Let's crochet a beautiful and practical coaster/supla motif with two colors! This project is a fantastic way to add a handmade touch to your table settings. "Supla" (often spelled "sousplat" in French) refers to a placemat or charger plate, so a "coaster/supla motif" implies a larger coaster or a small placemat. This tutorial will guide you through creating a charming circular design that's perfect for this purpose, incorporating two colors for a lovely visual effect.
How to Crochet a Two-Color Coaster/Supla Motif
This detailed guide will walk you through creating a sturdy and decorative circular motif, perfect for use as a large coaster or a small, individual placemat. We'll alternate two colors to create a beautiful, defined pattern.
Skill Level: Advanced Beginner
This project is ideal if you're comfortable with:
Chain (ch): The basic foundation.
Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining stitches and rounds.
Single Crochet (sc): A compact, dense stitch.
Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch that builds height quickly.
Magic Ring (MR) / Chain-2 Start: For a neat, tight center.
Working in rounds: Crocheting in a circular fashion.
Changing Colors: Crucial for this two-color design.
Fastening off: Securing your yarn.
Weaving in ends: The essential finishing touch.
Finished Motif Dimensions (Approximate):
Using worsted weight yarn and the suggested hook, your finished coaster/supla motif will measure about 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) in diameter. The size can vary slightly depending on your yarn, hook, and tension. For a larger supla, you would use a thicker yarn (like a jumbo cotton cord) and a larger hook, or add more increase rounds following the established pattern.
Materials You'll Need:
Gathering your supplies beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable crocheting session!
Yarn: Approximately 50-80 yards (45-73 meters) total of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton or Cotton Blend Yarn.
Why Cotton? Cotton is highly recommended for coasters and placemats because it's absorbent, durable, and can withstand heat better than acrylic.
For Two Colors: Choose two contrasting or complementary colors. Let's call them Color A (your primary color, for the solid parts and perhaps the border) and Color B (your accent color, for the patterned rounds). You'll need about 30-50 yards of Color A and 20-30 yards of Color B.
Crochet Hook: Size H/5.0mm. This hook size works well with worsted weight yarn to create a solid fabric without too many gaps, which is perfect for a coaster.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in your loose yarn tails for a neat finish.
Scissors: Any sharp pair.
Stitch Marker (Optional but Recommended): Helpful for marking the first stitch of each round, especially when starting a new color.
Let's Crochet Your Two-Color Coaster/Supla Motif!
We'll start with the center, then systematically increase stitches to create a flat circle, alternating between your two chosen colors.
Part 1: The Center (Using Color A)
You'll begin by creating a small, solid circle that forms the middle of your motif.
Starting Ring (Using Color A Yarn):
Make a Magic Ring (MR). This creates a tight, adjustable center hole (recommended for a professional finish).
(Alternative start if Magic Ring is tricky): Chain 4, then slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring. You'll work your stitches into this chain ring.
Round 1 (Double Crochet into the Ring):
Chain 3 (ch 3 – this counts as your first double crochet (dc) of the round).
Work 11 double crochet (dc) stitches into the magic ring (or into the chain-4 ring if using alternative start).
To make a
dc
: Yarn over, insert hook into ring, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through last 2 loops.
If you used the Magic Ring method, gently pull the tail of the magic ring tight to close the center hole.
Slip stitch (sl st) into the top of the beginning ch 3 (the third chain) to join the round. You should have 12 dc stitches (including the starting ch 3).
Part 2: Expanding the Circle with Two Colors
Now we'll systematically increase stitches to expand our circle, alternating colors with each new round for a defined two-color pattern.
Important Note on Color Changes: When you're about to make the final slip stitch to join a round and you want to change colors for the next round, do the color change in the slip stitch.
Insert your hook for the sl st into the designated stitch, yarn over with the current color, pull up a loop. You'll have two loops on your hook.
Now, drop the current color, pick up the new color (the one for the next round), yarn over with the new color, and pull it through both loops on your hook to complete the slip stitch. This makes a seamless color transition.
