Free Patterns: 20+ Placemats & More to Knit & Crochet

There is something quietly satisfying about a handmade table. It does not need to be elaborate or expensive. A few carefully crafted placemats, a runner draped down the center, a couple of coasters tucked beside a coffee mug — these small textile details transform an ordinary dining space into something that feels considered and warm. The best part? You can make them all yourself, for almost nothing, using yarn you may already have sitting in a bin somewhere.

This collection brings together more than twenty free patterns for placemats, table runners, coasters, napkin rings, and a few bonus table accessories, all available to knit or crochet at no cost. Whether you are a beginner looking for a low-stakes first project or an experienced maker who wants a satisfying weekend make, there is something here for every skill level and every style of home.

Why Knit or Crochet Placemats?

Before we dive into the patterns, it is worth talking about why handmade placemats are worth your time. If you have ever priced quality table linens at a home goods store, you already know the answer. A set of four woven cotton placemats can easily run thirty to fifty dollars, and that is on the modest end. A handmade set costs a fraction of that, and it will likely outlast anything you pull off a shelf.

Beyond cost, there is the matter of customization. Store-bought placemats come in whatever colors the manufacturer decided were popular this season. Handmade ones come in exactly the colors you love, sized precisely for your table, in whatever texture pleases you most. Cotton makes a sturdy, washable placemat for everyday use. Raffia and jute give a natural, earthy feel perfect for outdoor dining or a farmhouse kitchen. Even bulky wool can work beautifully for decorative placemats during the autumn and winter months.

Placemats are also genuinely excellent beginner projects. Most are flat, rectangular, and work up in simple stitch patterns that build real muscle memory without demanding complex shaping or finishing. If you have been knitting or crocheting for a few months and want to move past scarves but are not quite ready for garments, table accessories are the perfect next step.

What You Need to Get Started

Most of these patterns call for similar materials, so before you start browsing, it helps to know what to look for.

Cotton yarn is the most popular choice for table textiles because it holds its shape, washes easily, and lies flat without blocking drama. Look for worsted or DK weight cotton for most placemat patterns. Brands like Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, and Drops Safran are all widely available and affordable. If you are in the US, Red Heart Soft Essentials Cotton is another great option.

Raffia or jute yarn creates that natural, rustic texture you see in pottery barn catalogs. It is less forgiving to work with — both materials are stiffer and can be a bit rough on your hands — but the results are stunning, especially for outdoor tables or bohemian-style interiors.

Hook and needle sizes vary by pattern, but most placemat patterns call for a US size G, H, or I hook (4mm to 5.5mm) for crochet, or US size 5 to 8 needles (3.75mm to 5mm) for knitting. Always check the gauge section of the pattern before you begin, especially if you want your placemats to come out the right size.

Tapestry needle for weaving in ends. You will weave in a lot of ends with table linens, so keeping a good tapestry needle handy makes finishing far less tedious.

The Patterns: 20+ Free Designs to Knit & Crochet

Crochet Placemats

1. Simple Single Crochet Placemat
This is the starting point for any beginner. A straightforward rectangle worked entirely in single crochet, this pattern teaches you to maintain even tension across rows and finish cleanly. Because the stitch is so dense, these placemats are thick and durable. Work them in a striped colorway for extra personality, or keep it solid for a clean, modern look. Search for this style on Ravelry or LoveCrafts using the terms “beginner crochet placemat single crochet” and you will find several excellent free versions.

2. Moss Stitch Crochet Placemat
The moss stitch (also called the linen stitch or granite stitch) creates a tight, woven-looking fabric that is ideal for table linens. The texture mimics woven cotton beautifully, and the stitch is simple enough to fall into a rhythm very quickly. This pattern looks far more intricate than it actually is, which makes it a satisfying project for intermediate beginners. Annie’s Craft Store and several independent designers on Ravelry offer free versions of this pattern.

3. Granny Square Placemat
Who says granny squares are just for blankets? Joining a grid of classic granny squares creates a charming, colorful placemat with a vintage feel. You can use up scraps of cotton from other projects, making this one of the most economical options in this list. The key is choosing colors that work together across the squares — either a tonal palette for a sophisticated look or a bright, random assortment for a cheerful, eclectic table.

4. Bobble Stitch Placemat
Bobble stitches add a tactile, dimensional quality to an otherwise flat placemat. The raised clusters catch light and shadow in a way that makes the piece feel almost sculptural. These do use more yarn than flat-stitch versions, but the visual payoff is worth it. Fiber Flux and several Ravelry designers offer free bobble placemat patterns, usually worked in rows of alternating bobbles and single crochets.

