There’s something beautifully grounding about slowing down long enough to play a game. In a world that rushes us from one errand to the next, those quiet moments—a picnic on the lawn, a coffee shop table, or a breezy porch—become little pockets of peace. That’s exactly what inspired this project: the Travel Checkerboard.

This crochet pattern is a sweet blend of function and charm, designed to be tossed into a tote bag and brought along on all your adventures. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway, sitting through a long airport layover, or just watching the kids play in the backyard, this checkerboard is your invitation to hit pause and connect—with yourself, your kids, or a dear friend.

Made with bold squares and a tidy, foldable design, it’s equal parts classic game and charming handmade accessory. It also makes a lovely, giftable piece—especially for families, vintage-lovers, or anyone who appreciates the magic of handmade living.

And the best part? I’m sharing the full pattern with you here, for free—because creativity should always be part of the journey.

Scroll down for the free pattern or save this project for later on Pinterest!

Looking for an ad free version? You can find the PDF version on Etsy, Ravelry, LoveCrafts, or Ko-Fi!

Materials:

• Approximately 220-240 yards/137-166 meters of worsted/medium weight yarn in at least five colors.

**Two contrasting, light and dark, colors for the board (66 yards of each), a pocket/edge/tie color (71 yards), and two colors for game pieces (10 yards of each).

• US H/8/5 mm Hook or size needed to obtain gauge for main body
• Tapestry Needle 
• Measuring Tape 
• Scissors
• Stitch Markers (2)

Sizing:

Measurements are of finished piece, flat, with nothing inside.

Checkerboard – 12″

Pocket – 3″

Whole piece – 15″

Width – 12″

Gauge:

Half Double Crochet (with carried yarn) – 13.5 sts by 10.5 rows = 4″X4″ (unblocked)

Gauge is important to your project so your finished piece will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. The hook size for the pattern is based on what I used, but gauge can vary from person to person and be affected by yarn. If it takes you fewer stitches and rows to make 4”, try using a smaller size hook; if more stitches and rows, try a larger size hook. The pattern also provides measurements to obtain for a specific size. Using a combination of matching gauge and measuring, as closely as possible, should get you close to the desired size.

Stitches and Abbreviations (US Terms):

• CC – contrast color
• ch(s) – chain(s)
• dc – double crochet
• FLO – front loop only
• hdc – half double crochet
• MC – main color
• RS – right side
• sc – single crochet
• sk – skip
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• tr – treble crochet
• WS – wrong side

Special Stitches:

Color Change

Notes:

• Beginning chains do not count as stitches.
• Stitches between the [ ] brackets are to be worked the total number of times indicated.
• Checkered print is achieved by combining two colors into a repeating pattern of blocks of color. Typically, this is achieved with a main color and a contrast color. (i.e. – green for a main color and then a white to contrast.)
• Color changes will be made on the last step of the stitch before new color begins.
• Stitches with the number appearing first will all be worked into the same stitch. For example, 5dc would be 5 double crochet all worked in the same stitch. Whereas, dc 5 would be one double crochet worked into each of the next five stitches.
• Pattern includes two options for checker pieces, flower shaped or round shaped.

PATTERN

Board & Pocket

With MC, ch 41.

Row 1 (RS): Hdc MC in 2nd ch from hook, hdc 4 MC, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 3 times, hdc 5 CC. (40)

Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 4 times. (40)

Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 MC, hdc 5 CC] 4 times. (40)

Row 4 (WS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 4 times. (40)

**Piece should measure approximately 12″ wide. Adjust hook size up or down accordingly.

Row 5 (RS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 4 times. (40)

Row 6 (WS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 MC, hdc 5 CC] 4 times. (40)

Row 7 (RS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 4 times. (40)

Row 8 (WS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 MC, hdc 5 CC] 4 times. (40)

Row 9 (RS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 MC, hdc 5 CC] 4 times. (40)

Row 10 (WS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 4 times. (40)

Row 11 (RS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 MC, hdc 5 CC] 4 times. (40)

Row 12 (WS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 4 times. (40)

Rows 13-28: Repeat rounds 5-12.

Row 29 (RS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 4 times. (40)

Row 30 (WS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 MC, hdc 5 CC] 4 times. (40)

Row 31 (RS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 CC, hdc 5 MC] 4 times. (40)

Row 32 (WS): Ch 1, turn, [hdc 5 MC, hdc 5 CC] 4 times. (40)

Row 33 (RS): Switch to 3rd color, ch 1, turn, hdc each st across. (40)

Rows 34-40: Ch 1, turn, hdc each st across. (40)

Row 41 (RS): Ch 1, turn, hdc FLO each st across. (40)

Rows 42-47: Ch 1, turn, hdc each st across. (40)

Row 48 (WS): Ch 1, turn, sc each st across. (40)

DO NOT FASTEN OFF. Move onto creating the edge.

Edge (Tie & Seaming Pockets)

Leaf:

Ch 8.

Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc, hdc, dc, tr 2, 6tr, working down opposite side of ch, tr 2, dc, hdc, sc, sl st, ch 2, join. (20)

Fasten off. Sew leaf onto the last 2 sts of the tie, about 1/2″ up from the bottom of the leaf so there is a small “lip” on the bottom of the leaf to create a catch to hold tie in place.

Flower Pieces:

Make 24 in two colors, 12 of each color.

Round 1: Working into a magic circle, [ch 5, sl st] 5 times into magic circle, pull circle tightly closed, fasten off and pull tail through middle of circle.

Round Pieces:

Make 24 in two colors, 12 of each color.

Round 1: Working into magic circle, ch 1, sc 6, join. (6)

Round 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each st around, 2 hdc in ch 1, join. (14)

Fasten off.

Storage and Closure:

I hope you loved making the Travel Checkerboard as much as I did!

If you enjoyed this free crochet pattern, be sure to pin it for later and share your finished board on social media (tag @woodland.stitchcraft on IG)—I’d love to see your creations!

Looking for more free crochet patterns? Browse my collection of beginner-friendly and stylish crochet designs to keep your hooks busy all season long.