38 Free Plaid Patterns to Crochet and Knit

The differences between plaids, checks, and tartans can be confusing, but all the slight variations of this style are classics and have been well-loved for generations. Whether you’re going with the tartan of a Scottish clan, or just making up a cute plaid pattern for a new afghan, plaids stand the test of time. Here we have 38 plaid patterns from Yarnspirations for you to choose from.

If you want to dig a little deeper, a plaid design is made up of two or more colors criss-crossing each other at right angles. You see plaids in fabric every day, and they’re a classic look. Tartans are plaids that have a specific name and are associated with a Scottish clan or another group. Checks can be a special type of plaid, but not all plaids are checks.

Bonus: Plaid Yarn

Bernat Color-Pooling Yarn has a buffalo plaid color to easily make buffalo plaid patterns.

Colorful Plaid

Colorful plaids can bring a touch of whimsy to your life and brighten up your home.

• Plaid-y Hook Caddy
• Plaid Picnic Throw
• Stripes and Checks Crochet Scarf
• Boldly Colored Plaid Set
• Fabulous Planned Pooling Wrap
• Crochet Plaid Blanket
• Woven Plaid Crochet Blanket
• Plaid Christmas Blanket
• Planned Pooling Pompom Scarf
• Argyle and Plaid Jacket
• Plaid Christmas Blanket

Neutral Plaid

Neutral plaids will go with anything and everything!

• Check Mate Fair Isle Hat
• Crochet Blanket Ruana
• Plaid Blanket Crochet Poncho
• Alize EZ Mad for Plaid Blanket
• Crochet Gingham Plaid Afghan
• Gray Shades Tartan Scarf
• Planned Pooling Argyle Poncho

Buffalo Plaid

This classic red and black design, often associated with lumberjacks and the woods, is perfect for warm winter items.

• Canine Checks
• Buffalo Plaid Crochet Hat for Him
• Buffalo Babes Blanket
• Lumberjack Beanie
• Plaid Pillow
• Felted Buffalo Plaid Roll Bag
• Buffalo Plaid Crochet Stadium Blanket
• Buffalo Plaid Bottle Cozy
• Crochet Buffalo Plaid Afghan

Everyday Plaids

These plaids will work well no matter your decorating style.

• Mad for Plaid Crochet Blanket
• Plaid Afghan
• Plaid Look Crochet Blanket
• Check Please Blanket
• Plaid Slouchy Beanie
• Buffalo Plaid Crochet Cardigan
• Big Plaid Crochet Blanket
• Mad for Plaid Crochet Placemat
• Scotch On the Rocks Crochet Plaid Scarf
• Planned Pooling Hat and Cowl Set
• Check Please Blanket

You may also like

• Crochet Tartan Scarf in Shades of Gray
• Free Argyle Patterns to Crochet and Knit
• 51 Free Checks and Blocks Crochet and Knitting Patterns
• Plaid Crochet Christmas Afghan Free Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get a plaid pattern in crochet or knitting?

There are a few different techniques! Planned pooling with self-striping yarn can create an argyle or plaid-like effect. Intarsia or stranded colorwork can recreate plaid motifs stitch by stitch. Some patterns use slip stitches or textural techniques to create the intersecting line effect of plaid. And Marly’s DIY plaid crochet method uses a base stitch pattern with surface slip stitch lines added after… giving you real gingham and plaid looks. Each technique gives a slightly different result.

Is crocheting or knitting plaid fabric difficult?

It depends on the method! Planned pooling plaid requires upfront math and swatching but then the crocheting itself is straightforward. Surface crochet plaid (adding lines on top of a finished fabric) is accessible for confident beginners. Intarsia plaid is more advanced and requires managing multiple yarn bobbins. Start with the method that matches your current skill level… there’s a plaid technique for everyone from intermediate beginner to experienced colorwork crafter.

What’s the difference between plaid and gingham in yarn crafts?

Gingham is a simple two-color check pattern… equal sized squares in one color against a white or neutral background. Plaid is more complex with multiple colors, varying stripe widths, and overlapping horizontal and vertical lines. Gingham is generally easier to recreate in yarn because it’s just a regular repeat. Plaid requires more color management and careful stitch placement to get those characteristic overlapping stripe effects. Both look amazing in handmade projects!

What projects work best for plaid patterns?

Blankets, scarves, and flat-worked accessories show off plaid patterns beautifully because you can see the full geometric effect. Marly has designed check and plaid scarves that look incredible. Home decor items like pillow covers and placemats are great for plaid. Bags and totes are fun because the graphic pattern is visible and eye-catching. Garments can absolutely use plaid but require more planning to get the motif placement right across shaping and seams.

What yarns create the best plaid effect?

Smooth yarn with good stitch definition in strongly contrasting colors creates the crispest plaid patterns. Classic plaid colors are earthy and rich… burgundy and green, navy and red, black and tan. But there are no rules… a pastel plaid is adorable for baby items. For the clearest plaid look, avoid variegated yarns and stick with solid colors so the geometric structure reads cleanly. The contrast between your colors is the key to a plaid that looks intentional and graphic rather than muddy.