one skein of each color to complete the scarf.
- Crochet Hook Size – I/5.5mm
- Tapestry needle for weaving in the ends.
Abbreviations:
ch – chain
st – stitches
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
dc – double crochet
YO – yarn over
Special Instructions:
When changing colors do not cut your yarn! Instead, on your last dc, work the dc as normal but when you have the 2 loops left on your hook this is where you will want to change your color and then YO and draw through both loops on the hook then continue with the instructions. You will then just take the unused color and crochet it along in the row. It will allow for a sturdier scarf and save you from weaving in all the ends! You will be changing color at the end of each row.
Gauge: 9 stitches = approximately 2 inches or 5 cm
Row 1: Chain 23. Sc in second ch from hook, dc in next ch, *sc in next ch, dc in next ch; repeat from * across (change color and see special instructions for changing color) ch 1 and turn (22 sts)
Row 2: sc in first dc, dc in next sc *sc in next dc, dc in next sc; repeat from * across (change color and see special instructions for changing color) ch 1 and turn (22 sts)
Repeat Row 2 until you have the length desired. Once you have the desired length, you will want your last row to end with the opposite color. For example, if row 1 was black, you will want the last row in the scarf to be ivory. Leave a long tail and fasten off.
My scarf was an infinity scarf, so I had about 5’6” in length and approximately 4 1/2″ wide on completion. I sewed my ends together using my long tail and tapestry needle to join the side just fastened off working the front loop only of the stitch and the bottom loop of each sc and dc on the first row. Fasten off and weave in the ends.
This picture demonstrates working with the black yarn and you will crochet the white yarn along the row.
YO and insert the hook as you normally would do when working a sc or dc. You can see the white yarn is lying on top of the row.
This picture demonstrates once the hook has been inserted into the stitch and the dc needs to be completed. You can see the white yarn is lying on top of the stitch and is being crocheted in along the row.
This picture demonstrates the completed dc. I crocheted loosely to show how the white yarn is lying on top of the row but the black yarn is crocheted as usual.
Please feel free to make or sell products from this pattern! I believe in free enterprise but just ask to link back to my site. Please do not re-publish photos as your own.
More free patterns are coming so be sure to keep in touch on my ELK Studio – Handcrafted Crochet Designs Facebook page to stay tuned for availability!
Don’t forget to “queue” the scarf in Ravelry!
I’m a self taught crocheter and I’m having a bit of an issue getting started. I understand carrying the yarn and crocheting over it but the actual change is what I’m having issues with. Can you explain that in a little more detail? Do I use both colors to pull through and complete the last double? I hope this makes sense.
Hi Amanda,
Try this video. It may help you.
I made this for my daughter for Christmas. She loves it! Very easy pattern for me, thank you!
I just found this pattern and love it. My edges don’t look quite as perfect as yours. Some of my white overlaps on black and visa versa. I followed your instructions and found some on YouTube. I guess practice, practice, practice ?
I’m sure it looks beautiful!
Just wanted to thank you For sharing this pattern. I made 10 scarves for all the kids in my life last Christmas almost ever color combo was tested Thank you. For sharing This patternwas so simple yet so elegant. Even used it for the guys! Thanks for making our Christmas great. Now looking for another pattern for this year!!
Woo Hoo! I love to read comments like this one! Happy Crocheting!
STUNNING!!!!! Thank you so very much for sharing your art and hard work for no cost!! I greatly appreciate it!!!
You are so welcome Ida!
I re-read the instructions and started over and looking much better now.
Yay! Im glad it’s working out for you! Good luck!
What do u sell the scarf for?
Carolyn,
It’s been over 2 years since I’ve sold that scarf. I think I sold it for around $35-40 and it’s a good price and worth all the time and effort plus your materials.
Kathy
Kathy
Is this scarf wrapped around twice? Just wondering why it was so long 5’6″.
Carol,
Yep, the scarf is wrapped twice. 🙂
Thanks. One more question.I was using the I needle but my measurements ended up being 9″ wide using your 22 sc. In order for me to make it close to 4 1/2″ wide I am having to use an E needle. It looks like it looses something if you use the smaller needle. What do you suggest I use. I thought I usually crochet tight but something def ain’t right.HELP…..
