Rolling Swell Round Rug: Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

The Rolling Swell Round Rug is a cozy, durable floor piece that brings a little mountain-cabin warmth into any room. It's designed for crocheters who know the basics and are ready to try Tunisian simple stitch for the first time — the fabric is dense and slightly ribbed, so it stands up beautifully to foot traffic. Eight wedges in alternating forest green and rust radiate from a closed center like ocean waves rolling toward the shore, and the recycled cotton gives it a soft, sturdy, matte finish. At about 36 inches across, it's the perfect size for beside a bed, in front of a fireplace, or under a reading chair.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) recycled cotton, approx. 800 yards total — 400 yards forest green (A) and 400 yards rust (B).
• Hook: 6.0 mm (US J-10) Tunisian crochet hook with a 40-inch cable (or a double-ended hook long enough to hold 36 stitches).
• Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, tape measure.
• Finished size: Approx. 36 inches diameter.

Abbreviations

• ch — chain
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• Tss — Tunisian simple stitch (insert hook under the front vertical bar, yarn over, pull up a loop)
• Trs — Tunisian reverse stitch (worked from left to right on the return, for a firmer edge)
• inc — increase (work 2 Tss into the same stitch)
• sc — single crochet
• sl st — slip stitch

Gauge

14 sts and 14 rows = 4 inches in Tunisian simple stitch. Work a small swatch and measure it flat and unblocked; if you have more stitches than 14, go up a hook size, and if fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your tension relaxed — Tunisian fabric curls tightly at the edges, and a loose hand helps the wedges lie flat after blocking.
• Count your stitches at the end of every increase row; each wedge must end on 36 sts or the circle won't sit flat.
• Label your wedges as you finish them (four in A, four in B) so the alternating sequence is easy to lay out later.
• Leave a generous tail (about 24 inches) on each wedge for seaming.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The rug is divided into 8 wedges, each 45 degrees. Each wedge begins at the center and increases by 2 stitches per row (one at each end) to create a flat circle. Color sequence around the rug: A, B, A, B, A, B, A, B. Each wedge is worked separately, then joined.

Wedge (make 8 — 4 in A, 4 in B)

Row 1: Ch 2, Tss in first ch (2 sts).

Row 2: Tss in each st across (2 sts).

Row 3: Inc at beg and end: Tss in first st, Tss in same st, Tss across, Tss in last st (4 sts).

Row 4: Tss across (4 sts).

Row 5: Inc at beg and end (6 sts).

Row 6: Tss across (6 sts).

Row 7: Inc at beg and end (8 sts).

Row 8: Tss across (8 sts).

Row 9: Inc at beg and end (10 sts).

Row 10: Tss across (10 sts).

Row 11: Inc at beg and end (12 sts).

Row 12: Tss across (12 sts).

Row 13: Inc at beg and end (14 sts).

Row 14: Tss across (14 sts).

Row 15: Inc at beg and end (16 sts).

Row 16: Tss across (16 sts).

Row 17: Inc at beg and end (18 sts).

Row 18: Tss across (18 sts).

Row 19: Inc at beg and end (20 sts).

Row 20: Tss across (20 sts).

Row 21: Inc at beg and end (22 sts).

Row 22: Tss across (22 sts).

Row 23: Inc at beg and end (24 sts).

Row 24: Tss across (24 sts).

Row 25: Inc at beg and end (26 sts).

Row 26: Tss across (26 sts).

Row 27: Inc at beg and end (28 sts).

Row 28: Tss across (28 sts).

Row 29: Inc at beg and end (30 sts).

Row 30: Tss across (30 sts).

Row 31: Inc at beg and end (32 sts).

Row 32: Tss across (32 sts).

Row 33: Inc at beg and end (34 sts).

Row 34: Tss across (34 sts).

Row 35: Inc at beg and end (36 sts).

Row 36: Tss across (36 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for seaming.

Edging

With A, join yarn at any point on the outer edge.

Round 1: Sc evenly around entire outer edge, working 1 sc in each row-end and 1 sc in each stitch along the curved edge, join with sl st to first sc.

Round 2: Sc in each sc around, join with sl st. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Assembly and Finishing

Arrange the eight wedges in a circle, alternating colors, with right sides up. Sew the wedges together using mattress stitch, matching stitch for stitch along the straight edges. Sew the small center hole closed. Weave in all ends. Block the rug to measurements and allow it to dry completely before placing it on the floor.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the rust for mustard or navy to suit your room — keep the alternating sequence for the same wave effect.
• Add a third round of sc in B for a contrasting border that frames the wedges.
• Use a non-slip rug pad underneath to keep the finished rug from sliding on smooth floors.