Round 2 (Increase Round - Using Color B):
(You should now have Color B on your hook from the color change in the previous sl st.)
Chain 3 (ch 3 – this counts as your first dc).
Work 1 double crochet (dc) into the same stitch where you joined (this creates your first increase).
Work 2 dc into each remaining stitch around the round.
When you reach the end, you should have 24 dc stitches.
Change to Color A in the last slip stitch to join the round (into the top of the beginning ch 3).
Round 3 (Increase Round - Using Color A):
(You should now have Color A on your hook.)
Chain 3 (ch 3 – counts as your first dc).
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
*Work 2 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.*
Repeat from * to * around the round.
When you reach the end, you should have 36 dc stitches.
Change to Color B in the last slip stitch to join the round (into the top of the beginning ch 3).
Round 4 (Increase Round - Using Color B):
(You should now have Color B on your hook.)
Chain 3 (ch 3 – counts as your first dc).
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
*Work 2 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 dc into the next 2 stitches.*
Repeat from * to * around the round.
When you reach the end, you should have 48 dc stitches.
Change to Color A in the last slip stitch to join the round.
Round 5 (Increase Round - Using Color A):
(You should now have Color A on your hook.)
Chain 3 (ch 3 – counts as your first dc).
Work 1 dc into the next 2 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
*Work 2 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 dc into the next 3 stitches.*
Repeat from * to * around the round.
When you reach the end, you should have 60 dc stitches.
Change to Color B in the last slip stitch to join the round.
Round 6 (Increase Round - Using Color B):
(You should now have Color B on your hook.)
Chain 3 (ch 3 – counts as your first dc).
Work 1 dc into the next 3 stitches.
Work 1 dc into the next stitch.
*Work 2 dc into the next stitch.
Work 1 dc into the next 4 stitches.*
Repeat from * to * around the round.
When you reach the end, you should have 72 dc stitches.
Change to Color A in the last slip stitch to join the round.
Round 7 (Final Round - Using Color A - Optional Border):
(You should now have Color A on your hook.)
Chain 1 (ch 1 – this does NOT count as a stitch).
Work 1 single crochet (sc) into each stitch around the entire round. (72 sc)
Slip stitch (sl st) into the first sc to join the round. This single crochet border helps to flatten the edge and create a neat finish.
Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch (15 cm) tail for weaving in.
Part 3: Finishing Touches
Weave in All Ends (Meticulously!):
You'll have several yarn tails from your starting ring, from each color change, and from where you fastened off at the end.
Thread each yarn tail onto your yarn needle.
How to Weave Neatly: Insert the needle into the stitches on the back side of your motif. Weave the tail into stitches of the same color for at least 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), trying to follow the path of existing stitches to make it invisible. To secure it extra well, subtly change direction and weave back through a few stitches in a different direction (e.g., diagonally or perpendicularly) to "lock" the tail in place. Be careful not to pull too tightly, or your fabric might pucker.
Once secured, trim any excess yarn close to the fabric, ensuring you don't accidentally cut any of your actual crocheted stitches.
Blocking (Highly Recommended!):
Blocking is a crucial step for circular projects like this. It helps your coaster/supla lie perfectly flat, evens out your stitches, and makes the pattern look much more defined and professional.
Method for Cotton Yarn:
Gently mist your motif evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it's damp, but not soaking wet.
Gently stretch and shape the motif into a perfect circle on a flat, clean, and absorbent surface (like a foam blocking mat or a clean towel).
Use rust-proof pins to pin the edges of the circle into shape. You can also pin along the points where the increases happened to really open up the pattern.
Allow the motif to air dry completely and thoroughly. This might take several hours or even a full day, depending on humidity. Do not move or use the motif until it's bone dry.
Congratulations! You've successfully crocheted a lovely Two-Color Coaster/Supla Motif! This sturdy and beautiful piece is perfect for protecting your tables and adding a pop of handmade charm to your home.
What beautiful color combinations will you try for your next set?
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