Welcome!
Today I will show you how to crochet a simple ribbed placemat of any size. The pattern is not mine; this is a variation of Russian crochet patterns I have seen, adjusted for a thinner yarn.
For this project you will need the following:
– macrame yarn for 5 mm crochet hook (H)
– 5 mm crochet hook (H)
– stitch markers (per your preferences)
– sewing needle
– scissors
So, let’s begin!
1. Magic circle
We will start with a magic circle. The tighter you want it to be, the more times you need to envelop the yarn around your fingers. I enveloped it 2 times, because this was tight enough for me.
Further, if you are working with a smaller number of stitches, the starting circle should also be smaller. I.e., if you start with 12 stitches, there is no need to envelop the yarn 2 times around 3 fingers, it is enough to do it around one – the stitches should be pressed one against another, not loose.
2. Number of stitches
Depending on how big a placemat you are making, the number of stitches can be 6 or more. Keep in mind that the smaller the number of stitches, the smaller the placemat will be. What matters is that the number of stitches must be EVEN.
My work begins with 24 stitches and after 21 rows the length/width of the placemat is 7in (18 cm).
3. The first row
The total number of stitches in the first row is half of the number you have in the circle – if you have 20 stitches in the circle, the first row will have 10 stitches in total.
Start with a single crochet (sc) in the first row and work the number of stitches that is smaller by 1 stitch of the half of the total number of stitches you have. Then, in the next 2 stitches, work 2 stitches in each of them, and work the same number of stitches you had before the increase, after it.
An example:
The circle has 20 stitches. Half of it is 10 – this is how many the first row will have. Work 4 sc, then increase in 5th and 6th, and then 7 – 10 work normally. At the end of the first row, you should have 12 stitches (2 more).
The circle has 24 stitches. Half of it is 12 – this is how many the first row will have. Work 5 stitches, then increase in 6th and 7th, then 8 – 12 work normally. At the end of the first row, you should have 14 stitches (2 more).
4. Second and other rows
The first and last stitch are done normally, and those in between are done in the back loop. Starting with row 2, you will have one stitch more on each side of the increase. To avoid counting the stitches, it is best to place stitch markers in two central stitches, in which you will work the increase. Move these markers with rows in according stitches, so you don’t have to count.
5. Edging and ending
When you reach the desired length of the placemat, it is time to work the edge. The edge is done in the following way: chain 1, then in every first and last stitch of the rows do a single crochet, until you reach the circle.
In the circle stitches work slip stitches, it will strengthen the circle.
After the circle continue working as before it. When you reach the end, slip stitch into the first stitch of the last row, chain 1 and cut the yarn. Now just hide the yarn and the placemat is done!
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