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How to make a houndstooth pattern

Make a Houndstooth Pattern

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Houndstooth is a classic two tone textile pattern originally woven in 2 colors with equal yarns of dark vs light. The motif shape of color 1 is exact as color 2, thus creating the houndstooth effect.

Start with any grid of even numbers.....2x2, 4x4, 6x6, 8x8, etc. I will be using a 4x4 for this guide (4 black & 4 white).

Numbers are not necessary but I numbered each quad for easy reference.  Pattern repeats in 4 sections only (1,2,3,4).

Numbers are not necessary but I numbered each quad for easy reference. Pattern repeats in 4 sections only (1,2,3,4).

Block #1 will be BLACK while opposite block #3 are WHITE (shaded for easy reference only).  1&3 are complete.

Block #1 will be BLACK while opposite block #3 are WHITE (shaded for easy reference only). 1&3 are complete.

Divide number of BLACKS (which is 4) by 2=2.  Grids 4x4=2, 6x6grid=3, 8x8 grid=4, etc.  Color 2 vertically at very bottom corner (4L & 4P).

Divide number of BLACKS (which is 4) by 2=2. Grids 4x4=2, 6x6grid=3, 8x8 grid=4, etc. Color 2 vertically at very bottom corner (4L & 4P).

Continue diagonally, keeping 2 WHITES between 2 BLACKS.  See next image.

Continue diagonally, keeping 2 WHITES between 2 BLACKS. See next image.

This completes #4.

This completes #4.

Block #2 must be colored diagonally in same direction as #4 but in exact opposite colors.

Block #2 must be colored diagonally in same direction as #4 but in exact opposite colors.

All 2s & 4s are filled in so houndstooth is completed.

All 2s & 4s are filled in so houndstooth is completed.

Numbers removed.

6x6 grid

6x6 grid

8x8 grid. Enjoy!!

8x8 grid. Enjoy!!

The creator of this guide has not included tools