What type of yarn are you using? All worsted weight yarn isny created equal. For this project, i used Caron Simply Soft which make a difference. I tried other ww and it was too thick in my opinion.
I too found the I hook too big and am using an F but is still a big larger than 4.5 inches wide. I am using Caron Simply Soft yarn. I love the pattern. Well done.
Hallelujah! Finally, well written instructions that make sense! I will be signing up for weekly news from your studio! It is such a user friendly site with fun, gorgeous patterns! Thank you from a “hooked hooker”!!!
How fun to read this!! Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing this pattern! I made a hat for my Grandson and it turned out great! I tried to post a picture but it won’t let me!
By the way I used Sincerely by Purl Essence Everyday!
You can share the photo in my Facebook page!
Hi! I had to stop my crochet work to tell you what a wonderful stitch your houndstooth is to use. I am crocheting a very wide cowl that I can use as a scarf and a hood. I’m using a merino wool / casmere blend and WOW! The scarf is working up beautifully!! Easy, quick, soft and beautiful!! The colors I’m using are black and red to match my new maxi 850 fill down coat and red gloves. The houndstooth is the perfect, traditional, elegant style for my new coat! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Sandy
Oh how wonderful to hear! I can only imagine how beautiful the scarf is with merino wool!
Thanks for the pattern!! I have just started it and I can not thank you enough for finding a way to keep from cutting every row!
I know! I love that little trick too!!
Susan,
The Crochet Business Chat Live sessions are held in my ELK Studio Crocheter’s Facebook page. You must request to join the group. Each week I make an event that is sent out in the group and usually put a reminder on my page Monday morning. Here’s is the link to the group. By the way….thanks for reminding me that I new to create the event for Monday. 🙂
I searched the web for a hounds tooth scarf pattern, was thrilled to find this – it’s exactly what I had pictured in my mind. Question if I may – you’ve noted that you have started selling your creations. I would like to do the same but not sure how to get off the ground. Any tips or advice?
I have something called the Crochet Business Chat Live every Monday at 11 am CST. You can learn more about crochet tips and ask questions in my ELK Studio Crochet Group.
Great pattern
I want to adapt this into a skirt – any suggestions?
It would take quite a bit of effort and lots of time to design it into a skirt. I don’t think I can help you right now. I’m sorry.
This pattern is genius! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
I love this scarf! I have wanted to make it for my mom since i saw it. I have to do that this winter!
I can’t wait to try this pattern! thank you!
Oh, I bet it’s wonderful!!
DO YOU HAVE A PATTERN FOR A HAT?
Tomei a liberdade de postar o seu cachecol em meu blog. Se você achar que devo deletar minha postagem, por favor me avise.Sou de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil. O link para você ver minha postagem: http://patchflor.blogspot.com.br/2014/03/pie-de-poule-2-cachecol-de-tricot.html
Thank you for this beautiful pattern. Even though I have been crocheting for many, many years, I still have trouble making my edges neat and even. But this pattern solves that problem completely! The yarn that you carry along helps me to “stretch” or “shrink” the row to make sure it is exactly the same as the previous row. I’ve never carried yarn along the row like that, but your instructions made it so easy to follow and the result is beautiful. I have made one scarf in maroon and white for the colors of the local high school, and now want to make another in black and off-white. As I am a tight crocheter, I also want to try one with a larger crochet hook to help loosen the stitch a bit. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this easy-to-follow and lovely scarf pattern.
Oh how wonderful! I love these kinds of stories!! Enjoy!!!!
Kathy
Thanks so much for the pattern! I used a bit more than 3/4 of each skein of Caron Simply Soft in autumn red and off white. My infinity scarf is a little over 6′ and 5 1/2″ wide.
It looks amazing!
Thanks again.
Hi,love the pattern.it looks like you are going from back to front in the second pic. I was going front to back,does that make a difference? Thanks for the pattern!!!
Devorah,
No, it doesn’t matter. I’m left-handed and that’s just the way I crochet!
