Type
Crochet
Difficulty
beginner
Category
dishcloth
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**: The user requested a "Crochet sunflower coaster" with a "beginner" difficulty level, using DK weight cotton yarn. The provided template, "Simple Dishcloth," specifies a square 8x8 inch item using single or half double crochet. To reconcile the "sunflower coaster" request with the "simple dishcloth" template, I will design a *circular sunflower-themed coaster* that is beginner-friendly. I will prioritize the sunflower aesthetic and coaster function over the dishcloth's square shape and larger size, while still adhering to its simplicity, yarn type, and basic stitch recommendations. The coaster will feature a central disc (the 'seed' centre) and a distinct petal border.
2. **Construction Plan**: The coaster will be worked in the round, starting with a magic ring. The central disc will be created using increasing rounds of UK double crochet (dc), ensuring a flat circle. The petal border will be added in a contrasting colour, using simple UK treble crochet (tr) clusters to form distinct petals around the circumference of the disc. Rounds will be joined with a slip stitch, and new rounds will begin with a chain to maintain height.
3. **Quality Assurance**:
* **Size**: The finished coaster will be approximately 10.5-11 cm (4-4.5 inches) in diameter, which is a standard and practical size for a coaster. This is a deliberate deviation from the 8x8 inch dishcloth size specified in the template, as a sunflower coaster would not be square or that large.
* **Difficulty**: Instructions will be kept simple and clear, suitable for a beginner. Only basic stitches (ch, sl st, dc, tr) and techniques (magic ring, working in the round, increasing) will be used.
* **Terminology**: Strict adherence to UK English spelling, terminology (tension/gauge, dc=US sc, tr=US dc), and metric measurements (cm first, inches in parentheses) will be maintained.
* **Stitch Counts**: All stitch counts per round will be meticulously calculated and validated to ensure a flat, even circle and a consistent number of petals.
* **Materials**: DK weight cotton yarn and an appropriate hook size (4.0mm) will be specified.
4. **Final Calculations**:
* **Target Diameter**: Approximately 10.5 cm (4.1 inches) for the finished centre disc before petals.
* **Tension (Gauge)**: An estimated tension of 20 dc and 11 rounds to 10 cm (4 in) using a 4.0mm hook will be provided.
* **Centre Disc (Colour A)**:
* Round 1: 6 dc in Magic Ring. (6 sts)
* Subsequent rounds will increase by 6 dc per round.
* The final disc round (Round 11) will have 66 dc.
* Calculated Diameter for 66 dc (at 20 dc/10cm): Circumference = (66 dc / 20 dc per 10cm) * 10cm = 33cm. Diameter = 33cm / $\pi$ $\approx$ 10.5 cm. This matches the target.
* **Petals (Colour B)**:
* Using the 66 stitches from Round 11, the petal design will consume 3 stitches per petal group.
* Number of petals = 66 stitches / 3 stitches per petal group = 22 petals. This ensures even spacing.
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Yes, all required sections for a crochet pattern (Pattern Name, Introduction, Finished Size, Tension, Materials, Abbreviations, Special Stitches, Notes, Instructions, Finishing) are planned.
2. **Consistency**:
* **Size**: The final coaster size of approximately 11 cm (4.5 inches) diameter is consistent with a practical coaster, adapting from the larger 8x8 inch dishcloth template which was incompatible with a sunflower coaster design.
* **Stitch Count and Gauge**:
* The increase rate of 6 dc per round is standard for flat circle construction.
* Round 11 finishes with 66 dc. Based on the specified tension of 20 dc = 10 cm, this yields a circumference of 33 cm, resulting in a diameter of ~10.5 cm, consistent with the target size.
* The petal pattern uses 3 stitches from the previous round per petal (sl st + petal into first st, sl st into second st, skip third st for next petal start), leading to 66 / 3 = 22 petals, which is consistent for even spacing.
3. **Constraints**:
* **UK Terminology & Spelling**: All planned terminology (dc, tr, tension, colour, centre) and measurements (cm first) align with the UK profile.
* **Yarn Weight & Hook**: DK weight cotton yarn with a 4.0mm hook is appropriate and standard.
* **Difficulty**: The pattern uses only basic crochet stitches and techniques, making it suitable for a beginner.
* **User Request**: It fulfills the "Crochet sunflower coaster" request.
4. **Safety**: The mathematical calculations for increases and petal placement are verified and consistent, reducing the chance of errors in the pattern. Instructions are clear and sequential.
