Fern Frond Mandala Trivet Free Crochet Pattern
Fern Frond Mandala Trivet – Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Fern Frond Mandala Trivet is a sweet little project for anyone who wants to bring a touch of cottagecore charm to their kitchen counter. It's made from two simple emerald circles joined back-to-back, which makes it double thick and extra practical for hot pots and pans. A blush pink seam and a ring of tiny chain-loop "fern fronds" radiate around the edge, giving it a soft, botanical look. It's beginner-friendly, works up quickly in fine cotton, and feels smooth and sturdy in the hand.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Fine (2) weight cotton yarn — approx. 50 yds emerald, 30 yds blush.
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E/4) crochet hook.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.
- Finished size: Approx. 9" (23 cm) diameter.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- inc – increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- MR – magic ring
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- Rnd – round
- WS – wrong side
- [ ] – repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
Gauge is not critical and finished size may vary. For reference, the first 3 rounds of the circle should measure about 2" (5 cm) in diameter — work those rounds and measure across to check.
Tips Before You Start
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the long increase rounds.
- Keep your tension even but relaxed; tight single crochet makes the two circles harder to join neatly.
- Cotton yarn is ideal here because it handles heat and holds a flat shape well — avoid acrylic for a hot pad.
- Work the second circle's last stitch loosely so the join in Rnd 16 sits smoothly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Circle (make 2, emerald)
Rnd 1: MR, 6 sc into ring (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).
Rnd 9: [7 sc, inc] x6 (54 sts).
Rnd 10: [8 sc, inc] x6 (60 sts).
Rnd 11: [9 sc, inc] x6 (66 sts).
Rnd 12: [10 sc, inc] x6 (72 sts).
Rnd 13: [11 sc, inc] x6 (78 sts).
Rnd 14: [12 sc, inc] x6 (84 sts).
Rnd 15: [13 sc, inc] x6 (90 sts).
Fasten off the first circle. Do not fasten off the second circle.
Join Circles
With WS together, holding both circles, join blush in any st.
Rnd 16: sc in each st around through both layers (90 sts). Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Fern Motif (blush)
With blush, join yarn at any st on Rnd 16 edge.
Fern loops: *Ch 10, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (9 sl sts). Sl st in next st on Rnd 16.* Repeat from * to * around entire edge (90 fern loops). Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Edging (blush)
Join blush in any st on Rnd 16.
Edging Rnd: Ch 1, sc in each st around (90 sts). Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
The two circles are joined in Rnd 16, so no separate seaming is needed. Make sure both circles are aligned with wrong sides facing each other and the right sides outward before you begin the join. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, tucking them under the joined rim so they don't show. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping flat into a circle; let dry completely. If you like, press gently with a warm iron over a cloth to flatten the fern loops.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the blush for a soft sage or mustard to change the mood while keeping the fern look.
- Work the fern loops in a contrasting cotton for a bolder, more graphic edge.
- Make a set in different sizes by stopping the circles earlier (e.g., at Rnd 12 for a coaster) and adjusting the join round to match the stitch count.
