This pattern was originally published in 2023. It has been fully updated for 2026 with a new high-resolution chart, revised instructions and project summary.

There is something deeply satisfying about the clean, organized rhythm of the Checkerboard block. A true staple for any home collection, this design uses the simple interplay of light and shadow to create a sophisticated geometric texture that looks far more complex than it is to knit.

This pattern is an absolute favorite for beginners because it relies entirely on basic knit and purl stitches. It’s a wonderful way to practice reading your knitting and keeping track of simple repeats while producing a professional, boutique-quality finish. Whether you’re building a modern washcloth set for a gift or adding a sturdy, tactile square to a patchwork blanket, the Checkerboard pattern brings a timeless sense of order and style to your needles.

Project Detail	Requirement
Skill Level	Beginner (only knits and purls)
Yarn Weight	DK or Worsted
Needle Size	4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches)
Finished Size	8.5” x 8.5” (22 cm x 22 cm)

Materials & Tools for the Checkerboard block

Yarn: 70 yds (64 m) of DK yarn (8 ply). OR 140 yds (128 m) of light fingering yarn (approx 3 ply) USED DOUBLE.
Needles: 4mm / US 6 (and 4.5mm / US 7 for casting on and binding off stitches).
Tools: tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, scissors.
Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows in stocking st with US 6 (4 mm needles) and DK yarn = 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm)

NOTE: You can change the yarn weight and needle size to obtain different sized blocks. Let me know in the comments if you need help!

Checkerboard: Knitted square instructions

hand knitted light blue cotton square featuring the checkerboard dishcloth or blanket block pattern, from Oh La Lana! Texture Collection, with an 52SP standard badge on the top right corner

Abbreviations:

CO: cast on
RS: right side
WS: wrong side
st(s): stitch(es)
k: knit
p: purl

The Pattern: General Instructions

Cast on sts
CO 43 sts with US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
I always cast on and bind off stitches with larger needles than I use for the main work. This prevents my cast on and bind off rows from being too tight.
Garter stitch bottom border
With US 6 (4 mm) needles, knit 4 rows.
Slip first stitch on every row as if you were to knit it, but without knitting it (except on the first row). It will form a neat and sturdy border.
Main pattern with garter stitch side borders
Continue working the next 55 rows as follows:
4 garter sts, Checkerboard knitting pattern over 35 sts, 4 garter sts
Work the entire 12-row pattern 4 times complete, and then rows 1) to 7) again.
You can follow either the row-by-row written instructions or the chart below for the Checkerboard knitting pattern.
Garter stitch top border
Knit 4 rows.
Bind off
Bind off all sts with a US 7 (4.5 mm) needle. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
(Optional) Blocking
Block your square to its final measures.

Checkerboard Knitting Pattern: Row-by-Row Instructions

The stitch pattern repeats over 8 stitches and 12 rows. I added 3 more stitches to reach 35 stitches of internal space.
Work the instructions between brackets a total of 4 times.

Row 1) (RS) p1, [k4, p4], k2

Row 2) p2, [k1, p2, k1, p4], k1

Row 3) p1, [k4, p4], k2

Row 4) p2, [k1, p2, k1, p4], k1

Row 5) p1, [k4, p4], k2

Row 6) p2, [k1, p2, k1, p4], k1

Row 7) k1, [p4, k4], p2

Row 8) p1, k1, [p4, k1, p2, k1], p1

Row 9) k1, [p4, k4], p2

Row 10) p1, k1, [p4, k1, p2, k1], p1

Row 11) k1, [p4, k4], p2

Row 12) p1, k1, [p4, k1, p2, k1], p1

Checkerboard Knitting Chart

Read all odd rows from right to left, and all even rows from left to right.

💡Note & Tip: These charted instructions represent the 35-stitch design area. Remember to work your 4-stitch garter borders at the beginning and end of every row. I recommend using stitch markers to separate the borders from the main design area.