purlJam

# Fish-Shaped Table Mat

A charming fish-shaped placemat perfect for adding whimsy to your dining table! This flat mat features an oval body with side fins and a tail fin, sized to accommodate standard dinner plates. Great beginner project using only single crochet stitches.

## Materials
- **Yarn**: Worsted weight (4) yarn, approximately 225 yards
  - Suggested: Cotton or cotton blend for easy washing
  - Main Color (MC): Your choice (blue, orange, yellow, or any fish color)
  - Optional: Small amount of contrasting color for eyes/details
- **Hook**: US G-6 (4.0mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
- **Notions**: 
  - Yarn needle for weaving in ends and assembly
  - Stitch marker
  - Scissors
  - Optional: Embroidery thread for facial features

## Gauge
16 sc x 16 rows = 4" (10cm) in single crochet

*Gauge is somewhat flexible for this project, but working too loosely may create gaps.*

## Finished Measurements
- Length: approximately 14" (35.5cm) from mouth to tail
- Width: approximately 9" (23cm) at widest point
- Suitable for standard 10-11" dinner plates

## Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = decrease (single crochet 2 together)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sl st = slip stitch
- rnd = round
- [ ] = stitch count at end of round/row

## Notes
- Body is worked in continuous rounds (spiral); use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- Fins are worked in rows and sewn on after body is complete
- Do not join rounds unless specified
- Move stitch marker up as you complete each round

---

## PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS

### FISH BODY (Main Oval)

The body is worked from the center outward in an oval shape.

**Foundation:** Ch 10

**Rnd 1:** Starting in 2nd ch from hook, 2 sc in first ch, sc in next 7 ch, 4 sc in last ch; working along opposite side of foundation chain, sc in next 7 ch, 2 sc in same ch as first 2 sc of round. [22]
*Place stitch marker in first st and move up each round.*

**Rnd 2:** Inc twice, sc in next 7 sts, inc 4 times, sc in next 7 sts, inc twice. [30]
*Verification: 2+7+4+7+2 = 22 base + 8 increases = 30 ✓*

**Rnd 3:** (Sc, inc) twice, sc in next 7 sts, (sc, inc) 4 times, sc in next 7 sts, (sc, inc) twice. [38]
*Verification: 30 base + 8 increases = 38 ✓*

**Rnd 4:** (Sc in next 2 sts, inc) twice, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 2 sts, inc) 4 times, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 2 sts, inc) twice. [46]
*Verification: 38 base + 8 increases = 46 ✓*

**Rnd 5:** (Sc in next 3 sts, inc) twice, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 3 sts, inc) 4 times, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 3 sts, inc) twice. [54]
*Verification: 46 base + 8 increases = 54 ✓*

**Rnd 6:** (Sc in next 4 sts, inc) twice, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 4 sts, inc) 4 times, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 4 sts, inc) twice. [62]
*Verification: 54 base + 8 increases = 62 ✓*

**Rnds 7-12:** Sc in each st around. [62]
*Work 6 rounds even to build length. Count stitches periodically to maintain count.*

**Rnd 13:** (Sc in next 4 sts, dec) twice, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 4 sts, dec) 4 times, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 4 sts, dec) twice. [54]
*Verification: 62 - 8 decreases = 54 ✓*

**Rnd 14:** (Sc in next 3 sts, dec) twice, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 3 sts, dec) 4 times, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 3 sts, dec) twice. [46]
*Verification: 54 - 8 decreases = 46 ✓*

**Rnd 15:** Sc in each st around. [46]

**Rnd 16:** (Sc in next 2 sts, dec) twice, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 2 sts, dec) 4 times, sc in next 7 sts, (sc in next 2 sts, dec) twice. [38]
*Verification: 46 - 8 decreases = 38 ✓*

**Rnd 17:** Sc in each st around. [38]

Sl st to next st. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for weaving in. This narrowed end will be where the tail fin attaches.

### SIDE FINS (Make 2)

Worked in rows to create triangular fin shape.

**Row 1:** Ch 12, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [11]
Turn.

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. [11]
Turn.

