by Creating motifs for home decor is a satisfying way to practice new stitches because they are small, portable, and provide instant gratification. For table mats, coasters, and doilies, the “Sunburst Mandala” motif is the perfect choice. It is decorative enough for a doily, sturdy enough for a coaster, and can be joined together to make a full-sized table mat.
Since you are in Phnom Penh, 100% Mercerized Cotton is your best friend. It is heat-resistant (perfect for hot coffee or tea), highly absorbent, and won’t lose its shape in the humidity.
1. Materials & Recommendations
| Project Type | Recommended Yarn | Hook Size |
| Coasters | Worsted/DK Cotton | 3.5mm – 4.0mm |
| Table Mats | Chunky Cotton or Double-Strand DK | 5.0mm – 6.0mm |
| Decorative Doilies | Lace Weight Thread (Size 10) | 1.5mm – 2.0mm |
2. The Sunburst Mandala Motif Pattern
This pattern is worked in the round. Use US terms.
Round 1: The Core
- Start: Make a Magic Ring.
- Setup: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc).
- Work: 15 dc into the ring.
- Join: Sl st to the top of the ch-3. (16 dc total).
Round 2: The Puff Layer (Texture)
This round adds the “pop” that makes coasters look professional.
- Setup: Ch 2.
- Stitch: In the same stitch, work a Puff Stitch (Yarn over, pull up a loop 3 times, yarn over, pull through all loops). Ch 1.
- Repeat: Puff stitch in every stitch around, followed by a ch 1.
- Join: Sl st to the first puff. (16 puffs total).
Round 3: The Cluster Layer (Expansion)
- Setup: Sl st into the first ch-1 space. Ch 3.
- Stitch: Work a 2-dc cluster in that same space (start 2 dc, leave last loops on hook, yarn over, pull through all). Ch 2.
- Repeat: Work a 3-dc cluster and ch 2 in every ch-1 space around.
- Join: Sl st to the top of the first cluster.
Round 4: The Scalloped Edge (Final for Coasters)
- Setup: Sl st into the first ch-2 space.
- Work: (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc) all in the same space.
- Repeat: Repeat this scallop in every ch-2 space around.
- Finish: Fasten off and weave in ends.
3. Adapting the Motif for Different Uses
A. For Coasters
The 4-round pattern above usually creates a 10cm circle, which is the standard size for a coaster. To make them “stunning,” use a different color for every round.
B. For Decorative Doilies
To turn this into a larger doily, do not stop at Round 4. Instead:
- Round 5: Work ch-5 loops around the piece, anchoring them with sc between the scallops.
- Round 6: Work 7 dc into each ch-5 loop to create larger “fans.”
- Continue: Keep expanding with mesh (chains) and shells until it reaches the desired diameter.
C. For Table Mats (Place Mats)
You have two options for mats:
- The “Giant” Motif: Use very thick cotton cord and follow the pattern. The thicker yarn will naturally make the motif large enough for a plate.
- Joined Motifs: Make 6 to 10 of the Sunburst Motifs using the “Perfect Square” method (turning the circle into a square in the final round). Join them in a $2 \times 3$ or $3 \times 3$ grid.
4. The Professional Finish: Starching
For doilies and table mats, you want them to be “crisp” and flat.
- Wash: Soak the finished piece in water.
- Starch: You can use a commercial spray starch or a traditional sugar-water solution (boil 1 part sugar to 1 part water).
- Pin: Pin the wet motif onto a board, pulling the scallops out to make them sharp.
- Dry: Once dry, the cotton will be stiff and look like a high-end designer piece.
Pro-Tip for Phnom Penh Makers
If you are making coasters for iced drinks (very common in Cambodia!), avoid using “acrylic” yarn. Acrylic is plastic-based; the condensation from a cold glass will simply pool on top of the coaster and slide off. Cotton is essential because it absorbs the moisture, keeping your table dry.
Would you like me to help you design a specific border for a rectangular table mat using these motifs?
Video tutorial:
