Skip to Content

Top 7 Free Checkerboard Quilt Patterns (+10 Bonus Patterns For Sale)

The timeless appeal of alternating squares, creating a visually striking grid, has made the checkerboard a beloved motif across many art forms and cultures. This classic design, with its inherent contrast and dynamic rhythm, offers a straightforward yet incredibly versatile foundation for countless creative projects. In the world of quilting, the checkerboard pattern stands as one of the most fundamental and enduring designs, often serving as an excellent starting point for new quilters.

We’ve gathered a collection of inspiring checkerboard quilt patterns to spark your next creative endeavor. These patterns showcase how simple squares can combine to form a variety of looks, appealing to both confident beginners and experienced quilters.

Free Checkerboard Quilt Patterns – Top Picks

Turn your next game night into a handmade experience with the GO! Checkerboard Quilt Pattern by AccuQuilt. This playful design creates a 36″ x 36″ fabric checkerboard that’s great for travel or home use. The pattern is designed for quick assembly using die-cut pieces.

It’s a fantastic project for beginners or anyone wanting a fast, satisfying finish. Bold fabric choices bring classic contrast and fun personality to the board. You’ll be ready to play in no time with this functional quilted creation.

Checkerboard Quilt Pattern by Rita of Red Pepper Quilts puts a clever spin on traditional patchwork. Instead of sewing tiny squares, this design uses strip piecing to form precise 16-patch blocks. The technique speeds up construction while keeping accuracy high.

Step-by-step photos guide you through the process, making it approachable for confident beginners. Small patchwork pieces come together to create a crisp, tidy checkerboard layout. It’s a practical project that balances efficiency with beautiful handmade detail.

3. Free Quilt Pattern: Banded Checkerboard

Banded Checkerboard - free quilt tutorial_
Designer: Becky Tillman Petersen of Quilted Twins

Make a bold statement with the Banded Checkerboard Quilt Pattern by Becky Tillman Petersen of Quilted Twins. This impressive quilt finishes at 97″ x 109″, giving it a dramatic presence for beds or large spaces. One block, repeated across the layout, keeps construction simple yet effective.

Clear diagrams walk you through assembly, so it’s easy to stay on track. High-contrast fabrics highlight the checkerboard design with striking definition. Whether you’re making it for your own home or as a gift, this quilt brings timeless style on a grand scale.

Use up your fabric scraps while creating something special with the Scrappy Nine-Patch Checkerboard Quilt Pattern by Julie Hendricksen for American Patchwork & Quilting. This vintage-inspired design features scrappy Nine-Patch blocks that echo the charm of antique quilts. The finished size is 68¼” square, ideal for cozy throws or accent quilts.

Step-by-step diagrams ensure each block comes together smoothly. It’s a great stash-busting project for quilters who love traditional looks. The checkerboard layout adds structure while still letting your scrap fabrics shine.

Celebrate color and simplicity with the Checkerboard Baby Quilt Pattern by Nicole Daksiewicz of Modern Handcraft Quilts. At 40″ x 40″, this design makes an ideal baby quilt or small decorative throw. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute gifts or beginner-friendly projects.

The step-by-step photo guide helps every block line up beautifully. Playful fabrics or modern color palettes give the checkerboard a fresh, updated feel. It’s a sweet, satisfying project with both style and sentimental value.

6. Free Quilt Pattern: DIY Quilted Checkerboard

DIY Quilted Checkerboard - free quilt pattern
Designer: Lydia Nicholson of Arve Handmade for Suzy Quilts

Combine quilting fun with a classic game using the DIY Quilted Checkerboard by Lydia Nicholson of Arve Handmade for Suzy Quilts. This mini quilt doubles as a functional checkerboard and makes a unique handmade gift. It’s the perfect way to use forgotten fat quarters or scrap fabrics from your stash.

A handy pouch on the back stores game pieces, making it travel-ready. The tutorial is simple to follow, even for beginners. Quick to finish and fun to play, this clever quilt brings quilting and checkers together in one project.

