Cozy Knitted Chessboard Baby Blanket — Free Step-by-Step Pattern

Make a timeless, soft baby blanket with a classic chessboard texture. This pattern creates a cuddly, reversible blanket that looks elegant in any nursery and is simple to knit using two strands held together. The finished blanket measures approximately 73 cm x 120 cm (28.5 in x 47 in).

The Knitted Chessboard Baby Blanket is the perfect combination of style and comfort for your little one. This charming blanket features a classic chessboard pattern that adds a touch of elegance to your nursery while keeping your baby snug and warm. Its soft and cozy material is gentle against delicate skin, making it ideal for cuddling or tummy time. Whether as a thoughtful gift or a special addition to your own baby's collection, this blanket is sure to be loved and cherished for years to come.

Knitting materials and tools:

• 32” or 47” circular needles 4.5 mm (US 7/UK 7).
• Wendy, Peter Pan (4 PLY): 60% acrylic, 40% nylon. 50 grams - 206 m per skein; knit with 2 strands of yarn held together.
• If you cannot find the specified yarn, choose a yarn with about 170–200 m per 100 g skein and hold two strands together.

Common abbreviations:

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• sel s – selvage stitch: slip the first stitch knitwise, work to the last stitch, purl the last stitch
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side

Finished size:

• Width: 73 cm (28.5 in)
• Length: 120 cm (47 in)

Gauge: 17–18 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette.

Notes: The central chessboard section is a multiple of 10 stitches. The sample uses 132 sts total: 120 sts for the central pattern + 5 sts right border + 5 sts left border + 2 selvage sts. Adjust cast-on by adding or subtracting multiples of 10 to change the width.

Cast on: Using the long tail cast-on, cast on 132 sts.

Knitting the edge (beginning):

Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 (WS): sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 (RS): sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.

Chessboard middle pattern:

Row 1 (RS): sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Row 2 (WS): sel s, k5, p120, k5, sel s.
Row 3 (RS): sel s, k5, [k1, p8, k1] – repeat 12 times, k5, sel s.
Row 4 (WS): sel s, k5, [p1, k8, p1] – repeat 12 times, k5, sel s.
Row 5 (RS): sel s, k5, [k1, p2, k4, p2, k1] – repeat 12 times, k5, sel s.
Row 6 (WS): sel s, k5, [p1, k2, p4, k2, p1] – repeat 12 times, k5, sel s.
Row 7 (RS): Repeat Row 5.
Row 8 (WS): Repeat Row 6.
Row 9 (RS): Repeat Row 5.
Row 10 (WS): Repeat Row 6.
Row 11 (RS): sel s, k5, [k1, p8, k1] – repeat 12 times, k5, sel s.
Row 12 (WS): sel s, k5, [p1, k8, p1] – repeat 12 times, k5, sel s.

Repeat these 12 rows until the blanket reaches the desired length. The sample repeats the 12-row pattern 26 times.

Knitting the edge (finishing):

Rows 1–10: sel s, knit all stitches, sel s.
Bind off all stitches. Use any preferred method — the Scandinavian bind-off works especially well for garter-stitch edges.

Scandinavian Bind-off (as written): *Insert the tip of the right-hand needle purlwise, holding it in front of the work, then insert the tip of the same needle knitwise into the second stitch, wrap the yarn and pull it through. Slip both stitches off the left-hand needle. Return the stitch from the right-hand needle to the left-hand needle. Repeat from * until you bind off all stitches.

Finishing: Weave in ends and block gently if desired to even out the texture. Enjoy your cozy chessboard baby blanket!