The Checkered Stripe Blanket

The Checkered Stripe Blanket Crochet Pattern

What is Being Made

The Checkered Stripe Blanket is a cozy throw blanket designed by Teuta Acosta and published by JustOneHookDesigns. This finished blanket measures 39 inches wide by 47 inches long, making it an ideal size for draping over furniture or snuggling under while relaxing. The blanket features a striking visual pattern created through the strategic use of contrasting yarn colors and textured stitches.

Design and Pattern Features

The blanket showcases a checkered stripe design that alternates between two complementary colors: Country Blue and Cloudy Sky. The pattern is constructed using a combination of front post and back post stitches that create dimensional texture and visual interest. The alternating rows of these post stitches produce the characteristic checkered effect that gives this blanket its distinctive appearance.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several fundamental crochet techniques suitable for beginners. The blanket is worked in rows from a foundation chain, with consistent turning chains throughout. The primary technique involves alternating between front post double crochet and back post double crochet stitches, which are worked around the posts of stitches from previous rows rather than into the tops of stitches. This post stitch technique creates the raised, textured surface and the checkered visual pattern. Half double crochet stitches are also incorporated at the edges of pattern rows to maintain consistent shaping.

Stitches Used

• CH (Chain Stitch): The foundation stitch used to create the initial base of 90 stitches plus 4 turning chains
• DC (Double Crochet): Used for the base rows and as the primary stitch throughout the pattern
• HDC (Half Double Crochet): Applied at row edges to maintain even shaping and transitions
• FPDC (Front Post Double Crochet): Worked around the front of post stitches to create raised texture and pattern definition
• BPDC (Back Post Double Crochet): Worked around the back of post stitches to alternate with front post stitches and create the checkered effect

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern is designed for super chunky weight yarn, specifically calling for Bernat® Blanket™ yarn. The project requires 2 balls of Color A (Country Blue) and 2 balls of Color B (Cloudy Sky), with each ball containing 10.5 ounces and yielding 220 yards. The pattern notes that any 6-Super Bulky weight yarn may be substituted, offering flexibility for yarn selection while maintaining the intended fabric weight and drape.

A size M/N (9 mm) crochet hook is recommended, though the pattern indicates that hook size may be adjusted as needed to achieve proper gauge. The gauge for this pattern is 4 inches equaling 9 stitches by 7 rows when worked in the stitch pattern. Additionally, a yarn needle or large-eyed tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the blanket.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for crocheters who are new to the craft or those looking to expand their skills. While the pattern incorporates post stitches, which add visual complexity, the repetitive nature of the row-by-row construction and the straightforward stitch combinations make it accessible to those with basic crochet knowledge. The use of super chunky yarn also means that stitches are large and easy to see, reducing the difficulty of maintaining consistent tension and identifying stitch placement.