Project overview
- Skill level
- Beginner · US terminology
- Finished size
- Approximately 6 × 4 in (15.2 × 10.2 cm) at the target gauge; measured sample pending.
- Gauge
- Target: 16 single crochets and 18 rows = 4 in (10.16 cm), worked flat in single crochet and measured after the yarn's recommended wash and dry treatment.
- Testing status
- Written draft — maker testing pending
Materials & tools
- Smooth category 4 / medium-weight cotton yarn in colors A, B and C. Plan about 20 yd (18 m) of each color; allow extra yarn for a separate swatch. These are generous planning allowances, not tested usage figures.
- A 5 mm crochet hook to begin swatching, adjusted as needed to obtain the target gauge.
- Two removable stitch markers, a blunt yarn needle, scissors and a ruler.
- Choose three compatible cotton yarns with matching thickness and care directions.
Abbreviations & stitch notes
- US terminology throughout.
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- st / sts = stitch / stitches
- A / B / C = the three yarn colors
For a refresher, use our chain and single crochet lesson, double crochet lesson, or US / UK terminology referenceCalculate stitches from your gauge →.
Let's make it, step by step.
Read the full pattern once before starting. Optional checkboxes help you follow the sequence for this page view only.
- 25 chains
Make a slip knot with color A and chain 25, not counting the live loop on the hook.
- 24 sc
Single crochet in the second chain from the hook and each remaining chain. Mark the first and last completed stitches.
- 24 sc per row
For each row, chain 1 and turn; the chain does not count. Single crochet in the first stitch and each stitch across under both top loops. Move the edge markers.
- 24 sc; 6 rows in first block
Chain 1, turn and single crochet across. At the last stitch, insert the hook, yarn over with A and pull up a loop. With two loops on the hook, yarn over with B and draw B through both loops. Cut A leaving a usable tail; do not cut B. Row 7 begins with chain 1 in B.
- 24 sc per row
For each row, chain 1 with B, turn and make one single crochet in each stitch across. Do not work into the old turning chain.
- 24 sc; 6 rows in second block
Chain 1, turn and single crochet across with B. At the last stitch, insert the hook, yarn over with B and pull up a loop. With two loops on the hook, yarn over with C and draw C through both loops. Cut B leaving a usable tail; do not cut C. Row 13 begins with chain 1 in C.
- 24 sc per row; 18 rows total
For each row, chain 1, turn and single crochet in all 24 stitches. Count at the end. Finish after row 18 without adding another row.
Cut C leaving a usable tail, draw it completely through the last live loop and gently secure. Weave all tails through supported stitch paths without puckering the edges. Remove markers, wash and dry according to all yarn labels, then measure flat.
Construction, finishing & helpful notes
Three blocks, one uninterrupted rectangle
This small table accessory uses three six-row bands of single crochet, without fringe, a separate edging or sewing. Choose three colors that suit your room; the construction stays the same whichever palette you choose.
The piece is intended as a small washable surface accessory. It is not a hot pad, and the pattern makes no promise of heat resistance or spill protection. Its written counts are consistent, but a maker-tested sample and measured yarn consumption are still pending.
Choose colors that behave alike
Choose yarns of similar thickness, construction and care needs. A matching category number does not guarantee identical fabric: compare the strands and swatch if they feel different.
Check a washed swatch for color release before placing contrasting shades beside each other. If a dark yarn releases dye, follow the maker's advice rather than assuming the finished rug will wash cleanly with a pale yarn. Prepare the color order before beginning so you do not cut and rejoin unnecessarily.
Understand the size and the turning chain
The target gauge gives 24 stitches a width of 6 inches and 18 rows a height of 4 inches. Make and measure a swatch after its recommended wash and dry treatment if those dimensions matter. These measurements are calculated targets, not the measurements of a completed sample.
Chain 1 between rows; it never counts as a stitch here. Mark both edges and work under both top loops. All 18 rows contain 24 single crochets, without increases or decreases.
Make the color change during the last stitch
At the final stitch of row 6, insert the hook into the last stitch, yarn over with A and pull up a loop. With two loops left, yarn over with B and draw B through both loops. Leave usable tails of both colors. Chain 1 with B, turn and work row 7 in B. Repeat that method with C at the final stitch of row 12.
The last pull-through of the previous row positions the new working strand for the next row. Its top loop uses the new color, which is normal for this conventional transition. Do not add an extra stitch to conceal it. Keep the first few stitches relaxed while lightly holding the tails so the join stays near the edge without forming a tight dimple.
Keep the bands even and the tails secure
Tick off the six rows of each block before changing colors. Count rows separately from the foundation chains: the first line of single crochets is row 1. If you lose track, look for the row structure rather than counting every ridge on both sides as another row.
If the rug changes width at a join, compare both the stitch count and the yarn. One missing edge stitch can narrow the piece; a thicker replacement yarn can widen it even with the correct count. Secure the tails with a needle after inspecting the joins. Crocheting over a tail for a few stitches is not a universal guarantee that every cotton will stay secured through washing.
A tidy finish without extra decoration
Lay the piece flat, weave the six yarn tails into the corresponding color areas where practical, and avoid drawing contrasting yarn across a visible open space. Gently flex the fabric before trimming the tails. Wash and dry according to the labels, then record the relaxed dimensions.
For another color arrangement, reverse the order or use one shade for all 18 rows. Adding rows changes the overall height; update your notes and yarn allowance.
Video help for the techniques
These external tutorials explain stitches or finishing used in this recipe. Follow this page for the project's exact counts, placement and assembly.
How to Single Crochet (SC) — Yarnspirations / Red Heart Design Team ↗Weave In Ends in Crochet — Yarnspirations ↗Browse all technique references →Keep your next make a little easier.
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