There is nothing quite like a handmade touch to make your holiday table feel extra warm and welcoming. Creating your own Christmas sousplat (charger plate) is a wonderful way to combine functionality with festive style, turning every meal into a special occasion. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, these crochet placemats are the perfect project to add a unique, heirloom-quality charm to your home this season.
This guide will walk you through the process of crocheting a beautiful, flat circular sousplat. By using sturdy cotton yarn and simple stitches, you will create a durable base that protects your table while providing a stunning backdrop for your holiday dinnerware.
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Worsted or Aran weight 100% cotton yarn (cotton holds its shape best). Recommended colors: festive red, forest green, white, or metallic gold.
- Crochet Hook: Size 4.5mm (G/7) or 5.0mm (H/8), depending on your tension.
- Notions: Yarn needle for weaving ends, measuring tape, and scissors.
- Optional: Metallic thread or small beads for decorative edging.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- St (Stitch); Sts (Stitches)
- Ch (Chain)
- Sl St (Slip Stitch)
- Sc (Single Crochet)
- Dc (Double Crochet)
- Inc (Increase): Two stitches worked into the same stitch.
- Magic Ring: The preferred way to start a flat circle.
- Pattern Note: To keep your circle flat, ensure your stitch counts remain consistent. If the work begins to ruffle, you have too many stitches; if it begins to bowl inward, you need more increases.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Foundation: Start with a Magic Ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout). Work 11 dc into the ring. Sl st to the top of the ch-3 to join. (12 sts total)
- Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st. Work 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (24 sts total)
- Round 3: Ch 3, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (36 sts total)
- Round 4: Ch 3, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st; repeat from * around. Sl st to join. (48 sts total)
- Round 5 and beyond: Continue in this established pattern (increasing by 12 stitches each round) until your piece measures approximately 35–40 cm in diameter, or the desired size for your plates.
- Border: For a decorative finish, work a final round of “shell stitches”: *Skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st; repeat from * around the perimeter.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Weaving Ends: Always weave your yarn ends securely into the back of the work using a yarn needle. This prevents unraveling after repeated washing.
- Blocking: For a truly professional look, block your finished sousplat. Lightly mist the piece with water, lay it flat on a towel, and pin it into a perfect circle until dry. This sets the stitches and ensures the mat lies flat.
- Tension Check: Before starting your full project, crochet a small 4-inch square swatch to ensure your hook and yarn choice create a tight, sturdy fabric.
- Uniformity: If you are making a set of four or more, count your stitches at the end of every round to ensure every placemat in your set is exactly the same size.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: