Check out this easy basic checkerboard stitch knitting pattern to add some fun texture to your next knitting project!

The first time I saw a basic checkerboard stitch was in a cute baby blanket. I loved that it was interesting and textured but also easy enough that I, as a beginner, could do it. You better believe I knit that checkerboard stitch baby blanket for a friend! Since then it’s been one of my favorites for a lot of reasons, let’s get into everything you ever wanted to know about checkerboard knitting!

What is a basic checkerboard stitch?

A basic checkerboard stitch alternates sections of knit and purl sections both horizontally AND vertically. The result is a checkerboard texture. You can create a checkerboard stitch texture with any number of stitches and rows but today we are talking about multiples of 3 stitches which is the minimum repeat where you can see a checkerboard texture emerge.

What is awesome about checkboard stitch knitting?

• Checkerboard stitch is super easy, it’s just alternating knits and purls!
• Checkerboard knitting lays flat without blocking.
• The two sides are inverse which almost the same as reversible, just opposite!

What does a basic checkerboard stitch look like?

Here is a photo showing the right side of a swatch of checkerboard stitch:

Here is a photo showing the wrong side of a swatch of checkerboard stitch:

As you can see, the two sides are basically reversible (well, technically they’re inverse) with the only difference being which side of the cast on and bind off that you see.

Tips & Tricks for knitting checkerboard stitches:

• For your first few rows or rounds, you may consider placing stitch markers between the knits and purls to help you keep track.
• It can also be helpful to place stitch markers at the vertical repeats as well so you know how many rows or rounds you have completed.

Basic Checkerboard Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches

Rows 1-3: (k3, p3) repeat to the end of the row

Row 4-6: (p3, k3) repeat to the end of the row

Repeat rows 1-6 (you can end after a row 3 or a row 6)

Here is a chart showing how to knit basic checkerboard stitch flat:

Basic Checkerboard Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches and join to knit in the round

Rounds 1-3: (k3, p3) repeat to the end of the round

Rounds 4-6: (p3, k3) repeat to the end of the round

Repeat rounds 1-6 (you can end after a round 3 or a round 6)

Here is a chart showing how to knit basic checkerboard stitch in the round:

Yield: 1 swatch

How To Knit Basic Checkerboard Stitch

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Check out this easy basic checkerboard stitch knitting pattern to add some fun texture to your next knitting project!

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn

Tools

• US 7 (4.5mm) straight knitting needles (for knitting flat)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles

Instructions

Basic Checkerboard Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)

1. Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches
2. Rows 1-3: (k3, p3) repeat to the end of the row
3. Row 4-6: (p3, k3) repeat to the end of the row
4. Repeat rows 1-6 (you can end after a row 3 or a row 6)

Basic Checkerboard Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)

1. Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches and join to knit in the round
2. Rounds 1-3: (k3, p3) repeat to the end of the round
3. Rounds 4-6: (p3, k3) repeat to the end of the round
4. Repeat rounds 1-6 (you can end after a round 3 or a round 6)

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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  Lion Brand Yarn (1 Skein 860-108A Vanna's Choice, Dusty Blue Yarn
• 
  ChiaoGoo Single Point 9 inch (23cm) Bamboo Dark Patina Knitting Needle Size US 7 (4.5mm) 1031-7
• 
  Clover 3016/16-07 Takumi Bamboo Circular 16-Inch Knitting Needles, Size 7

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Cassie May

Craft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window Design

Welcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns.

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