Cardboard Checkers Board

Handcraft your own checkers board with this easy to make cardboard checkers game.

Step 1: Gather Materials

The construction paper must be at least 9”x 9”. At least two different colors (need to stay consistent throughout the project) are necessary to create contrast for the playing surface. The cardboard must be at least 9”x 9”. The glue that is required can be any kind of craft glue that works with paper (We will be using a glue stick and a bottle of glue).

Step 2: Measure and Mark Paper

Grab the first sheet of paper, we will refer to this color as Color 1. Using the ruler, start at the bottom left corner of the paper, and mark every inch until the 8 inch marker. Repeat the process starting at the top left and move to the right side of the paper. Use the ruler to connect the marks from the top of the sheet to the bottom. There should be 8 lines across the paper. Repeat this process on the other sheet of paper, which will be known as Color 2.

Step 3: Cut Paper

Cut on the 8 parallel lines all the way through the paper. This will result in 8 strips of paper an inch wide. The length of each strip should be similar to one-another. Repeat the process on the other sheet.

Step 4: Lay Out One Color

Pick the Color 1 strips of paper and lay them out on the table vertically from you. They should be lined up as if they were still the same piece of paper. Once they are lined up, separate the pieces by half an inch, use the ruler to measure this distance out.

Step 5: Begin Weaving

Grab one strip of the Color 2 paper. Line it up perpendicular to the other strips of paper. As the picture directs, place the end of the Color 1 paper 1/2 inch from the top of the plane of the Color 2 strips. Weave the second color strip through the strips on the table. Go over the first strip on the table, under the second, over the third, etc. all the way to the end.

Step 6: Continue Weaving

After the first strip is done, grab a second one. Place is next to the previous strip, but leave a little room between the two strips. The weave must be the opposite of the first. So if the first strip went over the first strip on the table, the second weaving strip must go under it. Alternate each strip to get the checker pattern.

Step 7: Tighten the Weaves

After the weaving is done, the strips will need to be tightened in order to look neat. Individually, pull the ends of each strips so that the intersecting parts lock together. The final product will look like the picture.

Step 8: Cut the Cardboard

Measure a 9” x 9” square on the cardboard and mark it with the ruler. Cut it out. This is larger than the regulation board size, but it will make it easier to handle in later steps.

Step 9: Glue the Board

Measure a 9” x 9” square on the cardboard and mark it. Cut it out. This is larger than the perfect board size, but it will make it easier to handle. Cut the ends of the strips to line up with the cardboard background. Flip the weaved paper around and glue the perimeter and paste it to the cardboard. Hold and let the board dry.

Step 10: Make the Pieces

While the glue is drying, cut out 12 circles of each color. They must fit within one square on the board, so they cannot be more than an inch in diameter. A coin or bottle cap can be used as a template.

Step 11: Trim the Board

Once the glue has set up a bit, the board may need trimmed. Depending on the looks and how much of the extra paper is on the top of the board, some of the edges may need trimmed. Now you have a completed homemade cardboard checkers board.