The Montessori Checkerboard is a staple for the Elementary Montessori classroom or homeschool. It allows kids the opportunity to grasp multiplication and even work out long multiplication problems well before they understand it in abstract form. Today I’ll be sharing with you how to make the Montessori Checkerboard with just a few items from the craft store.
Step by Step Tutorial for making the Montessori Checkerboard
There are plenty of printable checkerboard options to choose from but the tactile experience just isn’t the same. So when it was time for my daughter to work with the checkerboard while being in quarantine, I decided we needed to add a more authentic version of the math checkerboard to add to our Montessori materials.
This DIY Montessori math checkerboard is so quick and easy to make, you can even have the kids can do it. The total project will take approximately 1 hour from start to finish if you gather all your materials first. The materials needed for this project can easily be ordered on Amazon or bought at your local craft store. I have linked everything I used in the supplies list.
Here’s what you will need:
- 2 sheets of felt in the following colors: green, blue and red
- Double sided fusible web
- Double sided fusible tape
- Scissors or Rotary cutter & self healing cutting Mat
- Ruler
- Black colored fabric or pillow case*
- Ribbon (optional)
- sewing machine (optional)
Step by step Instructions FOR THE MONTESSORI MATH CHECKerBOARD:
- Cut the felt into 2-1/2 inch strips.
- Next, cut the strips into 2-1/2 inch squares. You will need a total of 12 squares per color.
- Then, peel away the top covering of the fusible web and carefully place the felt squares in a GREEN, BLUE, PATTERN down on to the exposed the sticky part. There will be 4 rows laid on to 2 of the sheets.
- Trim away any excess fusible webbing.
- Turn the fusible web sheets over and use the fusible tape to cover up the felt that’s sticking out of the sheet.
- Iron on high to release the adhesive from the paper covering. With most brands you can iron directly over the paper covering with the iron set to high. But, do check the instructions for your brand of fusible web to prevent burning (and injuries). It will take less than 30 seconds to release the adhesive from the paper covering.
- Once the adhesive is transferred onto the felt, peel back and remove the paper covering.
- Now, prep your black fabric or pillow case. Start by trimming away the folded opening of the pillow case (if using a pillow case).
- Then, position the two felt sheets side by side slightly left of the center of the fabric. Note: the bottom and right side needs enough space to place number tiles when the child is working on a problem. Be sure to leave enough room to lay down the ribbon along the perimeter of the felt (if using ribbon).
- Cover the felt with a cotton fabric and iron on high heat to adhere the felt to the fabric. DO NOT iron directly on the felt as it may burn.
- Once the felt pieces are glued onto the fabric, you can turn the entire fabric around and iron to ensure everything is attached well. You may also choose to secure the felt further by running a simple stitch on each row and column. This is not necessarily but can add a decorative finish.
At this point you have 3 options for finishing touches for the completed checkerboard:
Super Simple
You can keep the finishing super simple by simply adding a piece of masking tape along the bottom and right side of the felt. Then add the place value labels, and you’re done.
Simple
Another simple option is to use fusible tape to secure a ribbon trim around the perimeter of the felt. Then, either hand write the place value labels or using a label maker print and stick the labels onto the ribbon. Lastly, use the fusible tape to close the trimmed edge of the pillow case.
Fancy
If you have a sewing machine and a bit of patience, you can get a little fancy with your Montessori math checkerboard.
First, use a pins to mark off the start and end of each felt square. (see pic below)
Next, use an embroidery machine or sewing machine with an embroidery option to embroider the place values in the center of the appropriately marked section. Alternatively, you can hand embroider the place values. You will need to add interfacing to the back of the ribbon to stabilize it before embroidering.
Sewing Machine Tip: I have a singer professional 9100 which embroiderers. I used a 100/16 needle and set the machine speed just slightly less than half to prevent the needle from breaking in the middle of the project. A lesson learned the hard way. This takes some time, so be patient.
Then, use fusible tape to adhere the ribbon around the perimeter of the felt. Be sure to line up the embroidered portions correctly.
note: you can use clear nail polish on the cut edges of the ribbon to prevent fraying.
Lastly, you can trim away excess fabric from the top and bottom of the checkerboard and use a simple stitch to close up all three trimmed edges of the pillow case. I stitched the top and bottom of the pillow case with the right sides together and then turned the fabric out. I then turned the frayed edge of the remaining side 1/4 inch in and hemmed the edge.
AND, Voila! Your handmade DIY checkerboard is ready.
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