How to Crochet a Rug
This rug is suitable for any room in the house: try different pastel colour combinations for a nursery, restful neutrals for a study or bright primary colours for a small child's room. It uses spike stitch to produce an interlocking diamond effect (diamond spike stitch). I worked the rug shown in soft double knitting yarn, but for a different effect it can be worked in any yarn of double knitting weight.
All imagery and text courtesy of Crochet for the Absolute Beginner by Pauline Turner published by Search Press Ltd
You will need
How to make
Abbreviations used:
ch (s) = chain(s)
M =Main colour
C = Contrasting colour
dc = Double crochet
St(s) = stich(es)
Rep = Repeat
SS = Slip stitch
RS = Right Side (of work)
Tension: eight stitches and seven rows measure five centimetres (two inches) worked over dc on 4.5 millimetre hook
Size:50 x 92 centimetres (19.5 x 32 inches)
1. With M and the 4.5 millimetre hook, make 130ch. Row 1: 1dc in 3rd ch from hook, 1dc in each ch to end, 1ch, turn. Row 2: dc to end, joining in C in last st, 1ch, turn.
2. Work 4 rows dc, changing back to M in the last st of the 4th row, 1ch, turn. Row 7 (spike stitch): *1dc in row below, 1dc 2 rows below, 1dc 3 rows below (top of previous colour band), 1dc 2 rows below, 1dc in row below, 1dc, rep from * 12 times, 1ch, turn. Work 3 rows dc, looping yarn neatly up side of work. Change back to C in the last st of the 3rd row.
3. Row 11 (spike stitch): *1dc 3 rows below (top of previous colourband), 1dc 2 rows below, 1dc in row below, 1dc, 1dc in row below, 1dc 2 rows below, rep from * 12 times, 1ch, turn. Work 3 rows dc, looping yarn neatly up the side of work. Change back to M in the last st of the 3rd row. Rows 4 to 11 form the pattern. Rep them until work measures 90 centimetres (36 inches).
Using M and with RS facing, work dc to end, 1ch, turn. Work a further 2 rows dc. Crab stitch back. Fasten off. Work the other side the same.
Using equal quantities of M and C, cut lengths of yarn to fringe the top and bottom of the rug. I cut 50 centimetres (17 inches) lengths but this can vary according to preference. Take one strand each of M and C and double over. Hook the loop end through a stitch, then pull the cut strands through the loop. Pull gently to tighten. Repeat, spacing fringing evenly along the edge of the mat.
Rnd 1: join yarn to a corner and work 2dc in same place. Continue up side in dc, spacing it so there are 3dc across every 4 row ends. Join with ss. Rnd 2: crab stitch around the edge – no extra corner sts required. Fasten off.