Round Up Rug

Round Up Rug by Chloe Bailey

What is Being Made

The Round Up Rug is a functional, playful crocheted rug designed to serve dual purposes: as a decorative floor piece and as a practical toy storage solution. Once playtime ends, the rug transforms into a drawstring sack, allowing users to quickly gather and store toys by pulling the i-cord drawstring closed. This innovative design combines everyday utility with creative crochet construction, making it an ideal project for families with children. The finished rug measures 1 meter in diameter, providing ample surface area for play or storage.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Round Up Rug employs several key crochet techniques that make it both functional and visually interesting. The rug is constructed by crocheting in rounds, a method that builds the circular shape from the center outward. This approach creates a seamless, symmetrical design without requiring seaming. The pattern incorporates treble crochet stitches worked into spaces, which begins from Round 2 onward and contributes to the rug's structure and drape. Stitch decreases using treble 2 together (TR2TOG) help shape the circular form and control the rug's dimensions. Additionally, the pattern includes a complete photo tutorial for creating an i-cord, which serves as the functional drawstring mechanism. This i-cord technique adds both practical closure capability and decorative detail to the finished project.

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern uses UK crochet terminology and relies on a focused set of fundamental stitches:

• CH – Chain stitch, the foundation stitch for beginning rows and creating spaces
• TR – Treble crochet, the primary stitch used throughout the rug construction
• BLTR – Treble into the back loop only, a variation that creates textural interest
• TR2TOG – Treble 2 together, a decrease stitch that shapes the circular form
• SLST – Slip stitch, used to join rounds and create seamless transitions

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Round Up Rug is crafted using Paintbox Yarns Recycled Ribbon, a super-chunky weight yarn composed of 60% cotton and 40% polyester. This fiber blend offers durability and easy care, making it ideal for a toy storage rug that will receive frequent use. The yarn is yardage-efficient at 120 meters per 250 grams. For a two-color version, the pattern requires 1250 grams (5 balls) of the main color and 250 grams (1 ball) of a contrast color. Alternatively, crafters can use a single color throughout by purchasing 1500 grams total (6 balls). A 10 mm crochet hook pairs with the super-chunky yarn to create appropriately sized stitches. The gauge for treble stitches worked in spaces is 7 stitches, providing a reference point for tension consistency. Additional materials include a large tapestry needle for weaving in ends and scissors for finishing.

Difficulty Level and Suitability

Classified as intermediate difficulty, the Round Up Rug is described as suitable for the adventurous beginner. This positioning indicates that while the project introduces intermediate techniques—particularly the i-cord drawstring and working in continuous rounds—the pattern remains accessible to those with foundational crochet knowledge. The inclusion of a full photo tutorial for i-cord construction removes a potential barrier, making the project more approachable for crocheters expanding their skill set. The super-chunky yarn works quickly, allowing crafters to see visible progress and maintain momentum throughout the project.