Free Houndstooth Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern (Size XS)

I was so excited to use MJ’s Off The Hook Designs Timeless Tones for this houndstooth crochet dog sweater pattern. I wanted a simple stitch that would let the yarn’s texture shine, and houndstooth was perfect for that. It’s simple to work and rich with texture, which is also why the Houndstooth Crochet Beanie is one of my favorite patterns.

This time it’s a two-color sweater with a ribbed neckband you try on your dog before you keep going, real leg holes, and a harness opening built right into the body. It comes in eight sizes, XXS through 3X, so it fits more than just the toy breeds most dog sweater patterns are written for.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Only size XS is free on the blog, and you’ll find the complete written pattern for it below. If your dog needs one of the other seven sizes, the full pattern with all eight sizes, the schematic, and the crochet chart is in the ad-free PDF in my shops.

Why You’ll Love This Houndstooth Dog Sweater

• Real leg holes with their own clean edging.
• A harness opening built into the body, so you can clip a leash or harness on without taking the sweater off.
• A ribbed neckband you try on your dog partway through, before you commit to the rest of the sweater.
• A two-color houndstooth check, so you get to pick both colors.
• Eight sizes in the ad-free PDF, XXS through 3X, so it fits more than just toy breeds.

Yarn Substitutions

If you want to use a different yarn for this dog sweater, these are the three substitutions listed in the pattern:

WeCrochet Brava Baby DK, 100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic, 273yds/100g

Mary Maxim Mellowspun, 100% Acrylic, 284yds/100g

Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday DK, 100% Anti-Pilling Acrylic, 273yds/100g

Remember always to check the gauge and drape when substituting yarns.

Skill Level

Easy

This pattern is Advanced Beginner, Easy. The houndstooth check just alternates two colors every row or round, so once you find the rhythm, it moves quickly. The stitches worth practicing first are dc2tog, sc2tog, and stacked dc2tog, which show up in the back shaping.

Sizing & Finished Measurements

Here are the finished neck, chest, and back length measurements for each of the eight sizes of the sweater:

Size	Neck	Chest	Back Length
XXS	10 1/4″	13 3/4″	9 1/4″
XS	12″	15 1/2″	10 1/4″
S	13 3/4″	18 1/8″	12 1/2″
M	15 1/2″	22 1/4″	14 1/4″
L	17 1/4″	25 3/4″	16 1/4″
1X	18 3/4″	29 1/4″	18 3/4″
2X	20 1/2″	32 1/2″	20 3/4″
3X	22 1/4″	34 1/4″	22 1/2″

For size S, the chest measurement allows 1 to 2 inches of ease.

The PDF includes the full body schematic, so you can see exactly where each of these three measurements is taken.

Abbreviations

blo – back loop only
ch – chain
RS/WS – Right Side/Wrong Side
sc – single crochet
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)

Gauge

Gauge is 15 sts and 14 rows in the houndstooth pattern over 4 inches by 4 inches, worked with the larger hook and measured after blocking.

Special Stitches Used in This Pattern

A few stitches in this pattern go beyond basic single and double crochet. You’ll find them in the shoulders and the back shaping.

• Dc2tog (double crochet two together): two double crochet stitches worked together into one stitch, used to decrease.
• Sc2tog (single crochet two together): two single crochet stitches worked together into one stitch, also used to decrease.
• Stacked dc2tog: a dc2tog worked at the start of a row in place of a turning chain.
• 3-st increase: three stitches worked in pattern, all in the same stitch.
• In pattern: keep working the sc and dc alternation you’ve already established, whichever stitch comes next.

How to Measure Your Dog for a Crochet Sweater

Measuring your dog accurately is key to getting a handmade sweater that fits just right, snug but comfy.

Use a soft measuring tape. A flexible sewing tape measure is best. If you don’t have one, use a piece of string and then measure the string with a ruler.

Measure while your dog is standing. Get your pup to stand naturally, with no slouching or stretching. This gives the most accurate read on their true size.

Chest (girth), the most important measurement. Wrap the tape around the widest part of your dog’s chest, usually just behind the front legs. Make sure the tape is snug but not tight. You should be able to slip one finger underneath it.

Fluffy dog tip. If your dog has a very fluffy coat, keep that in mind and allow a little extra room for comfort.

Neck circumference. Measure around the base of the neck, where a collar would naturally sit, not too high up near the ears.

Length from neck to tail. Measure from the base of the neck, where it meets the shoulders, to the start of the tail. This tells you how long the sweater should be.

Leg hole placement (optional but helpful). Measure from the base of the neck down to where your dog’s front legs meet the body. This helps you check where the leg holes will land.

Don’t forget ease! If your dog is between sizes, it’s often better to size up.

The neckband is your built-in fit check. Work it, try it on your dog, and adjust before you pick up stitches for the shoulders. It’s the easiest place to catch a sizing problem.

The Harness Opening and Leg Holes, Explained

The harness opening is built into the body as you crochet, right alongside the two leg holes, so you can clip a leash or harness on without taking the sweater off. The leg holes get their own clean edging when you finish.

Every harness sits a little differently, so hold yours up to the opening and check the placement before you finish the sweater.

Only Size XS Is Free on the Blog

The complete written pattern for size XS is below, with the free email unlock. If XS is your dog’s size, you don’t need to buy anything.

