Knitted Chessboard Stitch: Easy Checkerboard Pattern with Row-by-Row Instructions
The Knitted Chess Board Stitch is a charming, classic checkerboard pattern that adds texture and visual interest to scarves, blankets, cushion covers, and other projects. This guide gives a clear row-by-row set of instructions, basic materials, and helpful notes so you can knit a neat checkerboard of alternating knit and purl squares. Suitable for adventurous beginners who are comfortable with basic knit and purl stitches.
Knitting materials and tools:
- DPN 4 mm (US 6 / UK 8)
- Loops&Threads, Impeccable (4) Yarn: 100% acrylic
Common abbreviations:
- k – knit
- p – purl
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sel s – selvage stitch: always slip the first stitch knitwise, work to the last stitch, purl the last stitch
Notes before you begin:
- Cast on a multiple of 4 sts, plus 8 extra stitches for the border (if desired), plus 2 selvage stitches. The example shown was cast on with 30 stitches.
- Work 5 garter rows (knit every row) for a neat border before starting the main checkerboard pattern.
- Repeat Rows 1–20 to continue the pattern for the length you need.
Knit Chess Board Stitch instructions (Rows):
Cast on desired number of stitches (multiple of 4 + 8 border + 2 sel s). Knit 5 rows, then begin the main pattern below.
Row 1: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 2: sel s, k4, purl all stitches until last 5 sts, k4, sel s.
Row 3: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 4: sel s, k4, *k4, p4 — repeat from * across, k4, sel s.
Row 5: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 6: Repeat Row 4.
Row 7: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 8: Repeat Row 4.
Row 9: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 10: Repeat Row 4.
Row 11: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 12: sel s, k4, purl all stitches until last 5 sts, k4, sel s.
Row 13: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 14: sel s, k4, *p4, k4 — repeat from * across, p4, k4, sel s.
Row 15: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 16: Repeat Row 14.
Row 17: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 18: Repeat Row 14.
Row 19: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 20: Repeat Row 14.
Repeat Rows 1–20 to form the checkerboard pattern for as long as you like. Finish with 5 garter rows to match your starting border, then bind off.
Tips: Maintain consistent tension to keep square shapes even. If your squares look rectangular, check needle size and yarn tension; a swatch and blocking can help even out the fabric.
