It is so easy to crochet a dog sweater or should I say “Furry Friends” sweater, using a Houndstooth Check crochet stitch! One of my testers made this sweater for her kitty cat is the reason why I mentioned it as a furry friends sweater! The free crochet pattern is below. If you don’t like ads, purchase the ad free pdf at ETSY or RAVELRY.
Here are some highlights of the unique and fun crochet pattern for doggies.
- Easy To Read Crochet Pattern
- Edging Options – Fan edge or ribbing
- Options to cover chest and belly or just the belly using a belly band
- Sizes xxs 2-6 lbs ex. teacup, xs 5-8 lbs ex. chihuaha, small 9-14 lbs ex. Yorkie
- Leash Hole Option
- Video Support to make that bow.
- Uses (4) Worsted weight yarn
This lovely dog sweater was made for my grand doggy.
She’s so much fun! She gives the best air kisses, and is able to land surprise one on your kisser, with her acrobatic abilities.
There are so many options to this sweater.
You can add a fan lace edge, or a ribbed edge…and tummy insert with optional Button Band on one side for easy dressing of your furry sweetheart!
There is a leash hole option if you use a harness.
You can also add just a belly band, one for the girls and one for the boys! My testers are amazing and have helped me make a top notch pattern!!
Here is what some of my customer have to say about this Houndstooth Check Dog Sweater.
Michelle gave it 5 stars on Etsy and she also shared a cute photo of her sweet doggie.
“I love that this pattern included multiple sizes and variations for closure and gender. This was my first time doing a houndstooth stitch and the directions were clear. The many pictures in the pattern are also helpful. I love how this sweater turned out. I have a 4 lbs chichuaua mix and with some alterations to the pattern, it fits him great. I’m making another one for our chi/spaniel mix. :)”
Furry Tale Couture gave it 5 stars and she said after sharing a photo of her creation.
“I love this crochet pattern. I made a warm coat for my 10 lb chi-weenie. This stitch pattern is stylish and there are no gaping holes as with other crochet stitch patterns. It’s very comfortable for him to wear. So easy to make. I’m going to make him another one.”
Charity Walkup also handed this pattern 5 stars and she said,
There are quite a few coordinating accessories using the houndstooth crochet stitch.
- Beautiful Walk in the Park Slouch Hat. This hat is easy to hang by the door and you can throw it on when it’s time to walk the dog, and it won’t crush your hair.
- A fun hooded cowl that can be worn as a poncho. This design is great to have by the door as well. It is an easy throw on that can be worn in many different ways.
- A Simple Houndstooth check beanie is next. This hat is great for the guys. Maybe you and your sweetheart want to walk the dogs together. He will be happy to wear this hat and you will be coordinate.
- There is a Houndstooth Check Super Scarf for you to consider. You can use this versatile design to keep you warm and still make a fashion statement, on those cold and frigid days. There are buttons on the end, if you would like to make it an infinity scarf.
- An adorable headband using the houndstooth check stitch had to be added to the “A Walk In the Park” Collection. An easy addition of ribbing at the base of the neck ensures a great fit.
- Boot Cuffs are so cute crocheted in the houndstooth check pattern. You can flip them around to wear the ribbing next to the knee for a different look. Add a couple of sweet handmade bows.
- Sometimes all you need is a cowl to keep your neck warm. The cowl in this collection is so stylish. You will love this design.
- The last crochet accessory is the very stylish Great Gatsby Hat using the houndstooth stitch. Add that peacock feather and a bit of bling or leave off the embellishments for a retro 90’s look!
Free Crochet Pattern for the Houndstooth Check Dog Sweater
Code for sizes ( xxs 2-6 lbs ex. teacup, xs 5-8 lbs ex. chihuahua, small 9-14 lbs ex. Yorkie)
Yarn: Any worsted weight yarn. I used Red Heart “Super Saver” and “With Love” when creating this sweater. Approx. 100, 200, 275 yds of MC and 90, 150, 200 yds of CCNotions: 2 or 3 = 1” buttons; if using smaller buttons make a CH 1 button hole Hook: F- 5/3.75mm (a lot of my testers used an H – 8/5.00mm)
Gauge: 4” x 4”= 14 rows x 14 stitches across in Houndstooth Check Pattern ( SC in nxt ST, DC in nxt ST)
Stitch Guide
MC = Main Color
CC = Contrasting Color
join w/ = join with
SLP ST = Slip Stitch
CH = Chain
SC = Single Crochet
SC DEC = SC Decrease = Crochet 2 SC together
HDC = Half Double Crochet
DC = Double Crochet
TRBL = Treble Crochet
FP HDC = Front Post Half Double Crochet
BP HDC = Back Post Half Double Crochet
RS = Right Side
WS = Wrong Side
SP = Space
nxt = Next
* * = Repeat between the stars the number of times stated; x = Times; example Repeat 2 x or 2 times; 3 x or 3 times and so on;
in = example “in nxt st” means you will be inserting the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch to complete stitch or sequence of stitches stated.
