by A crochet coaster sousplat (or placemat) is a wonderful project for beginners. It works up quickly, uses only basic stitches, and results in a thick, sturdy item perfect for protecting your table from hot mugs or plates. This tutorial will guide you through creating a simple yet robust circular sousplat using single crochet for maximum density.
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Approximately 50-70 grams of worsted weight (aran/10-ply) or bulky (12-ply) yarn. Cotton is highly recommended for its durability, absorbency, and ability to withstand heat.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your yarn. A 4.5mm or 5.0mm (H/8) hook is ideal for creating a tight, dense fabric.
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in your ends.
Key Crochet Stitches and Techniques
- Magic Ring (MR): Creates the neatest, tightest center for your circle.
- Chain (ch): The basic stitch.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds.
- Single Crochet (sc): The main stitch for this project. It creates a dense, non-stretching fabric, which is perfect for a coaster.
- Working in the Round: The entire piece is worked in a circular pattern, joined at the end of each round.
Part 1: Crocheting the Sousplat Base (The Circle)
The base is a simple flat circle. We’ll follow the standard increase formula for single crochet circles to ensure the sousplat lies perfectly flat.
- Round 1 (Foundation): Start with a Magic Ring.
- Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 8 sc into the Magic Ring.
- Pull the yarn tail to tighten the ring completely.
- Sl st to the first sc to join the round. (8 stitches total).
- Round 2 (Increase):
- Ch 1. Work 2 sc into each stitch around.
- Sl st to the first sc to join. (16 stitches total).
- Round 3 (Increase):
- Ch 1. *Work 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around.
- Sl st to the first sc to join. (24 stitches total).
- Round 4 (Increase):
- Ch 1. *Work 1 sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around.
- Sl st to the first sc to join. (32 stitches total).
- Round 5 (Increase):
- Ch 1. *Work 1 sc in the next 3 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around.
- Sl st to the first sc to join. (40 stitches total).
- Continuing Increases: Continue this pattern of adding one extra single crochet between your increases in each round until the sousplat reaches your desired size.
- Round 6: 4 sc, 2 sc in the next stitch (48 stitches).
- Round 7: 5 sc, 2 sc in the next stitch (56 stitches).
For a standard coaster, 5 or 6 rounds are usually sufficient (4–5 inches in diameter).
Part 2: Adding a Decorative Border (Optional)
Once your sousplat has reached the desired diameter, you can add a simple final round for a decorative touch and a clean edge.
- Final Round (Reverse Single Crochet/Crab Stitch):
- Ch 1. Work 1 reverse single crochet (rsc) into each stitch around. The rsc (also known as the crab stitch) is worked by inserting your hook into the stitch to your right (instead of the left) and completing a single crochet. This creates a beautifully tight, rope-like edge.
- Sl st to the first rsc to join.
- Final Round (Picot Edge):
- Ch 1. *Work 3 sc, then make a picot (ch 3, sl st into the first ch of the 3-chain). Skip the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around.
- Sl st to the first sc to join.
Part 3: Finishing and Blocking
- Fasten Off: Cut your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook to secure the stitch.
- Weave in All Ends: Thread the tail into your yarn needle. Weave the tail through the stitches on the back of the sousplat. Weave in one direction for a few stitches, then reverse direction for a few more to securely lock the end in place. Trim the excess yarn close to the fabric.
- Blocking (Recommended): To ensure your sousplat lies perfectly flat, blocking is highly recommended.
- Gently mist the coaster with water until it is damp.
- Place it on a flat surface (a towel or blocking mat).
- Gently shape it into a perfect circle, pinning the edges if necessary.
- Allow it to air dry completely.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a simple, sturdy, and elegant crochet coaster sousplat. What color will you make your next one?
