Crochet Chess King – Free Pattern & Step-by-Step Tutorial
Crochet King for Chess Set | Free Crochet King Pattern
Welcome to DIY KraftZ! This tutorial is part of our Crochet Chess Set series, where you can learn how to crochet your own chessboard, chess coins, and all the chess pieces step by step.
In this tutorial, we are sharing the complete written crochet pattern for making a Crochet Chess King. Follow the 24 joined rows to create the King, including the head, neck, body and flat base. The project is finished with a decorative border and a small handmade pom-pom crown.
This crochet King pattern uses 4-ply cotton yarn and a 3 mm crochet hook. The written instructions are based on the video tutorial, so you can follow along with each step and create your own handmade crochet chess set.
Project: Crochet Chess King
Pattern type: Amigurumi / Crochet Chess Piece
Construction: 24 joined rows (not continuous spirals)
Skill level: Follow-along crochet project
Finished design: Flat chess coin with a pom-pom crown
Materials Used
- Cotton yarn – 4-ply (choose your preferred color)
- Crochet hook – 3 mm
- Embroidery thread – for the decorative border and pom-pom
- Crochet hook – 1.25 mm (for embroidery thread detailing)
- Fiberfill / Polyfill stuffing
- Tapestry needle / Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Optional: Small washers for additional support at the base
- Optional: Hot glue gun to attach the washers
Note: This project is worked in joined rows, not continuous spirals. At the end of every row, join with a slip stitch into the first stitch and begin the next row with chain 1.
Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR – Magic Ring
- ch – Chain
- sc – Single Crochet
- sl st – Slip Stitch
- inc – Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec – Single Crochet Decrease
- Invisible dec – Invisible Single Crochet Decrease using front loops
- BLO – Back Loop Only
- FLO – Front Loop Only
Crochet Chess King – Free Written Pattern
The crochet King is made in 24 joined rows. We begin with a magic ring to form the top of the head, gradually decrease to create the neck, and then increase to shape the body and base. The final two rows close the bottom of the chess coin.
Head Section – Rows 1 to 10
Row 1
- Make a Magic Ring.
- Ch 1 and make 5 sc into the center of the ring.
- Pull the yarn tail to close the ring.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(5 stitches)
Row 2
- Ch 1.
- Make 2 sc in each stitch around (increase in every stitch).
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(10 stitches)
Row 3
- Ch 1.
- Make 1 sc in the first stitch, followed by 1 increase in the next stitch.
- Repeat this pattern around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(15 stitches)
Row 4 – Back Loop Only (BLO)
- Ch 1.
- Work only into the back loops of the stitches.
- Make 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Leave the front loops unworked for the decorative border later.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(15 stitches)
Row 5 – Invisible Decreases
- Ch 1.
- Make 3 sc in the next three stitches.
- Make 1 invisible decrease using the front loops of the next two stitches.
- Repeat this pattern 3 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(12 stitches)
Row 6
- Ch 1.
- Make 2 sc in the next two stitches.
- Make 1 single crochet decrease over the next two stitches.
- Repeat this pattern 3 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(9 stitches)
Row 7 – Invisible Decreases
- Ch 1.
- Make 1 sc in the first stitch.
- Make 1 invisible decrease using the front loops of the next two stitches.
- Repeat this pattern 3 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(6 stitches)
Stuffing the Head
After completing Row 7, stop crocheting and add fiberfill stuffing to the head portion.
- Insert the yarn tail inside the head.
- Take a sufficient amount of fiberfill.
- Use a bigger needle to push the stuffing into the smaller head section.
- Adjust the fiberfill so the head holds a good shape.
Row 8 – Front Loop Only (FLO)
- Ch 1.
- Work only into the front loops of the stitches.
- Make 2 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(12 stitches)
Row 9 – Back Loop Only (BLO)
- Ch 1.
- Work only into the back loops of the stitches.
- Make 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(12 stitches)
Row 10 – Back Loop Only (BLO)
- Ch 1.