Kathy
I usually have to watch the left handed instructions to learn a new stitch. I was taught by my left handed grandmother but I am right handed and to this day everyone says I crochet funny. My mom thinks it looks normal but we are both righties taught by a lefty. Thanks for this stitch instruction!
Will be making all these patterns. Love Free Beautiful patterns. Lol, keep them coming…
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful pattern!
Will be getting the yarn this week and cannot wait to get started.
Thank you again.
Veronica,
You are so welcome! I would love to see it once you’ve finished!!!!
Kathy
Very nice scarf and stitch pattern, thank you for sharing:) !
Thank you for the pattern, can’t wait to try it! One of my 4 daughters is a huge Sherlock fan, the scarf kind of reminds me of something Sherlock might wear, making it for her!
Cool!!! I hope she enjoys the scarf!
Kathy
hi! first off, thank you for the pattern, i can’t wait to try it!
do you happen to remember how many skeins of yarn you needed to complete it?
-roxanne
One skein of each color!! Enjoy!!!
perfect! thanks for the quick answer 😉
No problem!!
Oh my goodness – this looks fabulous! I figured the pattern would be ridiculously difficult when I first saw the picture, but it’s surprisingly simple!! Can’t wait to get started on this!! Thank you!
Amy,
Enjoy! I love the complicated look but it really is simple.
Thank you for the free pattern! I love the houndstooth pattern, and I can’t believe it’s so easy to do with crochet. This just blew my mind!
Love this pattern! Can’t wait to try it.
I LOVE this pattern. Thank you so much for sharing it and kudos for the pictures of how you carry the yarn, that is a huge help. Unfortunately I’m not understanding the Join at the end. Am I sewing it backwards or turning the work? Also, Am I joining to the chain or turning the chain in slightly and catching the first row? I feel like a dunce because no one else commented on not getting the join…. l’m practicing on a swatch but so far I’m just not getting the join correct. Thanks 🙂
You will be joining to the chain. I whip stitched the bottom of the chain and then the back loop of the stitch on the row you just completed. Don’t feel like a dunce. Sometimes other people’s instructions can be hard to understand. If you still have problems, let me know.
Kathy
I absolutely love this pattern!! Thank you for making it available!!
Thanks for the pattern. Got a few Alabama fans in the family and it’s nice Christmas gifts. Working on my 4th one now.
Wow Twila! Awesome.
I am a hard headed crocheter. I saw your note about the yarn, and you were right. ILTY worked up in this pattern is a bit stiff. But….. I wanted a hat and scarf set. So I figured if I go up a hook size (using an ‘L’ hook) and a loose tension it is working up pretty soft. I only started with 19 stitches to keep the width a reasonable size. It is about 8 1/2″ wide. Will share pic when all finished
Enjoy Brenda!!!
Crocheting over the opposite color of yarn is like crocheting over a tail so you don’t have to weave in the ends- it’s just that it goes all the way across. 🙂
Exactly!!!
I use this stitch combination all the time but never realized it could be a houndstooth pattern – oh the new possibilities 🙂
It’s great isn’t it! Have fun!!!
Yay Lacey!!! Have fun!!! Even better that you already have the yarn!!!
Kathy
Hi Kathy! I love your houndstooth patterns and shared 3 of them on Moogly this morning! http://www.mooglyblog.com/houndstooth-crochet-patterns/ Thanks for sharing them!
Tamara,
Thank you so much!!! Have a fabulous day because you’ve just made mine!!!!
I love this pattern!! Thank you for sharing. I am making this scarf for my sister-in-law for a birthday gift. As soon as I saw the scarf I knew she would love it. Thanks again!!
Perfect!!!! So glad you found the pattern here on my blog!!!
Can’t wait to make this!!!!!! Lots of Alabama fans in my family and they are going to be so happy to receive these 🙂 They got scarfs last year, I don’t think they will mind getting another one if it is this one.
Yay! Handmade is always better! I would love to see it when you’ve finished!
Kathy
Making this as a Christmas gift for my sis. Just started the foundation row and don’t like the width. In the pic of the finished scarf, it looks much wider. I see you used half a skien each color… I am going to try it wider and use up more of my skiens. Will this pattern work if I just eyeball the width?
