Crochet Checkerboard Stitch1
Introduction
The checkerboard stitch is an easy yet visually striking crochet stitch.
To create this pattern, we will repeat a cycle of 4 rows. Rows 1 and 3 will alternate two stitches: sl st – hdc, always ending with a sl st. Rows 2 and 4 will form the checkerboard pattern by alternating a solid section, made with double crochet stitches, and an openwork section, created with the mesh stitch.
This detailed guide will help you master the stitch to create unique projects such as sweaters, cardigans, jackets, blankets, and bags.
I recommend using a yarn of thickness 3 or higher in a light color to make it easier to see your work. If you find it difficult to work with multiple loops on a regular crochet hook, you may prefer using a long Tunisian crochet hook.
Materials needed:
crochet hook-4 mm
Tunisian crochet hook-4 mm
Yarn-size 3
US Crochet Symbols
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
yo = yarn over
sk = skip
4R dc st(6t) = 4 rows of double crochet stitches, repeated 6 times
4R mesh st(3t) = 4 rows of mesh stitches, repeated 3 times
Step-by-Step Pattern
Foundation
Start with a multiple of *ch12 *+ch1 stitches.
Row 1
ch1, work alternating sl st – hdc, ending with sl st.
Row 2
Chain 11.
Yo, sk 2 loops, insert the hook into the 3rd loop, and pull up a loop (3 loops on
hook).
Yo, sk 2 more loops, insert the hook into the 3rd, and pull up a loop (5 loops).
Yo, sk 2 more loops, insert the hook into the 3rd, and pull up a loop (7 loops).
Yo, insert the hook into the first stitch of the previous row and pull up a loop
(9 loops).
Close 2 loops at a time until only 1 loop remains on the hook.
Repeat this process in the 2 overlapping loops separating the rows ,repeat for 6 times → this will form your 4R dc st(6t).
Openwork Section
Ch1, yo twice, insert the hook into the first 2 overlapping loops, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), close 2 loops (3 loops remain).
Yo twice, insert the hook into the next two overlapping loops, pull up a loop (6 loops on hook), close 2 loops (5 loops remain).
Yo twice, insert the hook into the next two overlapping loops, pull up a loop (8 loops on hook), close 2 loops (7 loops remain).
Yo once, sk 1 stitch (hdc from the previous row), insert the hook above the sl st from the previous row, and pull up a loop (9 loops on hook).
Close 2 loops at a time until only 1 loop remains.
Repeat 2 more times: ch 1, insert the hook into the two overlapping loops.
Alternate between solid and openwork sections until the end of the row.
Row 3
Repeat Row 1 (ch1, sl st – hdc – sl st). When working over the openwork section:
Place hdc over the chain (ch1) that separates the double crochets.
Place sl st over the double crochets.
Row 4
Chain 13.
*Yo twice, sk 4 loops, insert the hook into the 5th loop, pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), close 2 loops (3 loops remain).
Yo twice, sk 2 loops, insert the hook into the 3rd, pull up a loop (6 loops on hook), close 2 loops (5 loops remain).
Yo twice, sk 2 loops, insert the hook into the 3rd, pull up a loop (8 loops on hook),close 2 loops (7 loops remain).
Yo once, sk 1 stitch from the previous row (hdc), insert the hook above the sl st from the previous row, and pull up a loop (9 loops on hook).
Close 2 loops at a time until only 1 loop remains.*
Repeat 2 more times:ch1, then repeat from the beginning by inserting the crochet hook into the 2 overlapping loops
Follow with the solid section, alternating the elements across the row.
Continue with 4R dc st(6t)
Row 5 and Beyond
Repeat Rows 1 to 4 to achieve the desired pattern.
IT 
EN_GB