A DIY crochet blocking board is usually built from interlocking foam floor tiles or a sheet of rigid insulation board, wrapped in fabric and marked with a grid. I made my first one from foam tiles meant for a kids’ playroom, and it worked just as well as a bought version at a fraction of the cost.
Materials that work well
Foam floor tiles are the easiest starting point since they already come in an interlocking puzzle shape, ready to lay out any size you need. Rigid insulation board from a hardware store works too, though I had to cut it to size myself and cover the cut edges carefully.
Adding a grid and covering the surface
I wrapped mine in a plain cotton sheet and drew a grid directly onto the fabric with a permanent marker and a ruler before stretching it over the foam. Gingham fabric is a popular shortcut, since the existing checked pattern already gives you a rough grid without drawing one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use gingham fabric instead of drawing a grid?
Yes, gingham’s checked pattern works as a rough grid on its own, and it’s the shortcut I’d recommend if you don’t want to measure and draw lines by hand.
What foam thickness do I need for a DIY board?
Around half an inch to one inch is enough to hold standard pins securely, and it’s what I used on mine without any issues.
Would rather buy one instead?
See our full buying guide to ready-made crochet blocking boards.