Cut your favorite precuts into bold graphic blocks with the Layer Cake Checkmate Quilt Pattern by Fat Quarter Shop Exclusive. This 66½” x 84½” design transforms layer cakes into a modern, clean checkerboard layout. Simple piecing and large blocks keep the project approachable.

It’s an excellent option for confident beginners looking to tackle a bigger quilt. Your fabric choices take center stage, whether you go bold, bright, or classic. With its generous size, this pattern works beautifully for beds, throws, or statement décor.

BONUS Checkerboard Quilt Patterns For Sale from Online Shops

Step onto playful, geometric style with the Checkerboard Dance Floor Quilt Pattern by Satomi Hoar of Satomi Quilts. This traditionally pieced design brings bold checkerboard energy to your next quilting project. With clear, diagram-filled instructions, it’s approachable for advanced beginners and beyond.

Four sizes are included—Baby, Small Throw, Large Throw, and Bed—making it easy to choose the perfect fit. High-contrast fabrics or scrappy layouts both shine in this lively pattern. The classic grid layout gives every room a fun, modern edge.

Bring crisp contrast to your space with the Red & White Checkerboard Quilt Pattern by Helen Philipps. This charming quilt pairs solid white with your favorite scraps or charm packs for a cheerful, timeless look. Measuring 66″ square, it makes a lovely throw or accent quilt.

The straightforward construction works beautifully whether sewn by hand or machine. Simple blocks come together quickly for a satisfying, beginner-friendly project. It’s a fresh, classic design that never goes out of style.

Create a quilt full of color and nostalgia with the Classic Checkerboard Quilt Pattern by Quilt Pattern Studio. This design invites you to slow down and enjoy placing each square, showcasing your favorite fabrics. Whether working with scraps or carefully curated prints, every piece contributes to the overall charm.

The pattern includes two sizes: Baby and Crib, but is easy to adjust to suit larger projects. No strip piecing here, just the joy of traditional block building. It’s a timeless, versatile quilt perfect for gifts or keepsakes.

Play with optical illusions using the Fact Checker Quilt Pattern by Corrine of Quilted Conspiracies. This confident beginner design uses 9-Patch blocks to build a fun, dimensional checkerboard effect. Four sizing options: Mini, Baby, Lap, and Throw, make it easy to customize.

The layout creates bold contrast with plenty of room to experiment with color placement. Simple blocks combine for a striking visual finish that feels modern and fresh. It’s a great project for stash-busting or making a gift with extra personality.

Mix stars and grids for a dynamic quilt with the Flicker Quilt Pattern by Tara Evans of Taralee Quiltery. This design blends classic checkerboard blocks with striking star motifs for extra movement and texture. Three sizes are included: Small Throw, Large Throw, and King.

Confident beginners will enjoy the approachable block construction and step-by-step instructions. The checkerboard sections create structure, while star blocks add playful energy. It’s a stash-friendly, eye-catching quilt with plenty of modern charm.

Blend bold florals with graphic design using the Checkmate Quilt Pattern by On Williams Street. Foundation paper piecing creates flower motifs that pop against a modern checkerboard background. Layout options include baby, throw, twin, and queen sizes, so you can tailor the project to your space.

Confident beginners will enjoy the approachable block construction and step-by-step instructions. The checkerboard sections create structure, while star blocks add playful energy. It’s a stash-friendly, eye-catching quilt with plenty of modern charm.

Alternate stars and classic grids with the Peppermint Frost Quilt Pattern by Kari of Prairie Quilting Shop. This cheerful design features checkerboard blocks alongside radiant stars for a bright, refreshing look. The layout evokes the cool, crisp feeling of a peppermint treat while staying cozy and inviting.

Sized at approximately 57″ x 69″, it works well as a throw or accent quilt. Clean block construction makes this project approachable for quilters looking to mix traditional shapes. Pops of color and contrast bring plenty of energy to this playful quilt.