5. Hexagon Patchwork Placemat
Similar in concept to the granny square version, this design joins crocheted hexagons to create a honeycomb-patterned placemat with excellent visual interest. The hexagons can all be the same color for a graphic, modern feel, or worked in gradients and ombré arrangements for something more painterly. This style has become increasingly popular with Scandinavian-inspired interiors.

6. Tunisian Crochet Placemat
If you have not tried Tunisian crochet yet, a placemat is a wonderful first project with which to experiment. The technique uses a longer hook and creates a fabric that looks almost knitted, with a beautiful grid-like texture. Tunisian simple stitch placemats lie flat, wash well, and have a slightly thicker hand than regular crochet, making them excellent at actually protecting your table. Search “Tunisian simple stitch placemat free pattern” for a variety of options.

7. Farmhouse Jute Placemat
Worked in natural jute or hemp twine with a simple half double crochet stitch, this pattern creates rustic, biodegradable placemats perfect for outdoor summer dining or a country kitchen aesthetic. These are not the softest placemats in the collection, but they are among the most striking and are genuinely sustainable. A few designers on Etsy and Ravelry offer these patterns at no cost.

8. Tapestry Crochet Geometric Placemat
For those who want a more advanced challenge, tapestry crochet placemats carry two colors throughout the work to create geometric patterns — diamonds, chevrons, arrows, or folk-art motifs — embedded into the fabric itself. The results look like something you would find in a high-end textile shop. These patterns require more concentration but reward the maker with a genuinely stunning finished object.

9. Sunflower or Mandala Placemat
Worked in the round, these circular placemats feature radiating petal or mandala designs. They are a wonderful way to practice working in the round if you have primarily worked flat pieces, and the circular shape is refreshing on a table full of rectangular linens. Several free versions appear on Ravelry, Yarnspirations, and craft blogs such as Fiber Flux and Crochet 365 Knit Too.

10. Boho Fringe Placemat
A simple rectangular placemat in a textured stitch with a knotted fringe along the short ends, this design brings a relaxed, bohemian energy to any table. The fringe is added after the main piece is finished by looping cut lengths of yarn through the edge stitches and knotting them close to the work. The effect is impressive, and the technique is easy enough for confident beginners.

Knitted Placemats

11. Garter Stitch Placemat
If you can knit, you can make this placemat. Pure garter stitch from cast-on to bind-off, worked in a chunky cotton, produces a springy, textured placemat with wonderful drape. Because garter stitch lies flat without curling, it is particularly well suited to table accessories. Choose a two-ply cotton for structure and you will have a placemat that lasts for years.

12. Seed Stitch Placemat
Seed stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches) creates a beautifully nubbly texture that is one of the most elegant options for a simple knitted placemat. Like garter stitch, it lies flat without any blocking required, and the alternating texture gives it a handwoven appearance. This is a superb pattern for anyone who has mastered the knit stitch and wants to begin learning the purl.

13. Herringbone Knit Placemat
The herringbone stitch creates a woven, chevron-like pattern that sits absolutely flat and looks remarkably sophisticated. It requires slipping stitches in a specific pattern, which makes it a step up in complexity from garter or seed stitch, but the visual result is well worth the extra attention. This stitch pattern has become popular in knitting communities for precisely this kind of table accessory.

14. Striped Log Cabin Knit Placemat
Inspired by log cabin quilting, this knitted version builds a placemat from a central rectangle outward, picking up stitches along the edges and working short sections in alternating directions. Stripes of two or three colors in this construction create a graphic, modern design. The technique teaches picking up stitches along edges, which is a useful skill to develop for future garment projects.

15. Mitered Square Placemat
A mitered square placemat begins at one corner and decreases toward the opposite corner, creating a beautiful diagonal flow to the fabric. Multiple mitered squares can be joined to form a larger placemat with a patchwork feel. This is another excellent scrap-busting pattern and a useful technique to learn for anyone interested in modular knitting.

16. Basketweave Knit Placemat
The basketweave stitch alternates blocks of knits and purls in a checkerboard arrangement, creating a three-dimensional texture that genuinely resembles woven fabric. Worked in a natural cotton, the result looks artisanal and deliberate. This pattern requires comfort with both knit and purl stitches and counting rows carefully, making it a good intermediate project.

