by Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, creates a beautiful woven texture with excellent structure — perfect for functional and decorative round projects like cup holders (mug rugs), sousplats (placemats or charger plates), and round table accents.
In this article, you’ll learn how to use Tunisian crochet in the round to craft elegant and durable round pieces that blend visual appeal with practical use.
🧵 What You’ll Learn
- How to work Tunisian crochet in the round
- Techniques for shaping flat circular pieces
- Step-by-step guides to make:
- A cup holder (mug coaster)
- A sousplat (round placemat)
- Larger round table accents or centerpieces
✂️ Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight or DK cotton yarn (for heat resistance and structure)
- Tunisian crochet hook (with cable or double-ended for working in the round)
- You can use a regular crochet hook for small items like cup holders
- Stitch markers
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Measuring tape or ruler
🧶 Skills Required
- Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)
- Working in the round
- Increasing in Tunisian crochet
- Slip stitch
- Binding off in Tunisian crochet
- Basic crochet knowledge
🌀 Introduction to Tunisian Crochet in the Round
Unlike traditional Tunisian crochet which is worked in rows (forward and return passes), round Tunisian crochet is worked in a spiral or joined round using increases to keep the work flat.
To make it truly round and flat (not curling), we’ll use increases in each round similar to how you crochet a flat circle.
☕ PART 1: Tunisian Cup Holder (Coaster)
📏 Finished Size: ~4″ (10 cm) diameter
🔸 Instructions:
- Foundation Round
- Ch 4, sl st to form a ring.
- Pick up 6 loops around the ring using the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) method.
- Round 1 (Increase Round)
- On the forward pass: insert hook under each vertical bar, yarn over and pull up a loop (6 loops).
- On the return pass: YO, pull through one, then YO, pull through two for each remaining loop.
- For the next round, increase in every stitch by inserting the hook between bars (in the horizontal bar space), pick up a loop. You’ll now have 12 loops.
- Round 2-3:
- Continue working TSS in the round.
- Add 6 increases evenly per round (think of your work like a pie: 6 segments).
- You’ll go from 12 to 18, then 24 loops.
- Bind off using slip stitches in each stitch around.
- Finishing
- Fasten off, weave in ends.
- Optional: Add a reverse single crochet edge (crab stitch) for firmness.
✅ Your cup holder is ready! Thick, textured, and heat-safe.
🍽️ PART 2: Sousplat (Placemat)
📏 Finished Size: ~13″–15″ (33–38 cm)
🔸 Instructions:
Follow the same structure as the coaster but work more rounds.
- Foundation Ring
- Ch 4, sl st to form ring.
- Pick up 6 loops around the ring.
- Rounds 1–10 (or more)
- Work in Tunisian Simple Stitch.
- Increase 6 stitches every round, placing them evenly like clock points (12, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10).
- Use stitch markers if needed to keep your increase points aligned.
- Continue until desired diameter is reached (typically 50–60 stitches around for a full-size placemat).
- Border Options:
- Bind off with sl sts in each bar.
- Add a single crochet round.
- Work a picot or scalloped edge for elegance.
- Blocking:
- Wet block or steam block to flatten and shape.
🎉 Now you have a beautiful and sturdy Tunisian crochet sousplat—perfect for rustic or minimalist table settings.
🌀 PART 3: Round Accent or Table Centerpiece
📏 Finished Size: 18″–24″ or more (adjust as needed)
This is essentially an enlarged version of the sousplat, with optional color changes, decorative stitch variations, or multiple Tunisian stitches like Knit Stitch or Purl Stitch.
🔸 Creative Ideas:
- Color changes: Work in concentric color rings.
- Texture play: Use alternating rows of Tunisian knit stitch (TKS) or Tunisian full stitch.
- Openwork: Insert decorative eyelets by chaining and skipping bars.
🧼 Care Instructions
- Hand wash or machine wash on gentle.
- Use cool water and mild detergent.
- Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.
- Block occasionally to refresh the flat form.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use cotton yarn for durability and absorbency.
- Watch your tension to prevent curling — keep loops loose on the forward pass.
- If working a larger piece, switch to a Tunisian cable hook for comfort and flexibility.
- If edges curl, block the piece or add a decorative edging for stability.
Video tutorial:
🌟 Final Thoughts
Tunisian crochet in the round brings a modern, textured twist to traditional circular projects. Whether you’re crafting a simple cup holder, a functional sousplat, or a large centerpiece, the Tunisian stitch gives your work both structure and style.
The beauty of this technique is in the detail — and the woven texture stands out in any setting. With just a few rounds, you can transform simple yarn into a statement piece that’s functional, fashionable, and fun to make.
