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How to Crochet a Large Sousplat / Placemat
Crocheting a large sousplat (a French term for a charger plate) or placemat is a rewarding project that's perfect for both beginners and experienced crafters. These handmade pieces add a touch of warmth and style to any dining table. This tutorial will guide you through a simple yet elegant design using basic stitches to create a sturdy, flat circle. The pattern is easy to follow and works up relatively quickly, allowing you to create a beautiful set for your home.
Skill Level: Beginner
This project is fantastic if you're comfortable with:
Magic Ring (MR) / Adjustable Ring: For a neat, closed center.
Chain (ch): The foundation of crochet.
Slip Stitch (sl st): For joining rounds neatly.
Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch that works up quickly.
Working in Rounds: Crocheting in joined circles.
Increasing: Making your work wider to create a flat circle.
Fastening Off: Securely ending your yarn.
Weaving in Ends: The crucial final step for a polished and durable item.
Finished Sousplat Dimensions (Approximate):
Using worsted weight yarn (Medium #4) and the suggested hook, your finished sousplat will typically be:
Diameter: 12-14 inches (30-35 cm)
This size is ideal for fitting under a dinner plate. You can easily adjust the size by adding or removing a few rounds.
Materials You'll Need:
Gathering your supplies beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable crocheting session!
Yarn: Approximately 150-200 yards (135-180 meters) of Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Cotton Yarn.
Why Cotton? Cotton yarn is highly recommended for placemats and sousplats because it's durable, heat-resistant, easy to clean, and holds its shape well. This is crucial for an item that will be used frequently at the dinner table.
Color: Choose a color that complements your table setting. Classic options like cream, jute, or gray are versatile and elegant, while a vibrant color can add a modern pop of personality.
Crochet Hook: Size I/5.5mm. This hook size pairs well with worsted weight yarn to create a dense, firm fabric.
Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): Essential for weaving in all your loose yarn tails for a clean finish.
Scissors: Any sharp pair for cutting your yarn.
Stitch Marker (Optional but Recommended): Helpful for marking the first stitch of each round, especially for keeping track of increases.
Let's Crochet Your Sousplat!
We'll build this sousplat from the center out, creating a perfect flat circle. The pattern uses double crochet stitches for a quick workup and a lovely, textured fabric.
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Part 1: The Sousplat Base
The key to a perfectly flat sousplat is a consistent increase pattern in each round. We'll start with a magic ring for a seamless center.
Use your chosen yarn color
Round 1 (Magic Ring):
Create a Magic Ring (MR).
Chain 2 (ch 2) (counts as your first double crochet).
Work 11 double crochet (dc) stitches into the Magic Ring.
Pull the Magic Ring tail tightly to close the hole in the center.
Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the top of the beginning ch 2. (12 dc)
Alternative Start (if MR is tricky): Chain 4, sl st to first ch to form a ring. Ch 2, work 11 dc into the ring. Sl st to top of beginning ch 2.
Round 2 (Increase Round):
Chain 2 (ch 2) (counts as your first dc).
Work 1 dc into the same stitch where you joined. (This is your first increase).
Work 2 dc into each stitch around the round. (24 dc)
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2.
Round 3 (Increase Round):
Chain 2 (ch 2).
Work 1 dc into the same stitch.
*Work 1 dc into the next stitch. Work 2 dc into the next stitch.*
Repeat from * to * around the round. (36 dc)
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2.
Round 4 (Increase Round):
Chain 2 (ch 2).
Work 1 dc into the same stitch.
*Work 1 dc into each of the next 2 stitches. Work 2 dc into the next stitch.*
Repeat from * to * around the round. (48 dc)
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2.
Round 5 (Increase Round):
Chain 2 (ch 2).
Work 1 dc into the same stitch.
*Work 1 dc into each of the next 3 stitches. Work 2 dc into the next stitch.*
Repeat from * to * around the round. (60 dc)
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2.
Round 6 (Increase Round):
Chain 2 (ch 2).
Work 1 dc into the same stitch.
*Work 1 dc into each of the next 4 stitches. Work 2 dc into the next stitch.*
Repeat from * to * around the round. (72 dc)
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2.
Round 7 (Increase Round):
Chain 2 (ch 2).
Work 1 dc into the same stitch.
*Work 1 dc into each of the next 5 stitches. Work 2 dc into the next stitch.*
Repeat from * to * around the round. (84 dc)
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2.
Round 8 (Increase Round):
Chain 2 (ch 2).
Work 1 dc into the same stitch.
*Work 1 dc into each of the next 6 stitches. Work 2 dc into the next stitch.*
Repeat from * to * around the round. (96 dc)
Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 2.
Self-Correction Tip: Your sousplat should be laying perfectly flat. If it starts to ruffle, you've increased too much. If it starts to cup, you need more increases. You can adjust the number of stitches between increases in any round to help it lay flat.
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Part 2: The Sousplat Border
To give your sousplat a crisp, finished edge and a professional look, we'll add a simple border of single crochet.
Round 9 (Border Round):
Chain 1 (ch 1).
Work 1 single crochet (sc) into the same stitch where you joined.
Work 1 sc into each stitch around the round. (96 sc)
Join with a sl st to the first sc you made.
Fasten Off (FO), leaving a tail of about 6 inches (15 cm).
Part 3: Final Finishing Touches
These last steps are crucial for making your sousplat look professional, neat, and durable.
Weave in All Ends (Meticulously!):
You'll have yarn tails from your starting Magic Ring and from where you fastened off at the border.
Thread each yarn tail onto your yarn needle.
How to Weave Neatly: Insert the needle into existing stitches on the back of your sousplat. Weave the tail into existing stitches for at least 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm). To make it extra secure and prevent unraveling, subtly change direction within the stitches to "lock" the tail in place.
Once secured, trim any excess yarn very close to the fabric, being careful not to snip any of your actual crocheted stitches.
Blocking (Optional but Recommended):
Blocking is a simple process that can significantly improve the shape of your sousplat, even out any minor tension inconsistencies, and help it lie perfectly flat.
Method for Cotton Yarn:
Gently mist the sousplat evenly with cool water using a spray bottle until it's damp, but not soaking wet.
Lay it flat on a clean, dry surface and gently pat it into a perfect circle shape. Pin it to the surface if necessary to hold the shape.
Allow the sousplat to air dry completely and thoroughly in a well-ventilated area.
Congratulations! You've successfully crocheted a simple and beautiful sousplat! This is a fantastic accomplishment, and you now have a functional, handmade item.
What other colors will you make to create a full set for your dining table?
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