Mock BP HDC = When making the collar, the beginning CH 2 counts as a stitch, but will recede and become a Mock BP HDC when making the ribbing at the collar.
Pattern Notes:
Leash hole option
Row 7: Execute Houndstooth Check pattern for 14 16 18 stitches, CH 3, skip two stitches, then proceed in the Houndstooth pattern to the end of the row.
Row 8: Execute Houndstooth Check Pattern and when you reach the CH 3 space, complete two stitches in pattern, wrapping the stitches around the CH 3 space, not directly into the chains. Also grab the yarn that is being carried making it run even along the CH 3 space, so that the stitches will encase that carried piece of yarn, when you wrap the stitches needed to complete the Houndstooth Check pattern.
You will find two finishing options for the bottom of the sweater. Option 1: Fan Edge or Option 2: Ribbed
All even rounds will be the right side of your work.
Houndstooth Check Doggie Sweater
Gauge: 4” x 4”= 14 rows x 14 stitches across in Houndstooth Check Pattern ( SC in nxt ST, DC in nxt ST) Hook: F- 5/3.75mm
All even rounds or rows will be the right side of your sweater.
With MC Make foundation CH 30 34 40
Being careful not to twist your foundation CH, join with a SLP ST in 1st CH to form a ring
Round 1: CH 2 (CH 2 counts as stitch) , HDC in each CH around, join w/SLP ST in 2nd CH of beg. CH 2 (30 34 40 HDC )
Round 2: CH 2; FP HDC in nxt ST; *BP HDC in nxt st; FP HDC in nxt st* Repeat 14x 16x 19x; join w/SLP ST in beg. CH 2 (remember that CH 2 is a BP HDC but is not included in the ending stitch count) (14, 15, 19 BP HDC) (15 16 20 FP HDC)
Round 3 & 4: Repeat Round 2
You will not be crocheting around the entire collar from here on out, so the rounds will become rows. Some stitches will remain unworked.
Row 5: CH1, SC in joining ST, SC in nxt st 2x, 2x, 3x, ; 2 SC in nxt st; *SC in nxt st 3x, 3x, 4x,; 2 SC in nxt st; * 5x, 5x, 5x, ; [SC in remaining 2 stitches of XSmall only]; leave remaining 6, 8, 10 stitches unworked; Turn and CH 1 (30 32 36 SC )
Leash hole option is found in the PATTERN NOTES section at the beginning of the pattern, you can place the leash hole option in the row 7 & 8, or lower if needed. The example shows it being placed in Row 7 & 8 in pic 1, and pic 2 shows how you can help to disguise the hole with a few embellishments.
The Houndstooth Check pattern is next and it is easy and quick. Each row will start with a SC and end with a DC. A color change is executed at the end of each row. Turn your work and make sure to carry the yarn color that was just dropped, crocheting over the yarn as you carry it to the end of the row. The yarn strand will be hidden in the stitching, and will be in the proper place, ready for you to pick up for the next color change.
Row 6: *SC in nxt ST; DC in nxt St* across; Drop MC, Turn, CH 1 by pulling up CC (30 32 36 ST ) Row 7: *SC in nxt ST; DC in nxt St* across; Drop CC, Turn, CH 1 by pulling up MC (30 32 36 ST )
Row 8 – 25 33 39 Repeat Rounds 6 and 7 Consecutively. At end of Row 25 33 39 CH 5(If making fan edge) CH 2(if making ribbed edge) remembering to pull up MC (30 32 36 SC )
You will want to end off CC at the end of the last odd or CC row, as carrying it through the edging fan row is not pleasing.
From base of collar to last Row 6” 9” 13” (These measurements are general, you can add or eliminate rows if needed. (Remember there is still a fan edging or ribbing edge to complete that will add approx. 1 ¼” in length.)
Finishing Option 1: Fan Edging Row numbers will start over. The fan edging consists of two rows; 1 row of fans, and the second row with a popcorn stitch using the CC, there will be a popcorn in the 1st 4 TRBL stitches, with a SLP ST in each CH 1 Space. The 5th TRBL will be skipped…just pass over it as if it isn’t there. This creates a smoother application. NOTE: Remember that you will be pulling up the MC at the end of the last row completed.
(FAN = 5 trbles with a CH 1 between each TRBL, but do not ch1 after the 5th treble) (Popcorn = DC and SLP ST in TRBL, pushing DC to the RS of sweater to make a bump it’s not really a popcorn, but I am going to call it that.)
Row 1: (CH 5 counts as TRBL CH 1)*TRBL, CH 1 in 1st st* 3x; TRBL; (first fan made in same st as beg. CH 5) *Skip 4 3 5 stitches; Fan in nxt st * Turn, Drop MC, pull up CC, CH 3
Row 2: CH 3 (counts as DC), SLP ST in 1st st; SLP ST in CH 1 sp, *Popcorn; SLP ST in CH 1 sp, Skip nxt st* 3x; [*Popcorn; SLP ST in CH 1 sp; Skip nxt st* 4x] Complete sequence between [ ] across, end off , fasten and weave in all ends.
Finishing Option 2: Ribbing Edge CH 2 does not count as a stitch Row 1: HDC in each st across, CH 2 and Turn (30 32 36 )
Row 2:* FP HDC in nxt st; BP HCD in nxt st* Complete across; CH 2 and turn (30 32 36 stitches) Row 3: * BP HDC in nxt st; FP HCD in nxt st* Complete across; CH 2 and turn (30 32 36 stitches)
Row 4: * FP HDC in nxt st; BP HCD in nxt st* Complete across; Fasten off, secure and weave in yarn ends. (30 32 36 stitches)
Chest and belly insert,with optional side button closure. (Belly Band instructions are found below insert instructions)
Row numbers will start over
With RS facing you, attach yarn in the 1st open stitch of the collar Note: The following instructions are for a slender dog or a doggie with a belly. Row 1: CH 1, SC in joining stitch *2 SC in nxt st * 4x 6x 8x; SC in last st; CH 1, Turn (10 14 18 SC) Row 2: *SC in each st across* CH 1, Turn (10 14 18 SC)
Row 3: SC DEC, SC in nxt st 6x 10x 14x; SC DEC; CH 1, Turn (8 12 16 SC)
Row 4: SC DEC, SC in nxt st 4x 8x 12x; SC DEC; CH 1, Turn (6 10 14 SC)Row 5- 13 17 20: SC in each st across; CH 1, Turn (6 10 14 SC)
You can add extra length here, for a larger leg opening if needed
Row 14 18 21: 2 SC in nxt st, SC in nxt st (4x 8x 10x ); 2 SC in last st; CH 1, Turn (8 12 16 SC)
Row 15 27 22: SC in nxt st, and in each st across; CH 1, Turn (8 12 16 SC)
Row 16 20 23: SC in nxt st; 2 SC in nxt st; SC in nxt st (4x 8x 12x); 2 SC in nxt st; SC in last st, CH 1, Turn (10 14 18 SC)
Row 17 21 24: SC in nxt st, and in each st across; CH 1, Turn (10 14 18 SC)
NOTE: !!!!! If your dog is slender and you do not wish to add increases for a bigger tummy, please repeat Row 17 21 24 (9x 11x 16x): fasten off and weave in ends. Note: You can leave a long tail for sewing the bodice pieces together, but I prefer to use another piece as you will have to make cuts anyway.
Row 18 22 25: SC in nxt st (2x); 2 SC in nxt st; SC in nxt st (4x 8x 12x ); 2 SC in nxt st; SC in last 2 st’s, CH 1, Turn (12 16 20 SC)
NOTE: If you are making this sweater for a “Boy” , you may want to eliminate a few rows. Row 19-26 23-32 26-40: SC in each st across; CH 1, Turn; End off at end of Row 22 34 40, fasten off and weave in ends. Note: You can leave a long tail for sewing the bodice pieces together, but I prefer to use another piece as you will have to make cuts anyway.
If you would like to place a button band on one side of the insert, do not fasten off, CH 1 and turn and continue to sc down the side of the insert stopping at Row 14 18 21: CH 1, Turn, SC in 1st st; make a CH 2 loop and skip 2 st’s; continue to sc along the side placing one more button loop at the middle and one at the end, making sure that you end with one SC in the last st. CH 1, Turn and SC in each ST including the CH’s. Bring your button edge to the side of the sweater, using the button holes as a guide, mark with a strait pin or chalk pencil where you want the buttons, and sew your buttons in place at the marks.