Table Runners

17. Crochet Lace Table Runner
A long, narrow table runner in filet crochet or simple lace creates an heirloom-quality centerpiece for your dining or console table. Filet crochet uses a grid of chains and double crochets to form open, lacy patterns — flowers, leaves, geometric motifs — that look delicate but are actually quite durable. Dozens of free filet crochet runner patterns exist in crochet archives and on Ravelry.

18. Knit Chevron Table Runner
A simple yarn-over and decrease sequence creates a classic chevron pattern in a long, flat runner. Worked in two or three coordinating colors of cotton, a chevron runner brings rhythm and movement to any table. This is a great project for someone comfortable with basic knitting who wants to learn simple lace or eyelet techniques.

19. Crochet Boho Tassel Runner
Essentially a very long, narrow placemat with tassel ends, this design is endlessly customizable. The main body can be worked in any simple stitch pattern — herringbone half double crochet, moss stitch, or even basic double crochet — and long, luxurious tassels are added to both ends for drama. In earthy neutrals or jewel tones, this runner works in virtually any interior style.

Coasters and Napkin Rings

20. Crochet Cotton Coasters
Every table set needs coasters, and crocheted cotton coasters are among the most beloved small makes in the craft community. They work up in less than thirty minutes each, making them perfect last-minute gifts or quick skill builders. Look for patterns in simple rounds of single crochet, or try a granny square version, a boho mandala, or a simple striped rectangle. Many designers on Ravelry offer sets of four or six coaster patterns completely free.

21. Knit Seed Stitch Coasters
A quick cast-on in worsted cotton, a few inches of seed stitch, and a bind-off is all it takes to produce a coaster that actually stays flat and absorbs well. These are the kind of small knit object that add up quickly — make a dozen over a weekend and you will have gifts sorted for months.

22. Crochet Napkin Rings
A short tube of single or slip stitch crochet, sized to slip around a folded napkin, makes a charming finishing touch for a formally set table. These tiny accessories are endlessly customizable — add a small crochet flower, a button, a tassel, or a simple ribbed texture. Free patterns are available on multiple craft blogs and are usually quick enough to make an entire set in an evening.

Tips for Success With Table Linens

A few practical notes before you cast on or make your first chain.

Wash your yarn before you start. Cotton can shrink and shift on its first wash. Pre-washing your yarn before you work with it means your finished placemats will maintain their size and shape after laundering. Simply wind the yarn loosely, tie it in a few places, and wash it in a mesh bag on a gentle cycle.

Gauge matters more than you think. Unlike a scarf, where a stitch or two off gauge just means a slightly wider or narrower piece, placemats are meant to be a specific size. A 14-inch placemat that comes out at 11 inches is not ideal. Check gauge and adjust your hook or needle size accordingly.

Block your finished pieces. Even cotton benefits from a light blocking. Wet blocking — soaking the finished piece in cool water, pressing out excess moisture in a towel, and pinning or shaping it flat to dry — evens out your tension and gives the placemat a crisp, professional finish.

Weave in ends carefully. On a flat, thin piece like a placemat, poorly woven ends can leave bumps or show through to the front. Weave each end in at least two directions and trim closely.

Make multiples. One placemat is a project. Six matching placemats are a set, and a set is a genuinely useful, giftable thing. Once you have worked out the pattern on the first one, the rest go quickly. If you have a television show you are watching through, a set of six placemats is about the right length of project.

Where to Find These Patterns

All of the patterns described above, and hundreds more in similar categories, can be found for free at the following resources.

Ravelry remains the definitive database for knitting and crochet patterns. Use the advanced search to filter by category (household), subcategory (placemats), price (free), and craft (knitting or crochet). You can also filter by yarn weight, difficulty level, and language.

Yarnspirations is the free pattern library maintained by Caron, Bernat, and Patons yarns. It has an extensive table accessories section with well-tested, beginner-friendly patterns.

LoveCrafts has a growing free pattern library alongside its paid offerings. The search and filter tools are excellent.

Craft blogs including Fiber Flux, Crochet 365 Knit Too, Sigoni Macaroni, and Daisy Farm Crafts regularly publish free table accessory patterns with step-by-step photos and video tutorials. These are particularly helpful for visual learners.

Pinterest is not a pattern source itself, but it is an excellent discovery tool. Searching “free crochet placemat pattern” or “free knit table runner” will surface hundreds of links to bloggers and designers who offer their patterns at no cost.

Final Thoughts

Handmade table linens occupy a special place in the world of fiber crafts. They are practical enough to use every single