Crochet Round Play Rug With Toy Pockets (The Tidy Ring Rug)

This crochet round play rug with toy pockets, known as The Tidy Ring Rug, is a delightful project for children. It features multiple pockets that keep toys tidy while creating a cozy space for play. The design incorporates basic techniques like single crochet and increases, making it enjoyable to create.

By completing this project, you will gain skills in working in the round and making functional pockets, perfect for keeping your little ones’ toys organized. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Rug

• Functional design – this rug not only enhances your space but provides pockets for easy toy storage.
• Quick to crochet – with an estimated total time of 6–7 hours, you can see your hard work come together in just a day.
• Customizable with color – use your favorite colors to make the rug as unique as your child’s personality.
• Great gift idea – perfect for baby showers, birthdays, or any occasion to bring joy to a child’s space.

Skill Level: Easy

To get the most from this pattern, you should know how to chain, single crochet, and slip stitch. You’ll also learn how to make increases and decreases, which are essential for shaping the rug and pockets.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• inc – increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec – decrease (sc two stitches together)

Size and Gauge

• Finished Size: 91 cm (36 in) in diameter
• Each pocket: 19 cm (7.5 in) wide by 20 cm (8 in) high
• Gauge: 14 stitches and 12 rows = 10 cm in single crochet. To check gauge, crochet a 10 × 10 cm swatch. Adjust your hook size if necessary.

Step 1: Crochet the Main Rug

The main rug is made in rounds, beginning with a ring and gradually increasing in size.

1. Color A: Ch 4, join with a sl st to form a ring.
2. Round 1: Ch 1, work 8 sc in the ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (8 sts)
3. Round 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (16 sts)
4. Round 3: Ch 1, sc in the next st, inc in the next st. Join with a sl st. (24 sts)
5. Round 4: Ch 1, sc in the next 2 sts, inc in the next st. Join with a sl st. (32 sts)
6. Round 5: Ch 1, sc in the next 3 sts, inc in the next st. Join with a sl st. (40 sts)
7. Round 6: Ch 1, sc in the next 4 sts, inc in the next st. Join with a sl st. (48 sts)
8. Round 7: Ch 1, sc in the next 5 sts, inc in the next st. Join with a sl st. (56 sts)
9. Round 8–15: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with a sl st. (56 sts)
10. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Step 2: Create the Toy Pockets (Make 4)

The toy pockets provide a practical touch and are crocheted separately before being attached.

1. Color B: Ch 30.
2. Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across. (29 sts)
3. Rows 2–9: Ch 1, sc in each st across. (29 sts)
4. Fasten off, leaving a 30 cm (12-inch) tail for sewing.
5. Fold the pocket in half, aligning short edges. Sew side seams.
6. Secure the pockets with buttons using color D before attaching to the rug.

How to Join Your Pieces

1. Position toy pockets evenly around the rug.
2. Using the long tail from each pocket, sew pockets to the main rug with a tapestry needle, ensuring they’re securely attached and can hold small toys.

Beginner Tips for a Neat Rug

• Use stitch markers to mark the beginning of each round.
• Keep a count of your stitches to avoid unexpected gaps.
• Manage your tension – consistent tension will make your work neater.

Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

• My rug isn’t flat. – This could be due to loose stitches; try tightening your tension.
• The pockets are uneven. – Ensure you count your stitches in each pocket, adjusting as you go.
• The rounds look wavy. – Check for an even increase in each round; inconsistent increases can lead to wavy edges.

How to Care for Your Rug

To ensure longevity, machine wash your play rug on a gentle cycle and lay it flat to dry. You can also add an anti-slip backing for added safety.

FAQ

How do I resize the pattern?

To resize, you can adjust the starting chain and increase or decrease the number of rounds added to the main rug, maintaining the same stitch pattern.

Can I use different yarn for this project?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use a comparable worsted weight yarn and check your gauge to ensure the final size matches your expectations.

How do I make sure my pockets hold toys?

Ensure you sew the pockets securely to the rug. If you want extra structure, consider adding a small amount of fiber fill to the pockets.

Looking for more? Check out our complete collection of free crochet patterns.

Image shown for inspiration — your finished result may vary slightly.