Checkered Crochet Coaster Pattern

Checkers have made a come back recently and my mind has been flooded with all the different projects that would be cute in a checkered design! I thought I would start out with a checkered crochet coaster pattern, as it is about as simple as you can get.

If you’ve never worked on a checkered design, or another pattern with frequent color changes, learning to “carry” your yarn can be a super helpful skill. A link to a video tutorial will be included below for those who need it or just want a refresher course!

Why Use Cotton?

Cotton yarn is going to be your best choice for any project that is bound to get wet or dirty. Cotton is known for being absorbent and quick to dry. It is also durable and holds up well with lots of washing!

That is the main reason I chose to use this particular cotton yarn. I wanted to make a set of coasters that included several different complementary colors; I really needed a lot of options. I was able to peruse and compare quite a few color options in order to come up with the perfect color combo!

I ended up using Sage, Gold and Warm Blush, with an Ivory neutral.

The Pattern

If  you would like to purchase an inexpensive, ad-free printable pdf version of this checkered crochet coaster pattern, you can find it here at my Etsy shop.

Add this checkered crochet coaster pattern using cotton yarn to your Ravelry favorites HERE.

Materials (for each coaster):

• 14 Yards Size 4 colored Cotton Yarn (I used I Love This Cotton in Sage, Gold, and Warm Blush)
• 14 Yards Size 4 neutral Cotton Yarn (I used I Love This Cotton in Ivory)
• US H/ 5 mm Crochet Hook
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Gauge:

Each coaster is essentially the size of a gauge swatch, so if the final size is not what you prefer, you can start over with a smaller or larger hook.

Sizing:

4” x 4 ½”

Stitches Used:

(ch) chain
(sl st) slip stitch
(sc) single crochet
(dc) double crochet

Pattern Notes:

Beginning chain of each round does not count as a stitch.

For this pattern you will be using the method of “carrying” your yarn. This enables you to switch colors frequently without having to finish off and weave in lots of ends. To carry the yarn, after switching colors, you will hold the strand of yarn that you are not using along the top of the last row as you stitch. Treat the strand as if it is part of the top of your last row and insert your new stitches around the strand, just as you would stitch around the chains of the previous row. See this video tutorial on carrying yarn if you need further help:

Here are 2 tips to help you to keep your “carried” color from showing through: 1) Every once in a while (usually after you’ve finished a few stitches of one color) give the “carried” yarn a gentle tug. Not so much as to warp your fabric, but just enough to make sure it is taught. This will keep it at the center of your work. 2) Make sure your weave is tight (or dense) enough. A more loose fabric will make it easier to see through it.

Every time you make a color change, you will do so at the end of the last stitch of the previous color. So, if you end your main color with a dc stitch, on your final yarn over and pull through of that stitch, you will drop the main color and yarn over and pull through with the new color.

Pattern:

Using your main color (not neutral), chain 18.

Row 1: Dc in the 3rd chain from the hook. Dc in each of the next 3 stitches. On the last stitch, change colors to your neutral. While carrying your first color, dc in the next 4 stitches. Change back to your main color. While carrying your neutral color, dc in the next 4 stitches. Change to your neutral color. While carrying your main color, dc in the next 4 stitches. (16)

Note: For all the subsequent rows you will continue to carry the yarn that you are not currently stitching with. I will no longer note this in the pattern, but you should continue to do it for the remainder of the rows.

Row 2: Chain 1 with both colors. Then chain 1 again with only your neutral color (the color you will be using next). This will line your carried yarn up in the right place for the next row. Turn. Dc in the same stitch and the next 3 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. (16)

Note: The next row will be the same, but switching the placement of the colors to begin the checkered pattern.

Row 3: Chain 1 with both colors. Then chain 1 again with only your neutral color (the color you will be using next). Turn. Dc in the same stitch and the next 3 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. (16)

Row 4: Chain 1 with both colors. Then chain 1 again with only your main color (the color you will be using next). Turn. Dc in the same stitch and the next 3 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. (16)

Row 5: Chain 1 with both colors. Then chain 1 again with only your main color (the color you will be using next). Turn. Dc in the same stitch and the next 3 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. Change colors. Dc in the next 4 stitches. (16)

Rows 6 – 8: Repeat Rows 2 – 4.

Border:

After row 8, drop your neutral color and chain 1 with the main color (you can finish off the neutral color yarn and stop carrying it, as you will no longer need it for the remainder of the pattern). Turn and sc across the top of the row (1 sc in each stitch). Place 1 additional sc in the last stitch. Now begin to work down the side. Place 2 sc in the side of each dc, for a total of 16 stitches. Place 1 additional stitch in the corner. Work across the bottom of the coaster in the beginning chain, placing 1 sc in each chain, for a total of 16 sc across. Place 1 additional sc in the corner. Work up the side in the same manner as the opposite side (16 sc). Place one final sc in the last corner. Join with a sl st to the first sc of the border. Total of 68 stitches around (16 on each edge and an extra in each corner)

Finish off and weave in ends.