The Checkmate Beanie is a super soft and chunky hat, that despite the holes, will keep your head nice and warm on those blustery winter days. Pair it with the matching super scarf called the Checkmate Scarf that you can find at this link to complete the set!
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This beanie was such a quick and easy project. If you’re short on time or needing last minute gifts, the Checkmate Scarf and Beanie are a great choice!
You will need to know how to crochet a double crochet and also a front post double crochet that is used for the hat trim. There are written instructions included in the “Special Stitches” portion of the pattern for the front post double crochet (Fpdc).
It’s called “Checkmate” simply because of the stitch pattern, which I thought resembled a chess or checkerboard. In essence, this is a filet crochet type of pattern that uses a series of double crochets and chains to give it its design.
I used 2.5 ounces of the 3.5 ounce skein of I Love This Chunky! In Graystone, which can be purchased at Hobby Lobby. But don’t worry! If you don’t have access to a Hobby Lobby, any size 5 bulky weight yarn will work.
You could even use the remaining yarn from your skein to make your own pompom for the top. Here is a link to my photo tutorial for making a pompom with your fingers!
So if you’re looking for an adorable set or a thoughtful gift that doesn’t require tons of time or money, the Checkmate set is a winner!
Add this project to your Ravelry queue here…
Checkmate Beanie
Materials Used:
- 2.5 oz of I Love This Chunky! In Graystone – 3.5 oz/100g – 109 yds/100 m
- Or any size 5 bulky weight yarn
- K – 6.50 mm crochet hook – My favorite hooks! I use them daily!
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Finished Size Approximately:
8” Height x 20” Circumference
Gauge:
12 double crochet stitches and 5 rows in a 4” (10cm) square.
Special Stitches:
Front Post Double Crochet (Fpdc)
YO and insert your hook from front to back between the posts of the first and second double crochet of the row below, and then from back to front again between the posts of the second and third stitches. The hook should now be positioned horizontally behind the double crochet that you’re working around. Yarn over and draw the yarn around the post of the stitch. You now have 3 loops on the hook. Yarn over and draw the yarn through the 2 loops on the hook, twice.
Abbreviations:
FC – foundation chain (starting chain)
ch(s) – chain(s)
st(s) – stitch(es)
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
Fpdc – front post double crochet
sl st – slip stitch
Notes:
- You will not turn your work throughout the entire project. You will finish off each round with a slip stitch and then chain 3 or 4 according to the directions to begin the next round, working in the same direction for every round.
- Every round that begins with a ch 3 counts as a double crochet. Every round that begins with a ch 4 counts as a double crochet plus a chain 1.
*** American crochet terms used throughout.
Instructions:
FC: Ch 4, sl st in 1st ch to form a loop. (Or you can use the Magic Circle.)
Round 1: Ch 2, work 12 dc in loop. Sl st in 1st dc made of round. Don’t turn throughout. {12 dc}
Round 2: Ch 2, dc in same st ch 2 comes out of, 2 dc in every st around. Sl st in 1st dc made of round. Dc in last st. {24 dc}
Round 3: Ch 2, dc in same st ch 2 comes out of, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st* Repeat from * to * around. Dc in last st. Sl st in 1st dc made of round. {36 dc}
Round 4: Ch 2, dc in same st ch 2 comes out of, dc in next 2 sts *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts* Repeat from * to * around. Dc in last st. Sl st in 1st dc made of round. {48 dc}
Round 5: Ch 3, skip the st the ch 3 comes out of, dc in next 4 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st in top of ch 3. {36 dc}
Round 6: Ch 3, skip the st the ch 3 comes out of, dc in next 4 sts, ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, *dc in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next ch-1 space* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st in top of ch 3. {36 dc}
Round 7: Ch 4, skip the st the ch 4 comes out of, skip next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in next st, dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next st, dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st* Repeat from * to * around. Dc in next st, dc in next ch-1 space, dc in next st, dc in next ch-1 space, sl st in 3rd ch of the ch-4. {36 dc}
Round 8: Ch 4, skip next ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next ch-1 space, *dc in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next ch-1 space* Repeat from * to * around. Dc in last 4 sts, sl st in 3rd ch of ch-4. {36 dc}
Round 9: Ch 3, dc in ch-1 space, dc in next st, dc in ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, *dc in next st, dc in ch-1 space, dc in next st, dc in ch-1 space, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip next st* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st in top of ch 3. {36 dc}
Round 10: Repeat Round 6
Round 11: Ch 3, skip the st the ch 3 comes out of, dc in next 4 sts, dc in ch-1 space, dc in next st, dc in next ch-1 space, *dc in next 5 sts, dc in ch-1 space, dc in next st, dc in ch-1 space* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st in top of ch 3. {48 dc}
Round 12: Ch 3, skip the st the ch 3 comes out of, Fpdc in next st, *dc in next st, Fpdc in next st* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st in ch 3. {48 dc}
Finish off. Weave in ends.
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***Click here for the ad-free, large print PDF from Ravelry***
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