Unbelievably cool. My niece is a Alabama University fan and I am thinking this would be a perfect scarf for her. By chance do you have an instructional video of this up on youtube? I am dyslexic and it is so helpful to me if I can see and hear the pattern in that form. Basically because I can stop and rewind time and time again. 🙂
Valerie,
I’m so glad you found the pattern, I don’t have a video as of yet. I’m left-handed and crochet backwards…..and so I haven’t made one. You aren’t the first person to ask. I really need to find someone to help me to make a video don’t I? If you need any help, email me. elkstudiocrochet@gmail.com,
That’s okay… my husbands a lefty too. What you might try is have someone film you crocheting left handedly then you can mirror image it. My family is totally tech savvy. Production Directors, Tech Directors, Directors, Hand-held operators, boom operators, etc… and then there’s me. I’m lucky if I can find the on switch for the T.V. remote. Hahaha Wish we could help you. Well, it is really more of a selfish wish for myself. 🙂
I have talked a little with my sister about it but haven’t really pushed the issue with her. I was thinking I could do the talking on the video and she could actually do the demonstration since she is right-handed. Maybe I need to bring it up to her again.
Kathy
Thank you so much for this pattern. I am fairly new to crochet and found the pictures invaluable to my success. Love the finished product. Thanks again.
So glad they helped you!
Glad I gave you something to do!!! Have a great week!
Beautiful picture and pattern. I will definitely be making one for myself and other family members. Thank you.
You are so welcomed Mary! Enjoy!
Thanks for the pattern. I have a houndstooth pattern that had me drag the yarns up one side and didn’t care for the effect. This is the perfect solution! Thanks.
Oh that would drive me crazy too! Glad this worked for you!!
Kathy
Love love love……this is on my list to make.
I’m glad you came over to find the pattern! I hope you have a fantastic time making the scarf! Let me know if you need anything!
Kathy
The houndstooth is really beautiful. It would be really nice in school colors. I will have to try it for some of my school kids.
Jacklyn,
I would love to see your finished project!!
Like all above, I LOVE this infinity! I want to make my middle school granddaughter (11 yrs old) one in school colors of Kelly green and white. Yarn Bee’s fetching chunky, weight 5 has sparkle and the forest green color looks close to the right green. How will this heavier yarn work–should I use a smaller hook, and do you have any suggestions for sizing down for a pre-teen, oh you who know all!
If you have chunky yarn, using a smaller hook may not be the key. I would think using less stitches for your starting chain would be a better choice. I’ve not made this scarf using chunky yarn so it’s only a guess. Let me know how it works out!
Thanks, Kathy, for responding so quickly! Will have a go soon.
Oh wow! It is gorgeous. Thank you for the pattern. I think my husband or son-in-laws would love it. Christmas presents coming up.
I will be giving this a try. Thank you so much for the pattern. I tried doing a hounds tooth beanie, but it didn’t come out. Your pattern is very well written. Can’t wait to give it a try. 🙂
Thanks Krystal! You tried my Hounds Tooth Beanie? I can try to help you. Good luck with the scarf and let me know how it comes out!
Kathy
Great Concept!
Thank you!
I’m with Julie on this one.. My family loves Alabama football. I will try your pattern but a video would be amazing. Beautiful scarf!! Thank you for the pattern!
Thank you Christa! I hope you enjoy and will consider the video! Let me know if you need any help.
Kathy
I read the pattern again a d thought about it til it was driving me batty. I finally started it and I did it!! Thank you so much!!
YAY! Congratulations! You should send me a picture when you’ve finished. I would love to see it. Let me know if you need any help.
Kathy
Nice to see “fellow left hander”. Great tutoral
I incorporate all lefty pictures in my paid patterns as well! I think it helps out especially for the person who may just be starting out in crochet! Thanks for stopping by!
Kathy
I just finished this infinity scarf and it came out beautifully. Wonderful pattern, thank you!
I see from the picture that you make your stitches by inserting the hook from back to front. Is this special for this pattern or is it just the way you learned how?
Vicki,
I’m left-handed and that’s just the way I leaned how to crochet! You can use your normal technique to accomplish a great scarf! Let me know if you need any help!
