Crochet a Checkerboard Square
This is an excellent square for beginners to learn (every row is the same!) and is crocheted flat, not in the round like a granny square. It can take as little as 40 minutes to make one square- make one every night and sew them together at the end of the month!
Abbreviations
- YO- yarn over, wrap yarn over hook
- tr- treble
- dc- double crochet
- ch- chain
- Note these instructions are written in English, not American, crochet, where a treble (tr) is (YO, insert, YO, draw through chain, YO, draw through 2 loops, YO, draw through last loops) and double crochet is (insert, YO, draw through chain, YO, draw through loops).
Steps
- Make a foundation chain of 24.
- Make a turning Ch of 3 (to act as 1st Tr), then make 2 further Trs to form the 1st block.
- Ch 3, then make 3 Trs into the foundation chain 3 loops away from the first block of trebles.
- Repeat step 3 until you have four blocks of Trs and a length of chain.
- Make 1 Tr into the last loop on the foundation chain
- Flip over your crochet, and repeat steps 2-4 again. Every row is the same. The 1st 3 ch act as turning chain and the 1st Tr of the 1st block. Make Trs into the chain formed in row 1, and Chs over the row 1 blocks.
- Continue until you have a square of 10 rows
- Make 2 Ch and then DC all the way across the top of the square. At the corner, make 2 Ch and then DC along the side.
- Repeat the DC so that all four edges are covered. Cut yarn, pull through, sew in ends to finish.
- Finished.
Tips
- This basic pattern can be modified easily- just make sure the foundation chain is an even multiple of 3, eg 30 (3x10), 48 (3x16).
- This block was completed using a 4mm hook and double knitting acrylic yarn.
- Use this pattern to make a decorative end to scarf. When you finish the basic block, continue to crochet along the top row in trebles or doubles. Or, make a whole checkerboard scarf instead.
- Blocks are easy to make and can be sewn together to form blankets- but don't be too ambitious at first. Start with something small like a baby blanket or a cushion cover.
- When tying off ends, or sewing or crocheting them together, make sure your knots or ends are secure. There is nothing worse than making a beautiful crocheted piece or blanket and having it come apart.
- Don't be worried if your block looks wonky and bumps in its early stages. Tension from the later rows and double crochet edge pull it all into place.
- Acrylic yarn is harder to split than wool, so is better for beginners.
- Use light coloured yarn to make learning easier. Dark colours make counting chains hard!
Warnings
- The chunkier the yarn and hook, the larger the gaps will be, making this pattern unsuitable for very thick yarns.
Things You'll Need
- crochet hook (this block used a 4mm)
- yarn (acrylic is best)
- scissors
