How to Crochet a Basic Soutplat – Step-by-Step Tutorial
Dificultad: Principiante-intermedio. IDIOMA:
(ES ↔ US)
Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
Estimated Time: 2–5 hours (depending on size and pace)
Result: A round, stable soutplat; you can make it square by following the variations at the end.
Introduction
Hi there! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a Basic Soutplat step by step. It’s ideal for beginner–intermediate crocheters and perfect for adding a handmade accent to your table. I invite you to enjoy the process, connect with your creativity, and share your results!
![Image: Close-up of hands crocheting first rounds]
Materials
- Yarn: Mercerized cotton or medium-weight yarn (Category 3–4)
- Crochet hook: US E-4 to 7 (3.5 mm–4.5 mm), adjust according to tension
- Stitch marker (or a small clip), scissors, tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Measuring tape
- (Optional) 1–3 skeins of 50 g yarn, depending on final diameter (see estimates below)
Approximate Yarn Estimates
- Small (≈12 in / 30 cm): 1–2 skeins of 50 g
- Medium (≈14 in / 35 cm): ~2 skeins (100 g)
- Large (≈16 in / 40 cm): ~3 skeins (150 g)
![Image: Materials laid out on a table]
Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sl st = slip stitch
- sc = single crochet
- hdc = half double crochet (recommended for stability)
- dc = double crochet
Gauge
Make a 10 × 10 cm (4″ × 4″) swatch in hdc.
- If your fabric is too tight, go up one hook size.
- If your fabric is too loose, go down one hook size.
Correct gauge ensures a flat soutplat without ripples or cupping.
Base Circle
You can start with a magic ring (recommended) or chain 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring.
Round 1
- Work a magic ring.
- Ch 2 (counts as first hdc).
- Work 11 hdc into the ring (total = 12 hdc including the ch 2).
- Join with sl st in top of initial ch 2. Pull tail to close the ring.
![Image: Diagram of Round 1 magic ring setup]
Increasing Rule for a Flat Circle
Start with 12 stitches in Round 1. Add 12 stitches each round, spacing increases evenly:
- Round 1: 12 sts
- Round 2: 24 sts
- Round 3: 36 sts
- Round 4: 48 sts
- Round 5: 60 sts
- Round 6: 72 sts
- Round 7: 84 sts
- Round 8: 96 sts
Round-by-Round Details
- Round 2: Ch 2, make 2 hdc in each stitch around (24 hdc), join with sl st.
- Round 3: Ch 2, (1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st) repeat (36 hdc), join.
- Round 4: Ch 2, (1 hdc in each of next 2 sts, 2 hdc in following st) repeat (48 hdc), join.
- Round 5: Ch 2, (1 hdc in each of next 3 sts, 2 hdc in following st) repeat (60 hdc), join.
- Continue following the pattern: in Round n, space increases one stitch further apart than in Round n – 1 until you reach your desired diameter.
Tip: Measure your diameter every 2 rounds.
- If edges ripple, space increases farther apart.
- If sides cup upward, add another increase round.
![Image: Photo showing measurement process with tape measure]
Stable Edge Finish (Recommended)
When your soutplat reaches the desired size:
- Work 1 round of sc in each stitch to firm up the edge.
- Optional scallop border: skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st; repeat around to create an elegant scalloped edge.
![Image: Example of scalloped border]
Lace Variant
For a more open, decorative look:
- Switch to dc and ch for mesh motifs.
- After 3 rounds of dc for stabilization:
- Next rounds: (1 dc, ch 1, skip 1 st) around to form mesh.
- Alternate solid dc rounds with mesh rounds until you reach desired diameter.
- Finish with 1 round of sc and an optional shell border.
Troubleshooting
- Ruffled edges: too many increases. Frog the last round and re-space increases.
- Cup-shaped plate: not enough increases. Add one more increase round.
- Tight center: tension too tight; loosen the magic ring or add 1 extra ch at the start.
Quick Stitch Count Reference
| Round | Total Stitches |
|---|---|
| R1 | 12 |
| R2 | 24 |
| R3 | 36 |
| R4 | 48 |
| R5 | 60 |
| R6 | 72 |
| R7 | 84 |
| R8 | 96 |
Use this table to verify your stitch count each round.
Printable Checklist
- Choose yarn and hook (3.5 mm–4.5 mm)
- Create magic ring
- R1 = 12 hdc
- Follow +12 sts per round rule
- Measure every 2 rounds until desired size
- Work 1 round of sc to finish edge
- Optional scalloped border
- Block and weave in ends
Closing Notes
Thank you for joining me in this space where every stitch matters. If this tutorial resonated with you, share it, leave a comment, or simply keep crocheting your own well-being.
With love, Maria – Tejiendo Bienestar
Creativity that hugs, words that heal.
