I had a friend ask me to make her some modern looking placemats for a dining room table she was going to buy. She had sent along reference pictures and ideas of what she wanted, and I did my best to make them!

I had never made crochet circles larger than the size of a coaster, but I assumed I would just continue to do the same general increasing every row. Once I made the first placemat, I realized that the shape was more of a hexagon than a circle. I quickly googled why this could be, thinking I must be crazy since I know I increased the correct number of times each row. This hexagon shape happens when the increases are stacked on top of each other each round, creating a sort of spiral, while making six soft edges where the increases are made.

As hesitant as I was, I actually really liked this design. I thought this was a subtle touch to such a simple item. Once my friend received these in the mail, she loved them!

I wanted to make this my *first* free pattern release, as it's easy and a super desirable design! I hope you like it!