Byzantine Placemat & Coaster

Byzantine Placemat & Coaster by Susan Lowman

Project Overview

The Byzantine Placemat & Coaster set is a crochet project designed by Susan Lowman that creates elegant table setting pieces using fine crochet thread. This intermediate-level design produces a placemat measuring approximately 16 1/4" x 13 1/4" and coordinating coasters measuring approximately 4" x 4", making it an ideal project for adding sophisticated, handmade touches to any dining table.

What Is Being Made

This pattern includes instructions for creating two complementary items: a rectangular placemat suitable for protecting table surfaces while adding decorative appeal, and small square coasters designed to protect surfaces from beverages and serve as coordinating table accessories. Both pieces feature the Byzantine design aesthetic, suggesting intricate, geometric patterning characteristic of Byzantine architectural and decorative traditions.

Crochet Techniques & Construction

The Byzantine Placemat & Coaster project employs motif-based construction, a technique where individual decorative units are created separately and then assembled to form the finished pieces. This modular approach allows crafters to work on manageable sections before joining them together. The pattern includes specific gauge measurements for the large motifs, with rounds 1-3 creating a 1 7/8" diameter circle and rounds 1-5 expanding to a 3" diameter, providing clear benchmarks for proper sizing and fit.

Stitches Used

The Byzantine design utilizes fundamental crochet stitches combined to create texture and visual interest:

• Single crochet (sc) - the shortest and tightest basic stitch, often used for edges and fine detail work
• Half double crochet (hdc) - a medium-height stitch providing structure without excessive height
• Double crochet (dc) - a versatile stitch of medium height commonly used for main fabric construction
• Treble crochet (tr) - a taller stitch creating openwork and airy sections
• Chain stitch (ch) - the foundation stitch used to begin projects and create decorative spaces
• Slip stitch (sl st) - used to join rounds and move yarn across stitches without adding height

The pattern notation includes standard crochet abbreviations and uses repeat symbols (*) and brackets [ ] to efficiently convey stitch sequences, allowing intermediate crocheters to follow complex stitch patterns without excessive written repetition.

Materials & Yarn Specifications

The Byzantine Placemat & Coaster pattern calls for Aunt Lydia's Fashion Crochet Thread, Size 3, a fine crochet thread available in 150-yard balls. The project requires two colors: #310 Copper Mist (A) and #12 Black (B), with 2 balls of each color providing sufficient yardage for the complete set. Specific yardage requirements are provided: one placemat requires approximately 190 yards of Copper Mist and 150 yards of Black, while one coaster uses approximately 15 yards of Copper Mist and 10 yards of Black.

A Size D (3.25mm) crochet hook is recommended, though the pattern notes that hook size may be adjusted as needed to achieve proper gauge. Working with crochet thread rather than yarn creates finer, more delicate stitches suitable for detailed motif work and elegant table linens.

Skill Level & Craftsmanship

Designated as an intermediate project, the Byzantine Placemat & Coaster requires familiarity with basic crochet stitches and the ability to follow pattern instructions using standard abbreviations and repeat notations. The motif-based construction and use of fine thread demand attention to detail and consistent tension, making this an appropriate challenge for crocheters who have mastered fundamental techniques and are ready to work with more delicate materials and complex stitch sequences.