Japanese Crochet Pattern: Mindful Mat (Chart Included)

I crocheted some coasters and a pot mat.

Recently, on a whim, I had been hand-sewing some soft linen coasters. Once I felt satisfied with those, I naturally wanted to try making them with crochet as well.

Since I was going to make them anyway, I thought it would be nice to create something carefully and thoughtfully, not necessarily quickly, so that I could enjoy using them for a long time.

While experimenting with a design inspired by quilted, softly raised diagonal grids, I came up with two stitch patterns.

The fabric used for the pot mat (with a diamond motif) came closest to the image I had in mind, so I made both the pot mat and coasters using that pattern. The pattern includes charts for both the pot mat and the coasters in the diamond motif.

The other stitch pattern that emerged during the trials (with a Moroccan motif, shown at the front left in the image below) is included as a chart for the coaster only.

Both the diamond and Moroccan motifs can be adjusted in size, so you can easily adapt them to the yarn you have or the dimensions you’d like to make.

For this project, I looked for finer yarns to keep the fabric from becoming too thick. I used yarns that are roughly in the light fingering range.

For the pot mat, I used Holst Garn Supersoft, a 100% wool yarn. Although fine, it has a firm body that makes it easy to crochet, and it results in a pleasantly springy, resilient fabric. Its rustic woolly texture is irresistibly charming. Since the finished piece turned out reasonably thick, I decided it worked better as a mat for holding larger, more stable items rather than as a coaster.

For the coasters, I used Luse, a linen yarn in Charcoal from Epp Yarn Co., Ltd. (this is the yarn listed in the pattern). It has a supple, soft feel with a gentle linen sheen and just the right amount of crispness, making it very pleasant to work with. For the samples, I chose basic colors, but the color range is truly stunning! This is a yarn that might inspire you to crochet not only everyday items but also garments.

Also, the coaster in the photo below, in the slightly purplish shade called Violet Gray, was made with Chanvre, a linen yarn from Gosei Sangyo, which I had previously used for the “Handle Wrappy” project. This yarn has a firmness similar to lace thread, making it easy to crochet, and the crisp finish gives it excellent usability.

Although I used relatively fine yarns, this design naturally creates layers of fabric that can add thickness. Especially for the coasters, I recommend pairing them with sturdy, stable cups or glasses that won’t tip over easily.

Both the diamond motif and the Moroccan motif in this collection use front and back post stitches. This pattern includes instructions explaining how to work the stitch patterns.

Although this is worked in the round, it is crocheted straight without shaping, so once you understand the stitch pattern, you can continue working it without any changes.

Although each motif is designed to be a set number of rows, everyone may feel differently about ending at a different row. Personally, I find it doesn’t bother me much whichever row I finish on. Thinking of it this way, you can end when you reach a square shape, allowing some flexibility in sizing.

Working with fine yarn takes more time, but it also allows you to enjoy the delicate texture of the fabric.

Why not try crocheting a small item that you can admire during a quiet tea-time moment?

■Get the Yarn Here / External Link
*Please see the "Yarn Used" section below for color numbers and details.