If you want all eight sizes, XXS through 3X, you’ll need the ad-free PDF from one of my shops on Etsy, Ravelry, or Shopify. The PDF also includes the full body schematic and the crochet chart.

Houndstooth Crochet Dog Sweater Pattern FAQs

What size should I make for my dog?

Measure your dog’s neck, chest, and back length, then compare those numbers to the finished measurements above. Chest matters most, so match that one first. The free pattern on this post is size XS, which has a finished chest of 15 1/2 inches. For any other size, you’ll need the full PDF.

Is the Houndstooth Dog Sweater beginner-friendly?

It’s rated Advanced Beginner, Easy, so it’s a good fit if you already know single crochet and double crochet. The houndstooth check just alternates those two stitches. The only stitches that need a little extra attention are dc2tog, sc2tog, and stacked dc2tog, and they only show up in the back shaping near the end.

How do I get the other seven sizes?

The full PDF with all eight sizes, XXS through 3X, plus the schematic and the crochet chart, is available from my shops on Etsy, Ravelry, and Shopify. Size XS is the only size written out on the blog.

Can I use a different yarn than MJ’s Off The Hook Designs?

Yes. The three substitutions listed above, Mary Maxim Mellowspun, Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday DK, and WeCrochet Brava Baby DK, are all acrylic yarns with similar yardage to the Timeless Tones. Whatever yarn you choose, check your gauge against the pattern’s 15 stitches and 14 rows over 4 inches after blocking, since gauge is what controls the fit.

Will the harness opening work with the harness my dog already wears?

The opening is built so a leash or harness can come through without taking the sweater off, but every harness sits a little differently. Hold your dog’s harness up to the opening as you work to check the placement before you finish the sweater.

How long does the Houndstooth Dog Sweater take to crochet?

Size XS usually takes about 3 to 5 hours. Larger sizes take longer because they have a lot more rows and more color changes, so plan on closer to 15 to 25 hours for 2X or 3X. For a more personal estimate, try the Crochet Time Estimator.

Can I sell items made from this pattern?

Yes, you can sell finished items on a small scale, and credit to Briana K Designs is always appreciated. You can’t copy or share the pattern itself.

Written Crochet Pattern Instructions, Size XS

Shoulders

With RS facing, place a marker in st #10, st #19, st #36, and st #44 (last st). Work in joined rounds, turning after every round, and increase from the neck to the shoulders as follows:

Rnd 1 (RS): With Color B ch 1, sc in first, dc in next, *work in pattern until marker, 3-st increase in marked st (and move marker to center st of 3 sts just made); repeat from * around, work in pattern to end of rnd, join and turn. | 52 sts

Remove first and fourth markers.

Rnd 2 (WS): With Color A ch 1, sc in first, dc in next, *sc in next, dc in next; repeat from * around, moving each marker to the new st above it as you go, join and turn.

Rnd 3: With Color B ch 1, sc in first, dc in next, *work in pattern until marker, 3-st increase in marked st (and move marker to center st of 3 sts just made); repeat from * around, work in pattern to end of rnd, join and turn. | 56 sts

Remove remaining markers.

Rnds 4-6 (3 total rnds): Ch 1, sc in first, dc in next, *sc in next, dc in next; repeat from * around, join and turn.

Chest Panel

See Pattern Notes above for tips on not fastening off yarn. Work Chest Panel section back and forth in rows across first 10 sts only as follows:

Rows 7-12 (RS, 6 total rows): Ch 1, sc in first, dc in next, [sc in next, dc in next] 4 times, turn.

Leg & Harness

Begin working in rounds again as follows:

Rnd 13 (RS): Ch 1, sc in first, dc in next, [sc in next, dc in next] 4 times, ch 12, skip 12 sts, [sc in next, dc in next] to last 12 sts, ch 12, skip last 12 sts, join and turn. | 56 sts

Row 33 (RS): Ch 1, sc2tog over first 2 sts, *dc in next, sc in next; repeat from * to last 2 sts, dc2tog over last 2 sts, turn. | 42 sts

Row 34: Stacked dc2tog over first 2 sts, *sc in next, dc in next; repeat from * to last 2 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts, turn. | 40 sts

Repeats: Repeat Rows 33-34 four more times (11 total rows in section). | 24 sts

Finishing (All Sizes)

Body Edging

Cut Color B, and continue with Color A for the edging. With RS facing, ch 1, and sc evenly around entire bottom opening edge.

Work bottom edging around yarn tails to avoid extra end weaving later.

Join and fasten off.

Leg Hole Edgings

With RS facing and Color A, join with a sl st anywhere along one Leg Hole opening.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around entire Leg Hole opening, join, do not turn.

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join and fasten off.

Repeat for second Leg Hole.

Weave in all loose ends.

Blocking

Blocking isn’t optional. Blocking is magic. Soak the sweater in cool water with a gentle wool wash, if your fiber allows. Gently squeeze out the excess water, but don’t wring it. Roll it in a towel and press to remove more moisture, then lay it flat on blocking mats and shape it to your size. Let it dry completely.

Share Your Finished Houndstooth Dog Sweater!

I love seeing this pattern come to life on real dogs. When you finish yours, share it on Instagram with #brianakdesigns, or post it in the Briana K Designs Community Group on Facebook.