Knit Purl Repeats 01: Checkerboard stitches

The checkerboard stitch is a simple knitting pattern created by alternating groups of knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence, forming distinct squares on the fabric surface. There are many variations of the checkerboard stitch, with the most common ones being the checkerboard 2x2, checkerboard 4x4, and checkerboard 8x8. All patterns have the same right and wrong sides, and they do not curl at the edges.

The Knit Purl Repeats 01, created with two different checkerboard stitches, is a great way for beginners to practice their knitting skills while achieving impressive results.

Pattern Instructions

• Worked flat
  • Part 1: 32 rows with a 16-row repeat
  • Part 2: 32 rows with an 8-row repeat
  • Charts
• Worked in the round

Worked flat

Cast on a multiple of 16 stitches plus 8 , such as 40, 56, 72, etc.

Then, knit Part 1 followed by Part 2. The total of Part 1 and Part 2 together is 74 rows. Repeat both parts as needed to reach your desired length.

You can also make each stitch pattern in the parts shorter or longer by adjusting the number of repeats, rather than strictly following the 32 rows as instructed.

Part 1: 32 rows with a 16-row repeat

Row 1 (RS): Repeat the sequence: *knit 8, purl 8; until 8 stitches remain, then knit 8.

Row 2 (WS): Purl 8, then repeat the sequence: *knit 8, purl 8; until the end of the row.

Rows 3 - 8: Repeat rows 1 - 2.

Row 9: Repeat the sequence: *purl 8, knit 8; until 8 stitches remain, then purl 8.

Row 10: Knit 8, then repeat the sequence: *purl 8, knit 8; until the end of the row.

Rows 11 - 16: Repeat rows 9 - 10.

Rows 17 - 32: Repeat rows 1 - 16.

Part 2: 32 rows with a 8-row repeat

Rows 1 - 4: Repeat the sequence: *knit 4, purl 4; until the end of the row.

Rows 5 - 8: Repeat the sequence: *purl 4, knit 4; until the end of the row.

Rows 9 - 32: Repeat rows 1 - 8.

Charts

Worked in the round

Cast on a multiple of 16 stitches. The knitting process is the same as when worked flat.

Part 1

Rounds 1 - 8: Repeat the sequence: *knit 8, purl 8; until the end of the round.

Rounds 9 - 16: Repeat the sequence: *purl 8, knit 8; until the end of the round.

Rounds 17 - 32: Repeat rounds 1 - 16.

Part 2

Rounds 1 - 8: Repeat the sequence: *knit 4, purl 4; until the end of the round.

Rounds 9 - 16: Repeat the sequence: *purl 4, knit 4; until the end of the round.

Rounds 17 - 32: Repeat rounds 1 - 8.