*  You can purchase the INEXPENSIVE AD-FREE PDF of this pattern on Etsy! This printer friendly, stylishly formatted PDF includes photo tutorials for the intarsia in garter + how to weave in the ends to close the holes created by the colour changes and is a total of 7 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. In this case, the fringe 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 (Knit) 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

Materials:

Needles

7 mm, straight or 24″ circular knitting needles 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 Magic Hour (MC), Peacoat (CC A) and Ozone (CC B). 

You will need 2 skeins or at least 274 yds (250 m/ 250 g) of your main colour (MC) and 1 skein or at least 137 yds (125 m/ 125 g) of each of your 2 contrast colours (CC A & CC B). 

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

Gauge: In garter stitch: 3”x3” (8cm x 8cm) = 8 stitches across x 16 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:

• This scarf is knit using the Intarsia in garter stitch. It is imperative that you twist your yarns together correctly to avoid holes in your project. If you are unsure how to do this, the ad-free PDF available in my Etsy Shop includes a photo tutorial. 
• 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. 
• If the colour changes and intarsia knitting are done correctly, you shouldn’t have to move your skeins/cakes around. On one row you will tangle the yarn, on the next you will untangle them.
• Since this scarf has a lot of ends to weave in, I strongly recommend weaving them in as you go. 
• As an overly cautious measure, after weaving in my ends, I used a felting tool to add an extra layer of secureness before cutting the ends. 

Abbreviations and special stitches:

• CO – cast on
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• K – knit
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• BO – bind off

Pattern:

Using 7.0 mm needles and MC, CO 32 sts using the long tail cast-on method.

Row 1-8: K every st across.

Row 9 (RS): K 8 sts in MC, join and k 8 sts in CC A, join and k 8 sts in MC, join and k 8 sts in CC A.

Row 10 (WS): K 8 sts in CCA, k 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC A, k 8 sts in MC. 

Row 11 (RS): K 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC A, k 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC A.

Row 12 (WS): K 8 sts in CCA, k 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC A, k 8 sts in MC. 

Repeat rows 11-12 an additional 6 more times for a total of 16 rows since starting the colour-work. Your first colour change is now complete. Cut all 4 working yarns leaving tails just long enough to weave in to secure. 

Row 25 (RS): Join and k 8 sts in CC B, join and k 8 sts in MC, join and k 8 sts in CC B, join and k 8 sts in MC.

Row 26 (WS): K 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC B, k 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC B.

Row 27 (RS): K 8 sts in CC B, k 8 sts in CC A, k 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC B.

Row 28 (WS): K 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC B, k 8 sts in MC, k 8 sts in CC B.

Repeat rows 27-28 an additional 6 more times for a total of 16 rows since starting the colour-work. Your second colour change is not complete. Cut all 4 working yarns leaving tails just long enough to weave in to secure. 

Repeat rows 9 to 39 an additional 9 more times for a total of 20 colour changes. 

Row 329 (RS): Join MC and k every st across.

Rows 330-336: K every st across

BO and weave in ends. 

Finishing:

Cut 10″ long pieces of yarn, fold them in half to form a loop. Insert your crochet hook into a stitch at one of the ends, grab the loop, pull it through about an inch, then pull the tail ends through the loop. Tighten add and repeat in each stitch across on both ends. Trim the tails to 4″ in length and enjoy your new scarf. 

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 photo tutorials for the intarsia in garter + how to weave in the ends to close the holes created by the colour changes helps me continue sharing free content.

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