*  You can purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern on Etsy! This printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF includes explanations on how to make the chain-less foundation half-double crochet, a photo tutorial for the invisible colour change and is a total of 9 pages including the cover page. *

Do you have an idea book? Every time I come across a picture, an item or anything else that sparks an idea for a crochet or knit project, I save it with some notes on what I envision in an idea book. I have more ideas than I will ever be able to bring to life in one lifetime. Some age well, some not so much and that is okay. 

This scarf has been in my idea book for a couple of years now and though my initial idea was different (thinner yarn held double), I’m obsessed with how this one came together. 

There’s something about gingham that never really goes out of style. It feels classic and nostalgic, but depending on the colours you choose, it can also look completely fresh and modern. 

I’m not a fringe person normally but I generally tolerate it on a scarf. I saw the idea for a twisted fringe a while back and was so excited to give it a try. It’s a fun + addictive-to-make feature that makes the finished scarf feel special without being fussy and I don’t think the Checkmate Scarf would be quite as fun without it. 

Construction: The Checkmate Scarf (Crochet) is worked flat from one end to the other using three colours. The various colour changes create the classic gingham pattern we all know and love. Once the scarf is complete, fringe is added to both ends for a playful finishing touch.

Skill level: Intermediate

Hook

Materials:

6.5 mm (K/10.5) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions

• Scissors
• Darning needle

Yarn

I used Lion Brand Hue + Me yarn which is a Bulky weight (size 5) yarn in colours Agave (MC), Juniper (CC A) and Salt (CC B). 

You will need 3 skeins or at least 334 yds (305m/ 305g) of your MC and 1 skein or at least 137 yds (125m/ 125g) of each of your 2 contrast colours.

Not ready to knit just yet? Pin it so you can come back to it later!

Gauge: In HDC: 3”x3” (8cm x 8cm) = 8 stitches across x 7 rows high.

Final measurements: The finished scarf should measure 11.5″ (29 cm) in width and 61″ (155 cm) in length (not including the 4″ fringe on each end).

Notes:

• Every time you come across a color change (even on the first row), use the invisible colour change so your gingham squares are nice and straight. 
• I strongly recommend separating your skeins of contrast colours in 2 equal cakes. The main colour doesn’t need to be split as you can use each of the 2 skeins separately.
• You will carry both strands of MC throughout the scarf from beginning to end but you will cut CC A and CC B after each section as stated in the pattern. 
• Since this scarf has a lot of ends to weave in, I strongly recommend weaving them in as you go. 

Abbreviations and special stitches:

• Fhdc – foundation half double crochet (see tutorial on page 7)
• Ch – chain
• Hdc – half double crochet
• St(s) – stitch(es)

Pattern: 

Row 1: Using a 6.5 mm crochet hook and CC A, fhdc 8, join MC to fhdc 8, join CC A to fhdc 8, join MC to fhdc 8. Turn. 

Row 2: With MC; ch 2, hdc 8, switch to CC A; hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, switch to CC A; hdc 8. Turn. 

Row 3: With CC A, ch 2, hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, switch to CC A; hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8. Turn. 

Repeat rows 2-3 an additional 2 more times for a total of 7 rows. Cut both working yarns of CC A leaving tails just long enough to weave in to secure. Do not cut working yarns in MC. 

Row 8: Join CC B, ch 2, *carrying MC and crocheting over it* hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, join CC B; *carrying MC and crocheting over it* hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8. Turn. 

Row 9: With MC; ch 2, hdc 8, switch to CC B; hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, switch to CC B; hdc 8. Turn. 

Row 10: With CC B, ch 2, hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, switch to CC B; hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8. Turn. 

Repeat rows 9-10 an additional 2 more times for a total of 7 rows with CC B. Cut both working yarns of CC B leaving tails just long enough to weave in to secure. Do not cut working yarns in MC. 

Row 15: Join CC A, ch 2, *carrying MC and crocheting over it* hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, join CC A; *carrying MC and crocheting over it* hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8. Turn.

Row 16: With MC; ch 2, hdc 8, switch to CC A; hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, switch to CC A; hdc 8. Turn. 

Row 17: With CC A, ch 2, hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, switch to CC A; hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8. Turn. 

Repeat rows 16-17 an additional 2 more times for a total of 7 rows with CC A. Cut both working yarns of CC A leaving tails just long enough to weave in to secure. Do not cut working yarns in MC. 

Row 22: Join CC B, ch 2, *carrying MC and crocheting over it* hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, join CC B; *carrying MC and crocheting over it* hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8. Turn. 

Row 23: With MC; ch 2, hdc 8, switch to CC B; hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, switch to CC B; hdc 8. Turn. 

Row 24: With CC B, ch 2, hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8, switch to CC B; hdc 8, switch to MC; hdc 8. Turn. 

Repeat rows 23-24 an additional 2 more times for a total of 7 rows with CC B. Cut both working yarns of CC B leaving tails just long enough to weave in to secure. Do not cut working yarns in MC. 

Repeat rows 15-28 an additional 8 more times for a total of 20 colour changes. 

Row 141: Continuing with MC, hdc across the entire row (32 sts). 

Row 142: Hdc across.

Row 143: Hdc across.

Row 144: Work a row of twisted fringe (see tutorial below). Fasten off.

We will now add a few rows and a row of fringe on the starting end of the scarf. To do so; join MC to the MC colour block. 

Row 1: Hdc across the entire row (32 sts). 

Row 2: Hdc across.

Row 3: Hdc across.

Row 4: Work a row of twisted fringe (see tutorial below)

Fasten off, weave in your ends and enjoy your new scarf. 

Twisted Fringe Photo Tutorial

Slip stitch in the first (or next) stitch.

Pull the loop outward until it measures 12″ (30.5 cm) in length.

Twist the loop away from you 20 times.

Slip stitch back in the same stitch, don’t worry about how the twist looks, we will fix it shortly.

Separate the twist using your finger.

Twist the loop towards you until it is fully twisted and let go. Repeat steps A to F until end of row.

The Checkmate Scarf was designed using three colours of Hue + Me, a soft and cozy yarn that gives the finished scarf plenty of warmth and squish. 

When choosing your three colours, contrast is important. You want the shades to be different enough that the gingham is easy to see, while still working beautifully together as a palette. I found it helpful to pick the darkest and lightest colours first, before finding an in-between for the third colour. 

One of my favourite things about designing projects that use multiple colours is seeing how completely different they can look with a new colour palette. The Checkmate Scarf would be beautiful in traditional fall shades, soft neutrals, rich jewel tones, or even bright, unexpected colours.

Pick three colours you love, grab your hook, and let the checks take shape!

The Checkmate Scarf comes in both knit and crochet versions, so you can choose the technique you enjoy most. Both versions create the same classic gingham-inspired look, with the same three-colour concept and fun fringed ends.

Whether you’re a knitter or crocheter, this is a great project for embracing colour and making something that feels both timeless and distinctly yours.

If you like this pattern, please share on social media using #CheckmateScarf and tag @KnitalieCo.

If you would like to purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern, here’s the link! Purchasing the printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF which includes explanations on how to make the chain-less foundation half-double crochet and a photo tutorial for the invisible colour change helps me continue sharing free content.

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