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A no stretch crochet stitch that is also beautiful
In my no-stretch crochet stitch series, this woven look stitch is one of the featured stitches. In this pattern, it is worked into a crochet mug rug.
Not only is it a sturdy stitch, it’s also a beautiful one when worked with two colors.
It’s a great project to play with a new stitch and end up with something useful. I crocheted a holiday-themed mug rug a couple of years ago and I find I use it all the time. I wanted a day-to-day design so I didn’t have a Christmas mug rug on my desk when I am sweltering in July.
I also use my mug rug for bowls when I have to eat at my desk during a busy lunch. Making a set and packaging it up with a mug, a food item, or tea/coffee makes a useful and pretty handmade gift.
check out all these crochet gift ideas
Table of Contents
I worked up this free crochet pattern in two colors so you can see how each row looks as if it is a two-row repeat using single crochet variations. That makes it beginner-friendly as it is the most basic of all crochet stitches.
This stitch can be dense and stiff so I used a larger hook to create a bit of flexibility.
In the post on using this woven look stitch for a no-stretch bag strap I use a much smaller hook and it creates a stitch that is very stiff and inflexible.
What makes a non-stretchy stitch
In my principles of no stretch crochet stitches, one of them is wrapping stitches which means a stitch is wrapped side to side or it wraps a row below thus giving support to the stitch making it stay in place more securely. This is how you stop drooping.
A bonus is, that changing hook placement when doing this type of stitch means you create a fresh new texture with simple stitches.
This is not to be confused with a wrapped double crochet stitch. That IS a drapey stitch.
A mug rug is a great stashbuster too! They use small amount of yarn.
Finished size 7″ x 4.5″ plus fringe. Customize to any size you like including a placemat size. It is all sc so starting chain count won’t matter.
Materials to make crochet mug rug pattern
- Category 4 cotton yarn in two colors ( I am using a burgundy shade COLOR 1 with Big Twist cotton in gray splash COLOR 2) 30 yrds/ 20 yrds approx (I mistakenly say 15 yards in tutorial)
- 6 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch marker
Mug rug pattern
Yarn is not cut until last row stitch is made. Simply hold the stitch open when changing color rows by using a stitch marker.
I use this technique in this striped crochet blanket pattern to minimize ends to weave in at the end of a project.
Don’t worry about the sides looking a bit uneven with the color changes, the side border will hide that.
With color one (shown is deep red shade) Ch 22. In second ch from hook, sc in back loop, not back bump. Drop yarn down at end of row, mark open loop with stitch marker to hold it open and bring up color 2. (21 sts)
Row 2: ch 1, work sc across row. Move stitch maker to hold this stitch open and put hook back in color 1 on opposite end. see image below with stitch marker holding stitch open
Keep an eye on stitch count to ensure the first and last stitches get worked.
Now both colors are at same end with the row just finished replaced open loop with stitch marker. Bring up color 2 and begin working next row with the new working color.
Row 3: Color 1, ch 1. Work sc into row below , the same place/same stitch the accent color was worked thus “wrapping” the row by going under the stitch.
Row 4: Repeat row 2.
Continue to alternate the sc and long sc wrapped rows until you reach a 4.5″ height or height you’d like your piece to be. Your last row will be the main color. Add an additional sc row with main color.
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Check off style tracking with room for a note on each row.
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You may like these free crochet kitchen patterns
Finishing mug rug
One your mug rug reaches 4.5″ high, finishing with a color 1 row, ch 1 and work sc down short side with a 1/4 turn. Attach yarn and do the same to opposite side.
Create fringe for the short sides and trim to the desired length. I like to keep the fringe on the short side so it is not in the way and you won’t risk something grabbing it sending your cup or bowl crashing onto the floor.
1.5″ is a good fringe length for this project. To achieve this cut your yarn into 4.25″ lengths to allow for knotting and trimming.
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