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WRN Race Track Mat Pattern

WRN Race Track Mat Pattern
4.6★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
2.5K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

⏱️

Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Cozy Accent

A warm touch for your space that transforms ordinary corners into inviting nooks filled with handmade charm.

About This WRN Race Track Mat Pattern

This pattern creates an oval race track mat inspired by carpet race tracks — ideal for playtime or a small nursery rug. You will work from the center chain outward using double crochet rounds and careful increases for a flat oval shape. It includes color-change rounds for the inner highlight, alternating red/white accents, and a final single crochet edge.

WRN Race Track Mat Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

The instructions are written step-by-step with photos showing color changes and where to place increases. A simple dashed center lane is added with a darning needle to finish the look for toy cars and imaginative play.

Why You'll Love This WRN Race Track Mat Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it turns simple stitches into a playful, functional piece that kids adore. I enjoy the way the oval shaping comes together with regular increase sections — it is satisfying to watch the mat grow. The alternating red and white accent round gives such a joyful pop and I always smile when I see the finished border. I also appreciate how adaptable the pattern is; you can change yarn weights and hooks to make different sizes easily.

WRN Race Track Mat Pattern step 1 - construction progress WRN Race Track Mat Pattern step 2 - assembly progress WRN Race Track Mat Pattern step 3 - details and accessories WRN Race Track Mat Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to change this pattern with colour — try switching the inner yellow highlight to a bright blue or orange for a totally different look.

Want a cozier, larger rug? Use bulky weight yarn and a 5 mm hook for the main rounds and 5.5–6 mm for the final edge to upsize the mat.

I often alternate the red and white accent for seasonal themes — use holiday colours, team colours, or pastels for a softer nursery version.

Try using variegated yarn for the inner ring to get a marbled effect without needing multiple colour changes.

For a non-slip play mat, consider attaching a thin anti-slip fabric or spray to the underside once finished, especially if it will be used on hardwood floors.

Add stitched numbers or embroidered logos to the outer black area to personalize the track for birthdays or themed playsets.

If you like texture, replace the final single crochet round with a crab stitch or reverse single crochet for a decorative edge.

To make matching accessories, crochet small oval coasters using the same increase strategy and color sequence scaled down with fewer increases.

I sometimes add a thin layer of felt to the bottom and tack it in place for extra durability and to hide carried floats if the back is visible.

Experiment with different hook sizes and yarn fibres (cotton for washability, acrylic for budget-friendly play mats) to see how the drape and feel of the mat change.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Missing the end turning chains when adding the corner 4 dc will distort the oval ends; always add the four dc at each turning chain as instructed so the ends shape correctly. ✗ Not placing stitch markers at the start stitch of each increase makes it hard to find increase points in later rounds; place markers in the first stitch of each increase to track them easily. ✗ Skipping the color-carry technique when alternating red and white can create loose floats and uneven tension; carry the unused colour along the round at the base of the stitches and bring in the new colour on the last yo of the sequence. ✗ Failing to double-check stitch counts before the alternating colour round can leave you short by a couple of stitches; recount your stitches and use stitch markers to avoid missing stitches in the beginning chain.

WRN Race Track Mat Pattern

Bring playtime to life with this fun racetrack crochet mat you can make at home. The pattern guides you through an oval mat with neat color changes, a lane divider, and a bold outer edge. Perfect for gifting, display, or a small nursery play rug — you'll love how quickly the colors transform the design.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for WRN Race Track Mat Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted/Medium weight yarn in Green (main center and outer edge)
  • 02
    Worsted/Medium weight yarn in Black (main track rounds)
  • 03
    Worsted/Medium weight yarn in White (inner ring and accent)
  • 04
    Worsted/Medium weight yarn in Red (alternating accent round)
  • 05
    Approximately 3 feet of white yarn for the lane dividing dashes (approx)
  • 06
    For a larger mat: bulky weight yarn (5) recommended

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm (for most rounds)
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 4 mm (for final single crochet rounds and sc round)
  • 03
    Optional larger hooks for bigger version: 5 mm for main mat and 5.5 mm or 6 mm for final edge
  • 04
    Stitch markers
  • 05
    Darning needle (yarn needle)
  • 06
    Approximately 3 feet of white yarn for lane dashes
  • 07
    Scissors

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Main Mat :

Start :

Starting with GREEN yarn, Chain 43.

Round 1 :

dc in second chain from hook, dc in each stitch along the chain until the last chain. In the last chain place 4 dc, then place a dc in each stitch along the other side of the chain, on the end turning chain (shown below) place 4 dc, join with a slip stitch to the first dc

Round 2 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch until you reach the 4 end dc. Place 2 dc in each of the four end stitches., dc in each stitch until you reach the other end with 4 dc, place 2 dc in each of the four end stitches, slip stitch to the first dc of the round

Info :

When adding additional rounds, increases will be added at each end of the oval (dcINC = 2 dc in the same stitch to make an increase) The same pattern repeats along the sides, but the bolded sections increase on the ends. ***Placing a stitch marker in the first stitch of each increase helps in seeing where the next round of increases will be.

