The art of crochet offers endless possibilities, one such striking creation is the crochet chess placemat.
The Crochet Chess Placemat is a creative and eye-catching project that combines classic game-inspired design with practical home décor. It’s typically worked in a checkerboard pattern, alternating between two contrasting colors—often black and white—to mimic a traditional chessboard. This pattern involves creating a series of uniform squares, which are either worked individually and sewn together or crocheted in a continuous tapestry-style technique where colors are carried across rows. The result is a bold, geometric placemat that appeals to both game lovers and crochet fans alike.
The project is often made using cotton yarn for its durability and ease of washing, making the placemat both functional and stylish. The stitch choice is usually something dense and flat, like single crochet or half double crochet, to ensure the mat lays smoothly and gives a clean, defined grid. For added flair, some crafters may incorporate miniature crochet chess pieces or motifs embroidered onto the squares, turning the placemat into a conversation piece or even a travel-sized chessboard.
Creating this kind of placemat is not only a satisfying way to practice color changes and tension control, but also a perfect gift idea for chess enthusiasts. The size can be adjusted easily, depending on whether it’s used purely for decorative purposes or as a portable game board. The finished placemat combines the beauty of handmade craft with the timeless appeal of a classic game, making it a perfect addition to themed gatherings, gaming nights, or thoughtful handmade sets.
Tutorial and photos of this crochet chess placemat by: Marcelo Nunes Croche.