Base of collar to end lengthwise 6” 9” 11.5” (Picture’s below shows insert for a large bellied dog)
Turn dog sweater to the Wrong side and pin the front bodice to the tummy bodice as picture in (pic 1) Using a yarn needle and yarn, sew in place. I feel that pinning is essential, as my first attempt was really sidewhickered. (Optional) Sew row 1 & 2 to the bodice just under the collar (pic 2) If you made a button band, pin the side of the insert that does not have the button band to the bodice and sew in place. (pic 3)
Belly Bands
Option 1: Belly Band
Thank you to my wonderful testers! They have mentioned a belly band! Thank you Kim Potter of “K’s Keepsakes” for helping write this portion!
Row 1: With WS facing you, attach MC to the side of a MC Row making sure to give plenty of room for the leg hole (Approximately Row 12 or 14); CH 1, SC in side of joining row; *2 SC in nxt row (this will be the CC row); SC in side of next row (this will be a MC Row)* 5x ; CH 2, Turn (16 st)
Row 2 –12 16 22 : HDC in each st across; CH 2 Turn. NOTE: CH 1, Turn at the end of Row 12 16 22; (CH 2 does not count as stitch) You can shorten or lengthen the band here for a larger tummy
This next row will create the button holes (If using a small button CH1 for button hole, and skip one stitch only. Adjust your numbers accordingly)Row 13 17 23 : SC in nxt st; CH 2, skip nxt 2 st’s; *SC in nxt st (3x); CH 2, skip nxt 2 st’s; * 2x; SC in last ST CH 1, Turn
Row 14 18 24 : SC in nxt st and in each st across, including the CH’s; Fasten off and weave in ends. For a finished look, SC down both sides of your band.
Bring the band over to the opposite side of the sweater. Using the button holes as a guide, mark where you would like to place the buttons with a strait pin or chalk pencil. Sew buttons securely in place at the marks.
Option 2: Belly Band
Thank you to another fantastic tester Noemi Seranno of “Emi’s Creations”, she added the ribbed edging, and also made a belly band that was 8 stitches across, since he is a little boy! Thank you Noemi!
Row 1: With WS facing you, attach MC to the side of a MC Row making sure to give plenty of room for the leg hole (Approximately Row 12 or 14); CH 1, SC in side of joining row; *2 SC in nxt row (this will be the CC row); SC in side of next row (this will be a MC Row)* 2x ; SC in nxt row; CH 2, Turn (8 st)
Row 2 –12 16 22 : HDC in each st across; CH 2 Turn. NOTE: CH 1, Turn at the end of Row 12 16 22; (CH 2 does not count as stitch) You can shorten or lengthen the band here
This next row will create the button holes(If using a small button CH1 for button hole, and skip one stitch only. Adjust your numbers accordingly)
Row 13 17 23 : SC in nxt st; CH 2, skip nxt 2 st’s; SC in nxt st (2x); CH 2, skip nxt 2 st’s; SC in last ST CH 1, Turn
Row 14 18 24 : SC in nxt st and in each st across, including the CH’s; Fasten off and weave in ends. For a finished look, SC down both sides of your band. Bring the band over to the opposite side of the sweater. Using the button holes as a guide, mark where you would like to place the buttons with a strait pin or chalk pencil. Sew buttons securely in place at the marks.
The ad free pdf, that includes all photos can be purchased at ETSY or RAVELRY.
This doggie sweater was the beginning of the A Walk In The Park Collection of Crochet Pattern. There are 9 designs in total. Some are fancy like the Great Gatsby Hat. One of my favorite designs is the beautiful slouch hat. Then I really like the Beanie that guys love. Then the hooded cowl / poncho is so versatile and can be worn in so many different ways.
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This pattern is protected by copyright Krissys Over The Mountain Crochet©2024. Do not sell, alter or redistribute this pattern in any way or form. You have my permission to sell your finished product, but you are responsible for the finished product. You may NOT use my photos to sell your product or promote your website.
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I hope you enjoy the Houndstooth check crochet patterns that I have been offering for free on my blog. I hope they bring you joy and I hope you will share the love with your crochet friends.
God Bless,
Thank you for allowing me to get a free pattern for a dog coat, but I’m having trouble actually retrieving it unless I print 33 pages. I did not receive the email yet. I’ll keep checking. I am a home based crafted, 81 years ago, and I want to continue working as long as I can. I love the crochet and have made hundreds of hat etc. Again, thank you. Arlene Focht [email protected]