Pattern
# Sunny Sunflower Coaster
Bring a burst of sunshine to your home with this simple and cheerful sunflower coaster! Perfect for beginners, this pattern uses basic crochet stitches to create a charming circular coaster with a distinctive petal edge. A great way to use up cotton yarn scraps.
**Finished Size:** Approximately 11 cm (4.5 inches) diameter.
**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Tension (Gauge):**
20 dc and 11 rounds to 10 cm (4 in) worked in the round with Colour A, using a 4.0mm hook.
*Checking your tension is important to ensure your coaster is the correct size.*
**Materials:**
* **Yarn:** DK weight cotton yarn (e.g., Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK or similar)
* **Colour A:** Approx. 15g in Brown or Dark Yellow (for the centre)
* **Colour B:** Approx. 10g in Bright Yellow (for the petals)
* **Hook:** 4.0mm crochet hook (US G/6 or 8)
* Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)
* Scissors
**Abbreviations (UK Terms):**
* **ch** = chain
* **sl st** = slip stitch
* **dc** = double crochet (US single crochet)
* **tr** = treble crochet (US double crochet)
* **st(s)** = stitch(es)
* **rep** = repeat
* **MR** = Magic Ring
**Special Stitches:**
* **Magic Ring (MR):** A technique to start working in the round without a gap in the centre.
* *To create a MR:* Hold yarn end in your non-dominant hand, wrap working yarn around your finger once to form a loop. Insert hook into loop, yarn over, pull up a loop. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch). Work the specified number of stitches into the loop, then pull the yarn tail to close the loop tightly.
**Notes:**
* The pattern is worked in the round.
* Join each round with a sl st to the first stitch of the round (not the beginning ch).
* Ch 1 at the start of dc rounds does NOT count as a stitch.
* Ch 2 at the start of tr sections for petals DOES count as the first leg of the petal.
---
### **Instructions**
**Centre Disc (Colour A)**
Using **Colour A** and 4.0mm hook:
**Round 1:** Make a MR, ch 1. Work 6 dc into the MR. Pull tail to close ring. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 6 sts]
*(Math check: 6 sts)*
**Round 2:** Ch 1. Work 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 12 sts]
*(Math check: 6 sts x 2 dc/st = 12 sts)*
**Round 3:** Ch 1. *1 dc in first st, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 18 sts]
*(Math check: (1+2) x 6 = 18 sts)*
**Round 4:** Ch 1. *1 dc in each of next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 24 sts]
*(Math check: (2+2) x 6 = 24 sts)*
**Round 5:** Ch 1. *1 dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 30 sts]
*(Math check: (3+2) x 6 = 30 sts)*
**Round 6:** Ch 1. *1 dc in each of next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 36 sts]
*(Math check: (4+2) x 6 = 36 sts)*
**Round 7:** Ch 1. *1 dc in each of next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 42 sts]
*(Math check: (5+2) x 6 = 42 sts)*
**Round 8:** Ch 1. *1 dc in each of next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 48 sts]
*(Math check: (6+2) x 6 = 48 sts)*
**Round 9:** Ch 1. *1 dc in each of next 7 sts, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 54 sts]
*(Math check: (7+2) x 6 = 54 sts)*
**Round 10:** Ch 1. *1 dc in each of next 8 sts, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 60 sts]
*(Math check: (8+2) x 6 = 60 sts)*
**Round 11:** Ch 1. *1 dc in each of next 9 sts, 2 dc in next st*. Rep from * to * 6 times. Join with a sl st to the first dc. [Total: 66 sts]
*(Math check: (9+2) x 6 = 66 sts)*
Fasten off Colour A.
---
**Petals (Colour B)**
Join **Colour B** in any stitch of Round 11 with a sl st.
**Round 12 (Petals):**
*Sl st into current st where you joined colour. Ch 2 (counts as first leg of tr), work 2 tr into the same st. Ch 2, sl st into next st. Skip 1 st.* Rep from * to * 22 times around. Join with a sl st to the very first sl st of the round. [Total: 22 petals]
*(Math check: Each petal group uses 3 stitches from the previous round (1 for the sl st/petal, 1 for the next sl st, 1 skipped). 66 sts / 3 sts per petal = 22 petals. Consistent.)*
Fasten off Colour B.
---
### **Finishing**
Weave in all loose ends securely using a yarn needle. Your Sunny Sunflower Coaster is now complete!
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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