Round 3 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain. dc in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, dc) x4, dc in each stitch across, (dcINC, dc) x4, ***on the last yo, of the last dc of the round, change your yarn to YELLOW***, sl st to the first dc of the round

Info :

Change to YELLOW on the last yo of the last dc of round 3 to join the next round in yellow (see photos in pattern for positioning).

Round 4 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain. dc in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 2dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC,2dc) x4, dcINC, ***on the last yo, of the last dc of the round, change your yarn to WHITE***, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 5 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain. dc in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 3dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 3dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, ***on the last yo, of the last dc of the round, change your yarn to BLACK***sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 6 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain. dc in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 4dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 4dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 7 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain. dc in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 5dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 5dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 8 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain. dc in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 6dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 6dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 9 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 7dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 7dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 10 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 8dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 8dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 11 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 9dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 9dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 12 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 10dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 10dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 13 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 11dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 11dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, ***on the last yo, of the last dc of the round, change your yarn to RED or WHITE***, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 14 :

Use alternating red and white yarn every four stitches, carrying the unused colour along the round at the base of the stitches. Same as all the other colour changes, you'll want to bring in the new colour on the last yo of the last dc of the sequence. Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 12dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 12dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, ***on the last yo, of the last dc of the round, change your yarn to YELLOW***, sl st to the first dc of the round

Info :

In sample shown a stitch was missed in the beginning chain, leaving two stitches short for the alternating colour round. Double checking stitch counts and using stitch markers will avoid this issue. Photo in pattern shows backside of red and white round with strand of unused colour carried at base of stitches.

Round 15 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 13dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 13dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, ***on the last yo, of the last dc of the round, change your yarn to GREEN***sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 16 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 14dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 14dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 17 :

Chain 2, dc in the same stitch as the chain and in each stitch across straight stretch, (dcINC, 15dc) x4, dcINC, dc across straight stretch, (dcINC, 15dc) x4, dcINC, dc in each st until end of round, sl st to the first dc of the round

Round 18 :

with a 4mm hook, Chain 1, sc in each st, slip stitch to the first stitch in the round.

Info :

Using a darning needle weave in all ends.

— Lane Dividing Dash (Detail) :

Using a darning needle and approx. 3 feet of white yarn, create the lane dividing dash using the line between the four and fifth rounds of black as a guide. Dashes on the sample shown are woven through the space every two stitches from the front to the back, repeating this process until you meet the start and tie off. Weave in ends.

Info :

For a larger version, switch the yarn to a bulky weight(5) and use a 5mm hook for the main mat and 5.5mm or 6mm for the final edge single crochet round.

Assembly Instructions

  • Weave in all yarn ends securely using a darning needle after completing the final single crochet round to prevent unraveling.
  • Create the lane dividing dash by threading approx. 3 feet of white yarn on a darning needle and weaving dashes through the space every two stitches between the fourth and fifth black rounds; tie off and weave in ends at the meeting point.
  • When alternating red and white every four stitches, carry the unused colour along the base of the stitches to keep floats neat and to maintain consistent tension.
  • Place stitch markers in the first stitch of each increase section so you can easily identify where increases will occur in subsequent rounds, ensuring the oval stays even and flat.

Important Notes

  • 💡Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each increase section to easily identify where increases should fall in later rounds.
  • 💡Carry unused colours along the base of the stitches during the alternating colour round to keep the back tidy and maintain tension.
  • 💡Double-check stitch counts before the alternating colour round to ensure proper spacing for the red and white sequence and avoid running short of stitches.
  • 💡Use a 4mm hook for the final single crochet round to create a neat, tight edge and switch to bulkier hooks if making a larger version as noted.

This racetrack mat is ready for wheels to hit the track — perfect for playrooms and display alike. It creates a playful scene with bold colour changes and a stitched lane divider that kids will love. Make it as shown or scale up for a larger play rug — happy crocheting! 🧶🏁

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

The completed mat measures approximately 56 cm x 35 cm (22" x 14") using the recommended worsted weight yarn and hooks.

Can I use different yarn weights for this pattern?

Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but this will affect final size; for a larger mat switch to bulky weight yarn and larger hooks as suggested in the pattern.

Do I need prior crochet experience for this pattern?

This pattern is rated intermediate, so basic knowledge of double crochet, increases, colour changes, and reading round instructions is recommended for best results.

How long does this project typically take to complete?

Most crocheters complete this project in 5-7 hours, though time may vary depending on experience, speed, and whether you work continuous rounds or stop between colour changes.