Also known as dogstooth.
A distinctive two-tone pattern of broken checks that can be printed or woven, so-called as it supposedly resembles the pointed teeth of a hound. From the Scottish lowlands and traditionally used in tailoring.
The weave structure looks complex but is extremely simple to weave–a winning combination. The warp and weft are set in alternating bands of colour–traditionally 4 threads each–and woven in a 2:2 twill (two over, two under) advancing by one thread with each pass; the two colours form the same shapes in reverse.
Houndstooth furnishing fabrics are woven in many dual tones, commonly in black and white or navy and white. It is a good counterpoint to other weaves and patterns in a room, as the structure of the design is strong enough to hold its own, yet freely accepts all manner of stripes, florals, paisleys and motif prints, in much the same way that a houndstooth suit will be worn with an accompanying shirt, tie, scarf or hat, more or less depending on the occasion.
Sometimes confused with shepherds check.