The Griddle Stitch Checkerboard Baby Blanket is a beautiful combination of texture and color. The griddle stitch—alternating single and double crochet stitches—creates a soft, woven feel that’s ideal for baby blankets. When combined with a checkerboard color pattern, the result is a modern, cozy blanket that looks much more advanced than it is. This project is beginner-friendly and ideal for practicing basic stitches and color changes.
✅ 1. Gather Materials and Understand the Griddle Stitch
Materials You’ll Need:
- Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn in two contrasting or coordinating baby-safe colors (e.g., white and gray, mint and cream)
- Approx. 800–1000 yards total for a 30″x36″ blanket
- Crochet hook: 5.0 mm (H-8)
- Tapestry needle for sewing in ends
- Scissors
Stitches Used (US terms):
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- griddle stitch pattern – alternates sc and dc across each row, starting with a different stitch on each row
Griddle Stitch Basic Row (even number of stitches):
- Row 1: sc in first stitch, dc in next stitch, repeat across.
- Row 2: If the stitch below is an sc, dc into it. If it’s a dc, sc into it. Repeat across.
This creates a dense, textured fabric that’s reversible and great for blankets!
🔲 2. Create the Checkerboard Pattern
To make the checkerboard effect, you’ll alternate blocks of colors while keeping the texture consistent.
Decide your block size:
- Common block sizes are 10 rows tall x 10 stitches wide per color block.
- For a 30″x36″ baby blanket, you can aim for 6 blocks across x 6 blocks down (each 5″ square).
Instructions:
- Foundation Chain: Chain a multiple of the block width (e.g., 10 stitches x 6 blocks = 60 ch), plus 1 for turning.
- Row 1–10: Work griddle stitch using Color A and B in alternating 10-stitch sections across the row (Color A, Color B, etc.).
- Row 11–20: Switch block colors (i.e., where you used Color A, now use Color B), continuing in griddle stitch.
Repeat this 2-color switch every 10 rows to create the checkerboard appearance. Be sure to carry yarn neatly or fasten off at each color change to keep the back tidy.
✨ Tip: To avoid too many ends, carry the unused yarn along the edge and crochet over it later for a clean border.
🎀 3. Finishing Touches: Border and Blocking
After completing your last row:
- Weave in all ends securely using a yarn needle.
- Add a simple border: 1–3 rounds of single crochet all around the blanket in one of the main colors. This cleans up the edges and gives the blanket a polished look.
- For extra flair, use a reverse single crochet (crab stitch) or shell border for a decorative finish.
Blocking:
Lightly steam block or wet block the finished blanket to even out the texture and square off the corners—especially important with color blocks and griddle texture.
🎉 Conclusion
The Griddle Stitch Checkerboard Baby Blanket combines the comfort of texture with the appeal of clean geometric colorwork. Even though it looks complex, it’s made using simple stitches and easy color changes. Whether you’re making a gift for a new baby or adding to your nursery collection, this pattern offers a soft, stylish, and heartfelt finished piece.
Image and Patterns Courtesy of Daisy Farm Crafts