51 Free Checks and Blocks Crochet and Knitting Patterns

Checks and blocks are classic patterns that can be made in so many ways! Whether you’re doing a bright gingham, a classic checkerboard, multi-colored blocks, or using texture instead of color, there’s a way to interpret this pattern your way.

Download the 51 Yarnspirations patterns for checks and blocks patterns to crochet and knit and get started on your next project today!

Checked Patterns

These classic checkerboard patterns alternate squares of two colors.

• Cables & Checks Blanket & Pillow Set
• Cables & Checks Set
• Checkered Hat
• Checkered Hot Pad
• Checkers Board Game
• 3 in 1 Crochet Hand Warmers
• 3 in 1 Knit Hand Warmers

Gingham Patterns

Gingham is traditionally a mix of a bold color — often red — and white, in a checkerboard pattern. These gingham patterns include traditional gingham patterns and some untraditional gingham patterns in alternate colors.

• Crochet Pic-a-Nic Basket
• Gingham Baby Blanket
• Gingham Dishcloth
• Gingham Hat
• Gingham Crochet Picnic Blanket
• Gingham Pillows
• Keep in Check Crochet Cloth
• Gingham Check Rug
• Gingham Blanket
• Windowpane Gingham Baby Blanket
• Gingham Blanket
• Knit Gingham Panels Blanket
• Mod Gingham Dishcloth
• Crochet Gingham Plaid Afghan

Block Patterns

Colorful blocks — of three, four, or more different colors — are arranged together. Some of the blocks are striped, and they may have a border around them.

• Dinosaurs Blanket
• Alize EZ Checked Blanket
• Mystery Afghan Knit Along
• I Love Pink Blanket
• Mitered Blanket
• Denim Plaid Blanket and Pillows
• Building Blocks Knit Blanket
• Baby Steps Blanket
• Shifting Blocks Knit Scarf
• Color Chip Wrap
• Check Yourself Crochet Scarf
• Monochrome Swatch Knit Sweater
• Keep in Check Crochet Blanket
• Blocked and Cropped Crochet Pullover
• Check Stitch Set
• Outlined Squares Shoulder Bag
• Trip Around the World Throw
• Building Blocks Throw
• Color Block Crochet Scarf
• Color Block Panels Blanket
• Color Block Throw
• Sampler Block Throw
• Checker Crochet Baby Blanket

Textured Patterns

Solid-color patterns with multiple textures create a checkerboard pattern from the contrast.

• Textured Checks
• Candi’s Checked Cowl
• Garter Blocks Blanket
• Checkerboard Textured Throw
• Textured Checks Cardigan
• Baby Blocks Blanket and Hat Set

Also on the Blog

• Free Textured Crochet Patterns
• 14 Seed Stitch Patterns: Texture in Both Knitting and Crochet
• 11 Free Crochet Cables Patterns to Make

Frequently Asked Questions

What are “checks and blocks” patterns in knitting and crochet?

Checks and blocks patterns create a grid or checkerboard-like visual effect through color alternation, texture alternation (raised vs. recessed squares), or a combination of both. Classic checkerboard colorwork alternates two colors in equal-sized squares. Textural checks alternate raised stitches (like cables or post stitches) with recessed plain stitches to create a dimensional block pattern in one color. The 51 patterns in this collection showcase both approaches in beautiful variety across different project types.

Are checks and blocks patterns good for beginners?

Many of them are! Simple two-color checkerboard patterns are very beginner-accessible especially when the color changes happen at row beginnings rather than within rows. Basic textural block patterns using post stitches are intermediate. The collection spans skill levels so you can find something appropriate regardless of where you are in your crafting journey. The geometric, regular nature of checks and blocks makes them particularly good teaching patterns because the repeat is so logical and consistent.

What’s the easiest way to create a checkerboard effect?

Alternating rows of two colors in equal-width blocks is the simplest approach! Work 4 rows in Color A, 4 rows in Color B, and stagger the block placement every other pair of color sections. For a true checkerboard, each block needs to be directly above a different color from the row below. The staggering is what creates the checker effect rather than horizontal stripes. Using a chart makes the color placement logic immediately visual. Start with a small swatch to understand the pattern before committing to a full project.

How do I prevent color bleeding in a crochet or knit checkerboard?

Carrying yarns up the side is a great option for simple two-color checks! Instead of cutting and reattaching each color at every color change, you twist the two yarns together at the edge every time you switch. This keeps the yarns connected and eliminates most weaving-in work. For checkerboards with larger blocks where the carry would be very long, cutting and reattaching may be cleaner. And as always with colorwork: make sure both yarns are colorfast (check by wetting and pressing to white fabric) before starting your project.

Do checks and blocks patterns work for all project types?

Most of them! Blankets and throws look absolutely stunning in checks and blocks patterns… the geometric regularity is pleasing at large scale. Bags, pillows, and home goods all work beautifully. Garments can use checks and blocks as allover texture or as accent sections. Accessories like scarves and cowls show off the pattern nicely. The one consideration is for very fitted garments where the chunky geometric pattern might affect the apparent fit at the waist or chest. For most project types though, checks and blocks create beautiful, interesting fabric.