by The “Coral” model sousplat is a popular crochet pattern known for its simple, solid center and a beautifully textured, slightly ruffled edge that resembles the delicate structure of coral. This design is perfect for adding an elegant, rustic touch to your table setting. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through creating this stunning, durable placemat.
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn: Approximately 150-200 grams of Bulky (12-ply) or T-Shirt Yarn (Fio de Malha). T-Shirt yarn is ideal for a sousplat as it provides weight, structure, and a modern, rustic look. If using standard yarn, double or triple strands of worsted weight cotton will also create the necessary thickness.
- Crochet Hook: A hook size appropriate for your chosen yarn/cord. A 7.0mm to 9.0mm hook is typical for T-Shirt yarn, while a 5.0mm to 6.0mm hook works well for triple-stranded worsted weight yarn.
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in ends.
Key Crochet Stitches and Techniques
- Magic Ring (MR): Creates a neat, tight center.
- Chain (ch): The basic stitch.
- Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds.
- Single Crochet (sc): Used for the dense, solid base.
- Half Double Crochet (hdc): An alternative stitch for the base, offering more height.
- Crocheting in the Round: The entire piece is worked in a continuous circle, joined at the end of each round.
Part 1: Crocheting the Solid Base
The base of the Coral Sousplat is a flat, sturdy circle. We will use the standard increase formula to ensure it lies perfectly flat. For a sturdy finish, use single crochet (sc) stitches.
- Round 1 (Foundation): Start with a Magic Ring.
- Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work 6 sc (or 8 sc if your yarn is thin) into the Magic Ring.
- Pull the tail to tighten the ring completely. Sl st to the first sc to join.
- Round 2 (Increase):
- Ch 1. Work 2 sc into each stitch around. Sl st to join. (12 stitches).
- Round 3 (Increase):
- Ch 1. *1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (18 stitches).
- Round 4 (Increase):
- Ch 1. *1 sc in the next 2 stitches, 2 sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (24 stitches).
Continuing the Base: Continue increasing each round by 6 stitches (or by your original starting number). For each new round, you will add one more single crochet between the increase stitches.
- Round 5: 3 sc, 2 sc in the next stitch, repeated. (30 stitches).
- Round 6: 4 sc, 2 sc in the next stitch, repeated. (36 stitches).
Continue working these rounds until your base measures approximately 7–8 inches (18–20 cm) in diameter. This should be about 10-12 rounds, depending on your yarn thickness.
Part 2: Creating the Coral Ruffle
This section uses a series of concentrated increases to make the edge ripple and curl slightly, creating the distinct “Coral” texture.
- Transition Round (No Increases): This round helps define the edge before the ruffle starts.
- Ch 1. Work 1 sc into the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch around. Sl st to join. This creates a small ridge.
- Ruffle Round 1 (The Initial Ruffle): We will double the number of stitches.
- Ch 1. Work 2 sc into each stitch around. Sl st to join. (Your stitch count should now be double the previous round’s count).
- Ruffle Round 2 (Height and Definition): We will work straight to allow the ruffles to stand out.
- Ch 1. Work 1 sc into each stitch around. Sl st to join.
- Ruffle Round 3 (The Final Increase/Flare): This round adds the final flare to the ruffle.
- Ch 1. *Work 1 sc in the next stitch, 2 sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join.
- Final Edge Round:
- Ch 1. Work 1 sc into each stitch around, but work it tightly to help define the edge and prevent further curling. Sl st to join.
Part 3: Finishing and Blocking
- Fasten Off: Cut your yarn, leaving an 8-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 it in one direction for several stitches, then turn and weave it back through a few stitches to securely lock the end. Trim the excess yarn.
- Blocking (Recommended): Blocking is essential for all crochet placemats.
- Gently mist the sousplat with water until it is damp.
- Place it on a flat surface and flatten the solid base into a perfect circle, pinning the edges if necessary.
- Gently encourage the ruffled edge to stand up and curl naturally like coral.
- Allow it to air dry completely.
Your beautiful, textured Coral Sousplat is now complete and ready to dress up your table!
