This free crochet pattern for a checkerboard afghan was originally published around 1931 by Bucilla in The Afghan Book - Vol 54.
Follow the easy step-by-step instructions of this vintage crochet pattern to make this classic crochet afghan. There is absolutely no charge for personal use of this crocheted afghan pattern.
The approximate final size of this checkerboard afghan is 49" x 73".
5 st = 1 inch; 5 rows = 2 inches
Can't you just picture this checkerboard afghan brightening a corner in your home? It combines warmth and beauty and is easy to make!
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Large Red Squares for Checkerboard Afghan
With coral No. 401, ch 4, join with a slip st into a ring, ch 3, 12 d c in ring, join with a slip st in top of first d c, ch 5 and turn.
2nd Round - 3 d c in same d c as joining st, * skip 2 sts, 3 d c in next st, ch 2, 3 d c in same st as the last 3 d c; repeat from * around, ending with 3 d c in same st as the first 3 d c; join with a slip st in 3rd st of turning chain at beginning of round, 1 slip st in each of the 2 remaining sts of chain (end every round in this way); ch 5 and turn.
3rd Round - 3 d c in same space as turning chain, * 3 d c in next space, 3 d c in next (corner) space, ch 2, 3 more d c in corner space; repeat from * around, ending with 3 d c in same corner space as the first 3 d c, 1 slip st in 3rd st of turning chain, 2 more slip sts on chain; break off.
4th Round - Turn, with coral No. 404, make a slip st in any corner space, ch 5, 3 d c in same corner space, * 2 d c in next space, 1 d c in each of the next 3 d c, 2 d c in next space, 3 d c in next corner space, ch 2, 3 d c in same space; repeat from * around, ending with 3 d c in same space as the first 3 d c; join with 3 slip sts on turning chain, as in preceding rounds, ch 5 and turn.
5th Round - 3 d c in same corner space as turning chain, * 2 d c in next space, 1 d c in each of the next 7 d c, 2 d c in next space, 3 d c in corner space, ch 2, 3 d c in same space; repeat from * around, ending with 3 d c in corner space; join with 3 slip sts on turning chain at beginning of round, and break of.
6th Round - Turn, with scarlet No, 406, make a slip st in a corner space, ch 5, 3 d c in same corner space, * 2 d c in next space, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, skip 1 d c, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, 2 d c in next space, 3 d c in comer space, ch 2, 3 more d c in same corner space; repeat from * around, ending as in 4th round.
7th Round - 3 d c in corner space, * 2 d c in next space, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, skip 2 d c, 3 d c in next space, skip 2 d c, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, 2 d c in next space, 3 d c in corner space, ch 2, 3 more d c in same corner space; repeat from * around, ending as in 5th round.
8th Round - Turn, with scarlet 409, make a slip st in a corner space, ch 5, 3 d c in same corner space, * 2 d c in next space, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, skip 2 d c, 3 d c in next space, 3 d c in next space, skip 2 d c, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, 2 d c in next space, 3 d c in corner space, ch 2, 3 more d c in same corner space; repeat from * around, ending as in the 4th and 6th rounds.
9th Round - 3 d c in corner space, * 2 d c in next space, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, skip 2 d c, 3 d c in each of the next 3 spaces, skip 2 d c, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, 2 d c in next space, 3 d c in comer space, ch 2, 3 more d c in same corner space; repeat from * around, ending as in 5th and 7th rounds.
10th Round - Turn, with cardinal 411A, make a slip st in a corner space, ch 5, 1 d c in same corner space, * 2 d c in next space, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, skip 2 d c, 3 d c in each of the next 4 spaces, skip 2 d c, 1 d c in each of the next 5 d c, 2 d c in next space, 3 d c in corner space, ch 2, 3 more d c in same corner space; repeat from * around, ending as in 9th round (this is the last round of large red squares).
Make 15 of these large red squares.
Small Red Squares for Checkerboard Afghan
Follow instructions for the first 5 rounds of the large squares, but use colors as follows: cardinal 411A in the first 2 rounds, scarlet 409 in 3rd and 4th rounds, scarlet 406 in 5th round (thus reversing the order of shades as used in the large squares).
Make 24 of these small red squares.
Navy Squares for Checkerboard Afghan
Using navy only, follow instructions for the first 5 rows of large red squares (as in small red squares).
Make 132 of these navy squares.
Joining the Checkerboard Afghan Squares
Sew squares together, using right side of first round (center round) as right side of all squares (right side of blanket).
Arrange squares as shown in illustration.
When sewing, place two squares together, with wrong side out, use red of same color as the last row of squares and sew with an overhand stitch; catch only the upper thread of all sts and be careful to have the sewing sts as elastic as the crocheted sts.
Edging
With cardinal 411A, work 1 s c in first st of a corner square, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 s c in next st; * ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 s c in next st; repeat from * to corner, 1 s c in corner space, ch 1, 1 s c in same space, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 s c in next st; continue in this way around entire robe, working all corners alike.
Final Round - With navy No. 731 1/2, make 1 s c in space formed by a ch 1 in row below, * ch 1, 1 s c in next space; repeat from * around and fasten off.
Pillow to Match the Checkerboard Afghan
REQUIRED MATERIALS
BEAR BRAND or BUCILLA 4-fold Zephyr Germantown 5 balls Navy No. 733;/;, 1 ball each of Coral Nos. 401 and 404, Scarlet Nos. 406 and 409, Cardinal No. 411A 1 BUCILLA Celluloid Crochet Hook No. 3 1 BUCILLA Pillow Form No. 76
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Following instructions for the checkerboard afghan, make 1 large red square, 4 small red squares, and 24 navy squares.
Arrange squares as shown in illustration for front of pillow, and sew them together (see directions for sewing under the afghan pattern above).
Sew 16 navy squares together for back of pillow.
Join front and back on 3 sides, as follows: 1 s c in corner space (inserting hook in both pieces), ch 1, 1 s c in same space, * ch 1, skip 1 st on both pieces, 1 s c in next st; repeat from * on 3 sides, working all corners the same as first; continue row on 4th side of front piece only, and fasten off.
With navy, work a 2nd row on all 4 sides, following directions for 2nd row of edging on the crochet checkerboard afghan.
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