Project introduction
This article is a pattern overview of Edie Eckman’s clever grass mat, a crochet project that gives you an eco-friendly alternative to the messy plastic grass in spring decorations. It is an overview rather than a full tutorial, so for the complete instructions, visit the Original designer’s pattern and instructions.
The finished piece is a textured circle that you can make in any size with any yarn you have on hand. Use it to line an Easter basket or as a spring centerpiece surrounded by your favorite flowers. Because the design grows from the center outward in simple rounds, scaling it up or down is straightforward.
The signature texture comes from the loop stitch, which is based on single crochet and is also known as fur stitch. The source page includes a video tutorial demonstrating three different variations of this stitch, so you can choose the look you like best before you begin.
About the Yarn
You can use any yarn you choose, paired with a hook in an appropriate size for that yarn. The grass circle pictured on the source page used one ball of Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in color 172 Kelly Green, described as 100% acrylic, 3.5 oz [100 g], 170 yd [156 m]. A bright Kelly Green gives the finished piece a convincing fresh-cut look.
About the Construction
The mat is worked in the round from the center outward in continuous, un-joined rounds, so there is no joining at the end of each round. Every other round is worked using the loop stitch single crochet technique, which creates the grassy texture. The source page gives instructions for the grass circle, and notes that a print-friendly, ad-free version includes instructions and charts.
Size & Finished Dimensions
The project can be made to any size you like. The sample pictured on the source page measures 14″ [35.5 cm] in diameter.
Materials
The source lists the following supplies:
- Worsted weight yarn, or any size yarn you prefer. Plan on roughly 170 yd [156 m] for a circle about 14″ [35.5 cm] across.
- Size I-9 [5.5 mm] crochet hook, or whatever size produces a pleasing fabric with your chosen yarn.
- A stitch marker to track the start of each round.
Gauge
Rounds 1 through 7 measure 4″ [10 cm]. The source notes that gauge is not crucial in this pattern.
Abbreviations & Special Stitches
The loop single crochet is the stitch that gives the mat its grassy surface. It is worked much like a regular single crochet, except the working yarn is draped over your index finger while you insert the hook, creating a loop before the stitch is completed.
The source describes holding the working yarn so it runs from back to front over the index finger, keeping that finger roughly 1″ [2.5 cm] from the hook, then wrapping the hook around the front of the working yarn, pulling up a loop, and finishing as a single crochet before slipping the finger out of the loop. The designer’s video demonstrates this technique in detail.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| Lsc | loop single crochet |
| rep | repeat |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| sc | single crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
Watch this video on YouTube for a visual walkthrough of the loop stitch.
Pattern Notes
Do not join at the end of rounds. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work, since the rounds flow continuously.
Construction Overview
The circle begins with a short starting chain that does not count as a stitch, followed by single crochet stitches worked into a ring. A stitch marker goes into the first stitch to mark the beginning of the round, and the marker moves up as you work each round. From there, rounds of plain single crochet alternate with rounds of loop single crochet, and each round adds six stitches so the circle stays flat as it grows.
The source gives detailed stitch counts for rounds 1 through 9. The general idea is to keep increasing in the same manner until the piece reaches whatever size you want, ending with an odd-numbered round, then weave in the ends. For more detailed instructions covering rounds 1 through 23, plus a stitch chart, the designer offers a print-friendly, ad-free printable pattern available for purchase.
