Discover the Beauty of Ancient Baltic Ornaments: Šulinėlis Mug Coaster – Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

Today, I am excited to share a unique and culturally rich crochet pattern with you. This one holds a special place in my heart as it features an ancient Baltic ornament known as Šulinėlis or Saulutė. These motifs are not just beautiful; they carry deep cultural significance, representing the sun and the well, both essential elements in Baltic mythology and daily life.

Šulinėlis, meaning “little well,” and Saulutė, meaning “little sun,” are traditional Baltic symbols often found in Lithuanian folk art. The well symbolizes life, sustenance, and the source of all things, while the sun represents light, warmth, and the cycle of life. This symbolism create a powerful emblem of life’s balance and harmony.

Overview

This pattern is crocheted in using the mosaic crochet technique. This technique involves changing colors at the beginning of each row to create beautiful geometric patterns. The square can be used as a component in larger projects such as afghans, throws, baby blankets, pillow cushions, bags, or as a standalone coaster for mug.

Materials Needed

Gather the following supplies:

1. Worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors. I used Old Lace white (A), and Ultramarine (B).
2. A crochet hook suitable for your chosen yarn.
3. Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
4. Scissors.

I used Scheepjes Catona yarn and hook 2.5 mm.

Size of my coaster: 13 x 13 cm

Abreviations

US notations used.

ch – chain
sc – single crochet
st – stitch
slst – slip stitch
BLOsc – single crochet into back loop
FLOdc – double crochet into front loop
3sc-shell – 3 single crochet into one st

Starting and Ending Row in Mosaic Crochet – Two Methods

In mosaic crochet, there are two popular approaches to managing yarn between rows. The first method (1) involves cutting the yarn at the end of each row, which ensures a clean start with a new color but then later requires to add double border and hide the ends.

The second approach (2) is to carry the yarn along the back of the work without cutting it, often by crocheting over it. This method might be better for smaller items.

Both techniques offer distinct advantages depending on the project’s requirements and the crocheter’s preference.

I will use in my pattern Start st, End st, which will be different depending on your used approach.

Here’s description for approach 1.

Start st – make a slipknot on your hook, insert your hook into the first stitch, yarn over with the new yarn, and pull through to create a secure attachment.

End st – sc, cut the yarn off, leave longer tail

Pattern

Row 1 (foundation, A): Start with ch 33. Skip 1, then 32 sc.

Row 2 (foundation, B): Start st, 30 BLOsc, End st.

Row 3 (A): Start st, 10 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 6 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 10 FLOdc, End st.

Row 4 (B): Start st, 10 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 10 BLOsc, End st.

Row 5 (A): Start st, 10 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 10 FLOdc, End st.

Row 6 (B): Start st, 12 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 12 BLOsc, End st.

Row 7 (A): Start st, 6 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 6 FLOdc, End st.

Row 8 (B): Start st, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, End st.

Row 9 (A): Start st, 6 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 6 FLOdc, End st.

Row 10 (B): Start st, 8 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 8 BLOsc, End st.

Row 11 (A): Start st, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, End st.

Row 12 (B): Start st, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, End st.

Row 13 (A): Start st, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, End st.

Row 14 (B): Start st, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, End st.

Row 15 (A): Start st, 4 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, End st.

Row 16 (B): Start st, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, End st.

Row 17 (A): Start st, 4 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, End st.

Row 18 (B): Start st, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, End st.

Row 19 (A): Start st, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, End st.

Row 20 (B): Start st, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, End st.

Row 21 (A): Start st, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, End st.

Row 22 (B): Start st, 8 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 8 BLOsc, End st.

[mailerlite_form form_id=2]

Row 23 (A): Start st, 6 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 6 FLOdc, End st.

Row 24 (B): Start st, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, End st.

Row 25 (A): Start st, 6 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 4 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 6 FLOdc, End st.

Row 26 (B): Start st, 12 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 12 BLOsc, End st.

Row 27 (A): Start st, 10 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 4 BLOsc, 10 FLOdc, End st.

Row 28 (B): Start st, 10 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 6 BLOsc, 2 FLOdc, 10 BLOsc, End st.

Row 29 (A): Start st, 10 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 6 FLOdc, 2 BLOsc, 10 FLOdc, End st.

Simple Border (suitable for approach 1 – cutting yarns)

• Round 1. Crochet with yarn B around the item – on the sides of item use slst; on the top and bottom use sc.

Simple Border (suitable for approach 2 – without cutting yarn)

• Round 1. Crochet with yarn B around the item – on the sides of item use slst; on the top and bottom use sc.
• Round 2. Crochet sc into each st, on the corners – 3sc-shell.

Chart

Finishing Touches

Block your coaster to shape it nicely. I have blocked using iron and wet towel since I used 100 % cotton. Use blocking techniques suitable for your yarn.

You now have a beautiful crochet coaster adorned with the ancient Baltic symbols Šulinėlis and Saulutė, ready to add a touch of heritage to your home decor!

Why I Love This Pattern

This coaster pattern is not just about creating a functional item; it’s about connecting with our roots and celebrating the timeless beauty of Baltic culture. Every stitch is a tribute to the rich traditions and artistry that have been passed down through generations.

Join the Journey

I hope you enjoy making this coaster as much as I enjoyed designing it. Share your creations with me on social media using the hashtag #BalticOrnamentCrochet, and let’s celebrate our shared love for crochet and culture together!

If you’d like to get even more involved, I invite you to become my patron on Patreon. By joining, you’ll gain access to exclusive monthly free patterns and special discounts on my Etsy shop. Your support will enable me to continue sharing these beautiful designs and keep the tradition of Baltic ornaments alive. Click here to become a patron today!

More Of Baltic Ornaments

If you’re looking for a more crochet patterns featuring Baltic ornaments, checkout these patterns.

Click on the picture to go to the pattern

For more patterns visit my pattern shops on Etsy and Ravelry or on this website here.

Happy crocheting!

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