**Row 3:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 7 sts, dec. [9]
Turn. *Verification: 11 - 2 = 9 ✓*

**Row 4:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. [9]
Turn.

**Row 5:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 5 sts, dec. [7]
Turn. *Verification: 9 - 2 = 7 ✓*

**Row 6:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. [7]
Turn.

**Row 7:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 3 sts, dec. [5]
Turn. *Verification: 7 - 2 = 5 ✓*

**Row 8:** Ch 1, dec, sc, dec. [3]
Turn. *Verification: 5 - 2 = 3 ✓*

**Row 9:** Ch 1, dec over all 3 sts (insert hook in first st, pull up loop, insert in next st, pull up loop, insert in last st, pull up loop, yarn over and pull through all 4 loops). [1]

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for sewing.

### TAIL FIN

The tail creates a V-shape for a classic fish tail.

**Row 1:** Ch 16, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [15]
Turn.

**Row 2:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. [15]
Turn.

**Row 3:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 11 sts, dec. [13]
Turn. *Verification: 15 - 2 = 13 ✓*

**Row 4:** Ch 1, sc in each st across. [13]
Turn.

**Row 5:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 9 sts, dec. [11]
Turn. *Verification: 13 - 2 = 11 ✓*

**Row 6:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 7 sts, dec. [9]
Turn. *Verification: 11 - 2 = 9 ✓*

**Row 7:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 5 sts, dec. [7]
Turn. *Verification: 9 - 2 = 7 ✓*

**Row 8:** Ch 1, dec, sc in next 3 sts, dec. [5]
Do NOT turn. *Verification: 7 - 2 = 5 ✓*

**Creating the V-notch:**

**Row 9a (First side):** Ch 1, sc in next 2 sts. [2]
Turn.

**Row 10a:** Ch 1, dec. [1]
Fasten off.

**Row 9b (Second side):** With right side facing, rejoin yarn to 4th st of Row 8 (skipping the center st), ch 1, sc in last 2 sts. [2]
Turn.

**Row 10b:** Ch 1, dec. [1]
Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for sewing.

---

## ASSEMBLY

1. **Block pieces:** Lay body and all fins flat, lightly mist with water, and pin to desired shape. Allow to dry completely. This helps the mat lie flat.

2. **Attach side fins:** 
   - Position side fins on opposite sides of body, approximately at Rnd 8-9 (midway along the body length)
   - The widest part (Row 1) of each fin should align with the side edge of the body
   - Using yarn needle and tails, whip stitch or mattress stitch the straight edge of each fin to the body
   - Ensure fins are symmetrically placed

3. **Attach tail fin:**
   - Position tail fin at the narrow end of the body (where you fastened off)
   - Center the tail fin so the V-notch extends beyond the body
   - Whip stitch the straight edge (Row 1) of tail to the last round of body
   - Stitch securely as this area may receive wear

4. **Weave in all ends** securely on the wrong side.

5. **Optional facial features:**
   - Mark eye positions approximately 2" from wide end of body, symmetrically placed
   - Embroider eyes using contrasting yarn and satin stitch, or use French knots
   - Add a simple curved line for a smiling mouth if desired

---

## FINISHING & CARE

- **Final blocking:** Steam lightly or mist and pin flat one more time after assembly if needed
- **Washing:** Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent; lay flat to dry
- **Storage:** Store flat or rolled loosely

## Customization Ideas

- **Size adjustment:** For a larger mat, add more increase rounds (following the pattern of 8 increases per round) and more even rounds in the middle
- **Color variations:** 
  - Use striped yarn for fish scales effect
  - Change colors every few rounds for a rainbow fish
  - Try variegated yarn for interesting color patterns
- **Texture:** Work in back loops only for a ribbed texture
- **Multiple mats:** Make a school of fish in different sizes and colors for each family member

---

## Troubleshooting

**Mat is curling at edges:** Your tension may be too tight. Try using a larger hook or blocking more aggressively.

**Holes or gaps visible:** Your tension may be too loose. Use a smaller hook to create tighter fabric.

**Fins won't stay flat:** Block fins separately with pins before attaching. Starch lightly if needed.

**Oval is lopsided:** Count stitches carefully at each round. The increases should be evenly distributed at the ends.

---

## Pattern Notes

This fish mat is designed to be functional and fun! The single crochet fabric creates a sturdy, washable surface perfect for daily use. The simple shaping makes this an excellent project for beginners learning to increase and decrease while creating a recognizable shape.

**Skill level:** Beginner  
**Estimated time:** 4-6 hours

---

*Pattern designed for beginner crocheters. All stitch counts verified. For questions or corrections, please refer to the verification notes included in each section.*