I am so excited to share this darling crochet griddle stitch checkerboard baby blanket with you! I have made so many gingham blankets over the years, but I cannot believe it took me this long to make a simple two-color checkerboard version. It was such a dream to work on, and I just loved watching it grow row by row.
For this checkerboard baby blanket, I used the griddle stitch. It is one of my favorite stitch patterns whenever I am carrying yarn along a row because it disguises the carried yarn better than almost anything else. The result is a clean, beautiful blanket that looks so polished and put-together.
Materials and Tools
For a 34 x 34 inch baby blanket, you will need:
- Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Cotton (60/40 cotton and acrylic blend), 3 skeins each of Clear White and Aqua Mist
- Hook: Size H / 5mm crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure
I love this yarn for baby projects. It washes up incredibly well, which makes this blanket such a great gift. It is soft, durable, and just the right weight for a cozy baby blanket.
Gauge and Finished Size
- Gauge: 2.5 inches = 10 stitches and 8 rows of griddle stitch (taken from the blanket)
- Finished Size: Approximately 34 x 34 inches
Pattern Notes
This checkerboard baby blanket is worked flat in rows. The checkerboard effect is created by switching colors every 10 stitches and carrying the yarn not in use along the row.
The pattern repeat is any odd number x 10 + 1. This blanket starts with a chain of 131.
A few things to keep in mind as you work:
Always carry the color not being used along the row and crochet right over it. Change colors on the last step of the stitch by pulling through with the new color. Give the carried yarn a little tug before changing to make sure it is lying flat against the row. It is normal to see a hint of the other color through the work, but keeping it flat and not poking through makes a huge difference.
To keep the yarn from twisting across the row, keep one color to the back of your work and one color to the front at all times. This one tip alone will save you so much frustration.
Abbreviations
- SC: Single Crochet
- DC: Double Crochet
- CH: Chain
- ST: Stitch
- SL ST: Slip Stitch
- YO: Yarn Over
Special Stitches
Griddle Stitch
The griddle stitch is a simple alternating pattern of single crochet and double crochet worked across a row. It creates a beautiful, dense texture and is perfect for carrying yarn because it hides the strands so well.
Single Crochet (SC): Insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook.
Double Crochet (DC): Yarn over, insert your hook, yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops.
Crochet Griddle Stitch Checkerboard Baby Blanket Pattern Instructions
Starting the Blanket
Chain 131 with Clear White.
Row 1: Begin in the second chain from the hook with SC. SC into each chain across the row. CH 1 and turn.
Establishing the Checkerboard (Row 2)
Row 2: Work SC into the first stitch, DC into the next stitch. Alternate SC and DC across the next 8 stitches. This alternating sequence is the griddle stitch.
On the last step of the 10th stitch, pull through with Aqua Mist. Work griddle stitch for the next 10 stitches, bringing Clear White along the row and working over it. On the 10th stitch, switch back to Clear White. Continue the griddle stitch across the row, changing colors every 10 stitches.
CH 1 and turn at the end of the row. Bring Aqua Mist around the end of the row to begin working over it in Row 3.
Building the First Set of Blocks (Rows 3 to 9)
Rows 3 to 9: Continue working griddle stitch, changing colors every 10 stitches and carrying the unused yarn along the row. CH 1 and turn at the end of each row.
At the end of Row 8, pull through with Aqua Mist before chaining one and turning. Bring Clear White around the end of the work.
Shifting the Checkerboard (Rows 10 to 17)
Rows 10 to 17: Continue working griddle stitch, changing colors every 10 stitches. CH 1 and turn at the end of each row.
At the end of Row 16, pull through with Clear White before chaining one and turning.
Completing the Blanket
Repeat Rows 3 through 16 until you have 13 blocks of color in height. Cut Aqua Mist and continue to the border with Clear White.
Border
Round 1
CH 1 and turn. Work 1 SC into each stitch across the row. CH 2, turn to work down the first side.
SC into the same space as the last SC. (SC, CH 2, SC are the corner stitches.) Work 10 SC per every 8 rows down the side. Work SC, CH 2, SC for the next corner.
Work 1 SC into the base of each stitch across the bottom of the blanket. Corner stitch. Work 10 SC per every 8 rows up the final side. Work a corner stitch in the final corner. Do not turn.
Round 2
Work SC into each SC and SC, CH 2, SC around each chain 2 space for each corner. Join with a slip stitch to the first SC of the round. Tie off and weave in all ends.
You can also work this round of SC in the yarn under method for a slightly different texture. Either way, it gives the blanket a clean, finished edge.
Tips for Making This Checkerboard Baby Blanket
Working with two colors at the same time can feel a little intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of carrying the yarn, it becomes second nature. Here are a few things that helped me the most.
Always tug the carried yarn before switching colors so it lies flat. A loose carried strand will poke through your stitches and make the work look messy. A firm, flat strand disappears right into the rows.
Keep one color consistently to the front of your work and one to the back as you go across the row. This is the key to preventing the two strands from twisting around each other. If they start to twist, they will pull your work out of shape and make things very frustrating.
Take your time with the color changes at the end of each set of rows. Getting those transitions right is what creates those sharp, crisp checkerboard squares that make this blanket so striking.
This blanket makes a wonderful gift. I paired mine with a sweet book called Sleepy Sheepy that matched the blue and white color palette perfectly. Gifting a book with a handmade blanket is one of my favorite things to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What yarn weight is used for this checkerboard baby blanket? This blanket uses a worsted weight yarn. Specifically, Bernat Softee Baby Cotton, which is a 60/40 cotton and acrylic blend. It is soft, machine washable, and perfect for baby projects.
What hook size do I need for the crochet griddle stitch checkerboard baby blanket? You will need a size H / 5mm crochet hook for this pattern.
How do I keep the yarn from twisting when carrying it across the row? Keep one color consistently to the back of your work and one color to the front as you crochet across the row. This prevents the two strands from wrapping around each other and keeps your tension even.
How big is the finished baby blanket? The finished blanket measures approximately 34 x 34 inches, which is a great size for a baby blanket. It is large enough to be used in a stroller or for tummy time.
Can I use a different yarn for this pattern? Yes, you can substitute any worsted weight yarn. Just make sure to check your gauge before starting and adjust your hook size if needed. A cotton or cotton blend works especially well for baby items since it is gentle on skin and easy to wash.
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