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Race Track Mat Pattern

Race Track Mat Pattern
4.3★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
3.9K 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.

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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 Race Track Mat Pattern

This pattern creates a flat oval race track mat using worsted/medium weight yarn in four colors with clear round-by-round instructions. It features even increases at the oval ends to keep the mat flat and color-change rounds for contrasting borders and decorative edge work. The pattern includes a stitched lane divider and a fun alternating red/white accent round for a racing look.

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

Finished size is approx. 56cm x 35cm (22" x 14") using recommended yarn and hooks. Instructions include suggestions for making a larger version using bulky yarn and larger hooks.

Why You'll Love This Race Track Mat Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it combines simple shaping with playful colorwork to create a useful, fun toy mat. I enjoy how quickly the oval grows as you add rounds and how satisfying it is when the increases produce a perfectly flat oval. The alternating red and white accent round always brings a smile and gives the mat a real race-track personality. I also love that it is easily customizable — you can change colors, adjust size, and create matching accessories for hours of creative play.

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

Switch Things Up

I love how easy it is to change the palette for a completely different look — try pastels for a soft nursery theme or bold primary colours for a vintage race vibe.

If you want a mini keychain-sized track, use DK or fingering weight yarn with a smaller hook and reduce your starting chain to suit the smaller scale.

For an extra plush mat, make the same pattern in bulky yarn and a larger hook; this creates a thicker, cushioned surface perfect for toddlers.

I often swap the alternating red/white round for two contrasting solid rounds to create a striped border instead of the checkered effect.

You can embroider numbers, start/finish banners, or small parking spots on the black field for more imaginative play details.

I recommend trying different edge finishes — a decorative picot or crab stitch will give a unique finished look compared with a simple single crochet edge.

If you want a reversible look, carry colours differently or make the lane divider removable with sewn-on toggles so kids can flip the mat for a different game.

I also like adding small felt or crocheted trees and signs sewn to the outside border to create a little scene around the track.

Change the spacing for the dash lane by threading through every stitch or every three stitches to create longer or shorter dashes according to your taste.

Experiment with ombre yarn for a subtle gradient across rounds — it looks especially nice on the wide black field when transitions occur slowly across several rounds.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Missing or miscounting the starting chain will change the repeat placement for the alternating colour round; recount the starting chain and adjust before beginning colour changes. ✗ Not placing stitch markers at increase points makes it hard to identify where increases go on later rounds; place a marker in the first stitch of each increase to track increases easily. ✗ Carrying the unused color incorrectly during alternating rounds can create bulky strands on the back; carry the yarn at the base of the stitches and catch it neatly every few stitches to keep the back tidy. ✗ Changing colour at the wrong time can create visible joins; bring the new colour in on the last yo of the last dc of the round as instructed to create a clean change. ✗ Using inconsistent tension causes uneven rounds and a wavy edge; keep a steady, moderate tension and check the mat lays flat as you add rounds.

Race Track Mat Pattern

Make a fun, oval race track mat perfect for playtime, display, or a small nursery rug. This pattern uses simple double crochet shaping and colorful rounds to create a flat oval with a decorative edge. You will learn how to increase evenly at each end of the oval and change colors cleanly for striping and alternating edge detail. Great for gifting or play — grab your yarn and wheels and get ready to VROOM!

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Race Track Mat Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    Worsted/Medium weight yarn (#4) - Green (main inner and outer rounds) - quantity as needed
  • 02
    Worsted/Medium weight yarn (#4) - Black (main field) - quantity as needed
  • 03
    Worsted/Medium weight yarn (#4) - White (accent rounds and lane dash) - quantity as needed
  • 04
    Worsted/Medium weight yarn (#4) - Red (alternating accent round) - quantity as needed
  • 05
    For a larger mat: Bulky weight yarn (5) suggested with larger hook sizes (5mm for main, 5.5mm or 6mm for final edge)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    Crochet hook size 3.5 mm
  • 02
    Crochet hook size 4.0 mm
  • 03
    Stitch markers
  • 04
    Darning needle / yarn needle
  • 05
    Scissors
  • 06
    Approx 3 feet of white yarn for lane dividing dash
  • 07
    Pins for blocking (optional)

Progress Tracker

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— Materials :

Info :

Worsted/Medium weight yarn in Green, Black, White and Red. 3.5 mm & 4 mm hook. Stitch markers. Darning needle. Completed mat measures approx. 56cm x 35cm (22"x14").

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

sc - single crochet. dc - double crochet. st/sts - stitch(es). INC - increase. yo - yarn over. sl st - slip stitch. CH - chain. dcINC = 2 dc in the same stitch to make increase.

— 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 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.

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 above shows the backside of the Red and White round and the strand of unused colour being carried at the base of the 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.

Info :

Using a darning needle and approx. 3 feet of white yarn, create the lane dividing dash using the line between the fourth and fifth rounds of black as a guide. Dashes on the sample 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 ends securely with a darning needle after completing the final round to tidy the back and secure color changes.
  • Create the lane dividing dash with approx. 3 feet of white yarn using the line between the fourth and fifth black rounds as a guide; weave through every two stitches from front to back and repeat until you meet the start.
  • Use stitch markers to mark the first stitch of each increase at the oval ends so you can easily identify increases as you add rounds.
  • Bring new colours in on the last yo of the last dc of the round to create a clean colour change; carry unused colours at the base of stitches during alternating rounds.
  • If making a larger mat, switch to bulky yarn and larger hooks as suggested, and adjust hook for the final single crochet edge for a neat finish.

Important Notes

  • 💡Use stitch markers to keep track of increases at each end of the oval to ensure even shaping and to help identify where to add increases on later rounds.
  • 💡Change colour on the last yo of the last dc of the round for a clean join and carry unused colours neatly at the base of stitches during alternating rounds.
  • 💡Weave in ends as you go or immediately after finishing to keep the back tidy and prevent long tails that are harder to manage later.
  • 💡Check your starting chain count carefully before beginning the alternating colour round to ensure the pattern repeats align correctly around the oval.

This Race Track Mat Pattern brings playful style to any playroom, combining bold colours and simple shaping for fast, satisfying progress. Perfect for small cars, imaginative play, or a cozy nursery accent, and easy to customize in scale and palette. Make one for gifts or a whole fleet of mats for race-day fun! 🧶🚗

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FAQs

What size will the finished piece be?

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

Can I make the mat larger?

Yes — switch to a bulky weight (5) yarn and use a 5mm hook for the main rounds and 5.5mm or 6mm for the final edge single crochet round to create a larger version.

Do I need advanced skills to make this?

This pattern is rated intermediate because it uses continuous rounds with increases at each oval end and several colour changes, so basic knowledge of dc, increases, and colour joins is recommended.

How do I create the center lane dashed line?

Use a darning needle and approximately 3 feet of white yarn. Use the line between the fourth and fifth black rounds as a guide and weave the dashes through every two stitches from front to back until you meet the start, then tie off and weave in ends.