- Work only into the back loops.
- Make 1 single crochet decrease over the next two stitches.
- Repeat decreases 6 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(6 stitches)
This completes the middle part of the King chess coin. Add fiberfill to the neck and middle section. Adjust the stuffing to maintain the shape before continuing.
Neck and Body – Rows 11 to 22
Row 11 – Front Loop Only (FLO)
- Ch 1.
- Work only into the front loops of the stitches.
- Make 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(6 stitches)
Row 12
- Ch 1.
- Make 1 sc in the first stitch.
- Make 1 increase in the next stitch.
- Repeat this pattern 3 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(9 stitches)
Rows 13 and 14
- Ch 1.
- Make 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
- Repeat the same instructions for both rows.
(9 stitches in each row)
Row 15
- Ch 1.
- Make 2 sc in the next two stitches.
- Make 1 increase in the next stitch.
- Repeat this pattern 3 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(12 stitches)
Rows 16 and 17
- Ch 1.
- Make 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
- Repeat the same instructions for both rows.
(12 stitches in each row)
After completing Row 17, add fiberfill stuffing to the project. Stuff at regular intervals and adjust the filling to maintain the shape.
Row 18
- Ch 1.
- Make 3 sc in the next three stitches.
- Make 1 increase in the next stitch.
- Repeat this pattern 3 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(15 stitches)
Row 19
- Ch 1.
- Make 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(15 stitches)
Row 20
- Ch 1.
- Make 4 sc in the next four stitches.
- Make 1 increase in the next stitch.
- Repeat this pattern 3 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(18 stitches)
Rows 21 and 22
- Ch 1.
- Make 1 sc in each stitch around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
- Repeat the same instructions for both rows.
(18 stitches in each row)
This completes the main body and base shaping of the King chess coin.
Closing the Base – Rows 23 and 24
Row 23 – Back Loop Only (BLO)
- Ch 1.
- Work only into the back loops of the stitches.
- Make 1 sc in the first stitch.
- Make 1 single crochet decrease over the next two stitches.
- Repeat the pattern of 1 sc and 1 decrease 6 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
(12 stitches)
Stop here and add enough fiberfill to fill the project completely. The stuffing helps the King hold its shape and adds weight to the chess coin.
Row 24 – Invisible Decreases (FLO)
- Ch 1.
- Work only into the front loops of the next two stitches.
- Make 1 invisible decrease.
- Repeat invisible decreases 6 times around.
- Sl st into the first stitch.
- Ch 1 and fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for finishing.
(6 stitches)
Finishing the Crochet King
After completing all 24 rows, use the remaining yarn tail to close the bottom and shape the King chess coin.
- Thread the long yarn tail through a tapestry needle.
- Pass the needle through the front loops of all 6 stitches in Row 24.
- Pull the yarn gently to gather the stitches and close the opening.
- Insert the needle through one of the stitches and make a knot to secure the closure.
- Insert the needle through the center of the project and bring it out through the top of the King.
- Gently pull the yarn to flatten the bottom. Hold the shape and make a knot at the top.
- Pass the needle from the top through the center and bring it out at the bottom.
- Pull gently to create a flat top without making a deep dip.
- Secure the yarn with a knot at the bottom.
- Weave in the remaining yarn and trim the excess.
Decorative Border – Row 4 Detail
To give the King a neat decorative finish, add a border using the front loops left unworked in Row 4.
- Take embroidery thread and a 1.25 mm crochet hook.
- Make a slip knot with the embroidery thread.
- Insert the slip knot into one of the leftover front loops of Row 4.
- Ch 1 and make 1 sc in the same stitch.
- Continue making 1 sc in each front loop around.
- Include the yarn tail while crocheting to secure it neatly.
- Sl st into the first stitch to join.
- Ch 1 and fasten off, leaving a small tail.
- Use a yarn needle to weave in the end and trim the excess thread.