Kathy
Thanks you Kathy!!!..:)
You are so welcome Migdalia! Enjoy!
Love the pattern and started the scarf but what is the width?
9 stitches = 2 inches and there were 22 stitches across so approximately 4 1/2 inches wide. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need anything else! I would love to see the completed scarf once you are done!
Kathy
I ended up 7 1/2 inches wide…have to change to smaller hook
Thanks,Marie
I definitely must crochet tighter. I’m sure dropping to a smaller hook will help.
I think it’s absolutely beautiful. I had forgotten all about houndstooth crochet! Haven’t seen it used in years. It may have to go on my ‘to make’ list soon! I also am glad you included your note about soft yarn. I recently made a scarf of wool in rust and was quite disappointed that I had not saved it for a FOX instead because it is quite FIRM in it’s drape.
Andrea,
I tried several different yarns myself before I realized that it was so stiff and certainly didn’t want anyone else to make the same mistake. I would imagine the scarf is still beautiful though isn’t it? If you decide to make the scarf, please send me a picture! I would love to see it!
Kathy
I will be giving this a try tomorrow! Thanks I will let you know how I make out!
Corinne
Crocher4mybutterfly
Great Corinne! I can’t wait to see it!
Brilliant! My daughter loves houndstooth pattern! Do you carry the yarn across like in tapestry crochet? Thanks for the freebie!
Cecilia,
I do carry it along with the row just changing the color at the end. I don’t think my patients would last if I had to weave in all those ends. So glad you stopped by. I hope you enjoy the pattern!
This is beautiful! I look forward to giving it a try! (Found you on Hookin’ on Hump Day via Moogly.)
Thanks! I’m sure your scarf will be gorgeous! Don’t you love Moogly? Not only is Tamara a great designer, she is so excited about the crochet world! Glad you decided to jump over to my blog! Hope you have a fantastic day!
OMG!! This scarf is gorgeous!! Can’t wait to try this pattern.
Thank you!!
Thank you bellezakisses! It was fun to make and watch “come alive” once I finished! Please send photos of your finished project! I would love to see it! Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to comment!
I have done this stitch for years, but it never occurred to me to make houndstooth from it. You are brilliant! I found this on “My Merry Messy Life”.
I made a blanket many years ago and used this particular stitch also. I’m so glad you took the time to comment and found my blog from “My Merry Messy Life” Happy Crocheting and if you make the scarf please send me a picture on my Facebook page! http://www.facebook.comelkstudio.lashley I would love to show it off!
How many skeins of yarn do you think you used??
I used half a skein of each color with my scarf being 5’6″ in length. I just finished a 5′ scarf but didn’t make that one an infinity scarf and finished using the rest of the skeins.
Julie,
Thank you for the comments and I have been thinking about that. I am left handed so I will probably need to recruit my sister into making the video with me so that people will be understand. Blessings to you as well!
Kathy
So true! I just had a conversation today with my husband about my yarn store needs for the week…… The color will need to be changed after each row. I will go back and make this more clear on the directions. Thanks for your comments!
what a generous soul you have:)
How kind of you to say such words! Truly a blessing to me! I hope you enjoy the pattern! Blessings to you!
Very classy!
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by! I hope you have a great day!
Gorgeous scarf. Did you alternate colors. There is no mention of when to change. Thank you for the amazing pattern
Lisa, thank you for taking the time to write. If you look at the special instructions, it will tell you how to change the color and I mentioned “see special instructions” at the end of each row. I hope this helps. If you need anything else, please let me know!
I had a hard time with this also. But only because I was so excited to start this beautiful pattern that I didn’t scroll down to where you posted the pics! Glad I took a second look! Great pattern 🙂
Mandy,
So glad you like the pattern. I’ve only recently added the pictures as it seems to have been giving other people problems as well. I hope the pictures clarify a little better what I’m trying to say. If you need anymore help, please let me know. You should send me a picture once your done. I would love to see it!
Kathy
Your scarf looks good. How long have you been in the business?
Ed of YarnNecklaces.com
Thanks for the compliment! I’ve just started selling my crochet since this past December, but I have been crocheting for over 30 years.
Thanks so much for choosing my scarf!