How to Crochet a Checkerboard Square

This is an excellent square for beginners to learn (every row is the same!) and is crocheted flat, not in the round like agranny square. It can take as little as 40 minutes to make one square- make one every night and sew them together at the end of the month!

• YO- yarn over, wrap yarn over hook
• tr- treble
• dc- double crochet
• ch- chain
• Note these instructions are written in English, not American, crochet, where a treble (tr) is (YO, insert, YO, draw through chain, YO, draw through 2 loops, YO, draw through last loops) and double crochet is (insert, YO, draw through chain, YO, draw through loops).

1. 

    the foundation chain
   Make a foundation chain of 24.
2. 

    The first block of trebles
   Make a turning Ch of 3 (to act as 1st Tr), then make 2 further Trs to form the 1st block.
3. 

    skip 3 foundation loops
   Ch 3, then make 3 Trs into the foundation chain 3 loops away from the first block of trebles.
4. Repeat step 3 until you have four blocks of Trs and a length of chain.
5. 

    the end of the 1st row
   Make 1 Tr into the last loop on the foundation chain
6. 

    start of the second row
   Flip over your crochet, and repeat steps 2-4 again. Every row is the same. The 1st 3 ch act as turning chain and the 1st Tr of the 1st block. Make Trs into the chain formed in row 1, and Chs over the row 1 blocks.
7. 

    almost done!
   Continue until you have a square of 10 rows
8. 

    the edge makes the square stronger
   Make 2 Ch and then DC all the way across the topof the square. At the corner, make 2 Ch and then DC along the side.
9. Repeat the DC so that all four edges are covered. Cut yarn, pull through, sew in ends to finish.

• This basic pattern can be modified easily- just make sure the foundation chain is an even multiple of 3, eg 30 (3x10), 48 (3x16).
• Acrylic yarn is harder to split than wool, so is better for beginners.
• Blocks are easy to make and can be sewn together to form blankets- but don't be too ambitious at first. Start with something small like a baby blanket or a cushion cover.
• Don't be worried if your block looks wonky and bumps in its early stages. Tension from the later rows and double crochet edge pull it all into place.
• When tying off ends, or sewing or crocheting them together, make sure your knots or ends are secure. There is nothing worse than making a beautiful crocheted piece or blanket and having it come apart.
• Use this pattern to make a decorative end to scarf. When you finish the basic block, continue to crochet along the top row in trebles or doubles. Or, make a whole checkerboard scarf instead.
• This block was completed using a 4mm hook and double knitting acrylic yarn.
• Use light coloured yarn to make learning easier. Dark colours make counting chains hard!

• The chunkier the yarn and hook, the larger the gaps will be, making this pattern unsuitable for very thick yarns.

• crochet hook (this block used a 4mm)
• yarn (acrylic is best)
• scissors