Adjust the border with your fingers to give it a neat finish.
Making the King Pom-Pom Crown
Instead of a traditional cross, this King chess coin is decorated with a small pom-pom or tassel at the top.
- Take a small piece of embroidery thread and keep it aside for tying the pom-pom.
- Wrap the embroidery thread around your finger 4 to 5 times, or more depending on the volume required.
- Carefully remove the loops from your finger.
- Hold the loops together at the center.
- Use the separate piece of thread to tie a tight knot around the middle.
- Secure it with another knot.
- Trim the ends to create the desired pom-pom shape.
- Attach the pom-pom to the center of the top of the King using a yarn needle.
- Make secure knots close to the project and trim the excess thread.
- Use a needle to brush the thread gently and create a soft, puffy tassel appearance.
Your crochet King chess coin is now complete!
Watch the Full Crochet King Video Tutorial
Watch the complete step-by-step video tutorial below to learn how to crochet the King chess coin, including the head shaping, body construction, stuffing, decorative border and pom-pom crown.
Watch in Youtube - Select different language in settings
How Many Kings Are Needed for a Crochet Chess Set?
A standard chess set requires two Kings in total:
- 1 King in the first color.
- 1 King in the second color.
You can choose any two contrasting yarn colors for your handmade crochet chess set.
How to Make the Crochet King Stand Properly?
After completing the crochet work, you can add additional support to the base using small washers.
- Place suitable washers underneath the base of the chess coin.
- Sew them securely to the base or attach them using a hot glue gun, as demonstrated in the video.
- Make sure the washers are securely attached and cannot come loose.
Adding support helps the crochet chess coin maintain its shape and provides additional weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this crochet King pattern beginner-friendly?
This tutorial demonstrates the complete process step by step. You should be familiar with basic crochet stitches such as single crochet, increases, decreases and slip stitches. The video can help you follow the construction and shaping.
2. What crochet hook size is used for the King?
This crochet King is made using 4-ply cotton yarn and a 3 mm crochet hook. A 1.25 mm crochet hook is used separately for the embroidery-thread border.
3. Is the crochet King worked in continuous spirals?
No. The pattern uses joined rows. Each row is completed with a slip stitch into the first stitch, followed by chain 1 to begin the next row.
4. How many rows are there in the crochet King pattern?
The crochet King pattern consists of 24 joined rows, starting with a magic ring and ending with six invisible decreases to close the base.
5. Why are the front loops left unworked in Row 4?
The front loops left unworked in Row 4 are used later to crochet the decorative border with embroidery thread.
6. How is the crown of the crochet King made?
The crown is made using a small pom-pom or tassel created by wrapping embroidery thread around a finger 4 to 5 times, tying it at the center and attaching it to the top of the King.
7. How many crochet Kings are needed for a chess set?
You need two Kings in total, one in each of the two colors used for your chess set.
8. How can I make my crochet King stand properly?
Stuff the project with fiberfill and add small washers underneath the base for additional support. The video demonstrates attaching the washers by sewing or using hot glue.
Explore the Complete Crochet Chess Set Series
This crochet King is one of the pieces in our handmade crochet chess set collection. Continue watching the playlist to learn how to crochet all the chess pieces and make your own chessboard.
Explore the other tutorials in this series:
- Crochet Chess Pawn – Free Pattern
- Crochet Chess Queen – Free Written Pattern (add link when published)
- Crochet Chess Bishop – Free Written Pattern (add link when published)
- Crochet Chess Knight – Free Written Pattern (add link when published)
- Crochet Chess Rook – Free Written Pattern (add link when published)
- DIY Crochet Chessboard Tutorial (add link when published)
Visit the DIY KraftZ Crochet Chess Set YouTube Playlist to follow the complete video series.
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Happy Crocheting! 🧶♟️
Pattern © DIY KraftZ. You are welcome to share the link to this pattern. Please do not reproduce or republish the complete written pattern without permission.