8. Checkered Past Quilt Pattern (Downloadable Pattern For Sale)

Checkered Past Quilt Pattern - etsy
Designer: Bettie Pharr of Quilting Keepsakes

Use up those treasured scraps with the Checkered Past Quilt Pattern by Bettie Pharr of Quilting Keepsakes. Fat quarter and jelly roll friendly, this pattern offers a satisfying way to transform leftover fabric into a polished quilt. Three sizes are included: Throw, Queen, and King, making it easy to fit your needs.

Alternate blocks and borders frame the design with structure while showcasing your favorite prints. The construction is simple, yet the finished layout feels bold and cohesive. It’s an ideal project for combining scraps and new fabrics into one striking quilt.

Piece a timeless accent with the Checkerboard Wall-Hanging Quilt Pattern by TQ and LPQ Pattern Shop. This strip-pieced design brings the classic checkerboard look to life in a manageable 40″ square format. Quick construction makes it perfect for beginners or quilters short on time.

High-contrast fabrics shine in the bold grid layout, creating strong visual appeal. Whether displayed on a wall or used as a tabletop accent, the compact size adds versatility. The clean, geometric look adds a playful pop of pattern to any space.

Sew up a no-waste, beginner-friendly quilt with the Sunny Side Quilt Pattern by Erin Kroeker of Blanket State Patterns. Clever construction and approachable instructions make this project fun for quilters at any level. The layout maximizes fat quarters, ensuring every bit of your favorite fabrics gets used.

Sizing options include Baby, Small Throw, Large Throw, Twin XL, and Bed, offering flexibility for your next quilt. Modern lines and simple piecing create a fresh, cheerful design that feels light and inviting. It’s a fabric-efficient project perfect for adding warmth to your home.

Here Are More Checkerboard Quilt Ideas For Inspiration

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Cream City Studio
Photo Source: Cream City Studio

Simple yellow and white squares create the timeless appeal of a checkerboard pattern on this lovely quilt.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Pat Quinn
Photo Source: Pat Quinn

Looking like fabric confetti, hundreds of colorful squares form a vibrant and appealing checkerboard pattern.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Pieces of Contentment
Photo Source: Pieces of Contentment

Cheerful squares of fabric in pinks, greens, and yellows create a beautiful checkerboard of color.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Stamp Stitch Create
Photo Source: Stamp Stitch Create

Whimsical prints featuring mushrooms and mermaids peek out from the pink and red squares of this charming checkerboard quilt.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Create Joy Quilt
Photo Source: Create Joy Quilt

This quilt uses checkerboard blocks to create an even larger checkerboard pattern.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Elana Roth Parker
Photo Source: Elana Roth Parker

Warm coral sashing makes the variety of colorful patchwork squares pop in this modern checkerboard quilt.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Helen Philipps
Photo Source: Helen Philipps

Simple blocks featuring red print squares and white rectangles come together for a classic checkerboard feel.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Quilt with Mindy
Photo Source: Quilt with Mindy

Little checkerboard blocks, pieced in shades of blue, black, and grey, create a classic and appealing pattern.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Wens Was Here
Photo Source: Wens Was Here

Blocks of colorful checkerboards are framed by a fun orange sawtooth border in this vibrant quilt.

Checkerboard Quilt Idea from Lori Holt
Photo Source: Lori Holt

Colorful fabric squares with fun prints float on a white background, creating a clean and modern checkerboard look.

Checkerboard quilt patterns offer a fantastic way to explore color play and achieve a bold visual impact with relative ease. The simplicity of their construction allows the fabrics themselves to take center stage, making them perfect for showcasing prints or vibrant solid combinations. Whether you’re crafting a playful quilt for a child’s room, a modern minimalist throw, or a classic design for your home, these patterns provide endless possibilities.

We hope this curated collection has inspired you to dive into the captivating world of checkerboard quilting. It’s time to choose your favorite pattern and let the satisfying simplicity of squares bring your next quilt to life!.

Checkerboard Quilt Patterns Roundup 1 ILQF Pinterest