Instead of a checkerboard blanket, perhaps you’d like to make a checkerboard rug. They are simple to make and they make a great addition to the playroom, family room, game room, or your child’s bedroom.
Checkerboard from Carpet
At your local carpet store, check for remnants in the traditional black and red, or in the colors of your choice. You can make one as large or as small as you like. Cut squares from each remnant using a utility knife and a straight edge. Arrange the pieces in a checkerboard pattern then turn them upside down. Attach them in rows using duct tape to hold the pieces together, alternating colors, and alternating which color you start with for each row. Attach all the rows together. You can use spray adhesive to attach the carpet to a pad or some other type of backing. You can also have the edges bound if you like. Ask for more information on binding at your local carpet store.
Checkerboard from Rugs
Purchase accent rugs or heavy fabric, cut into squares, and sew the squares together. You can adjust the size as necessary. For example, if you need a smaller finished rug, use 6″ squares instead of 12″ squares. Since accent rugs and fabric are not as rigid as carpet, you will need to apply a backing. You can use upholstery fabric, denim, or even a canvas drop cloth and some spray adhesive.
Other Options
Speaking of canvas drop cloths, you can make a great rug by painting a canvas drop cloth in a checkerboard pattern. Another option is painting the pattern onto a sisal rug. You have also probably seen accent floor coverings made from vinyl flooring on some design shows. While they are not what one would normally consider a rug, they are used in the same way. You can make your own vinyl checkerboard floor covering using vinyl remnants or tiles, or you can cut vinyl placemats into appropriately sized squares and attach them from the back with duct tape.
*See Making Checkers article for game piece ideas.
Purchase One
There are many adorable styles of rugs available, including checkerboard rugs, if you prefer to buy one rather than making one. You can find a 3′ x 3′ checkerboard rug complete with game pieces (shown) at Oriental Trading.