8 Crochet Placemat Patterns – Free Pattern

There is something deeply satisfying about sitting down to a table that you have dressed yourself. Not just with a tablecloth bought from a store, but with something made by your own hands, stitch by stitch, in colors you chose yourself, to a shape that fits your table perfectly. Crochet placemats are one of those wonderful beginner-to-intermediate projects that deliver an enormous amount of visual impact for a relatively modest time investment. Whether you are new to the craft or a seasoned hooker looking for a quick and rewarding make, placemats offer the perfect canvas.

In this post, we are sharing eight beautiful crochet placemat patterns — all free — that cover a wide range of styles, skill levels, and yarn types. From rustic farmhouse vibes to sleek modern designs, there is genuinely something here for every table and every crocheter. We will walk through each pattern with enough detail that you can pick up your hook and get started today, and we will also cover yarn recommendations, hook sizes, finishing tips, and everything else you need to turn a handful of cotton into a set of stunning placemats.

Why Crochet Placemats Are Worth Making

Before we dive into the patterns, it is worth talking about why handmade placemats are such a great project. First, they are practical. A well-made crochet placemat protects your table from heat, moisture, and scratches just as well as any store-bought version, and it does so with a handcrafted charm that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate.

Second, placemats are a brilliant stitch sampler. Because each mat is a relatively small, contained project, you can try out a stitch pattern you have been curious about — a shell stitch border, a basketweave texture, or a granny square design — without committing to the hundred or more hours a full blanket would require. If you love the stitch, you can move on to bigger projects. If it is not quite for you, you still end up with a beautiful finished object.

Third, they make exceptional gifts. A set of four or six matching handmade placemats, tied with a ribbon and tucked into a gift bag, is one of those presents that feels genuinely thoughtful and useful. They work for housewarmings, weddings, birthdays, and holidays.

Finally, the yarn quantities are modest. Most placemat patterns use between 100 and 300 yards of yarn per mat, which means you can often complete an entire set from a single skein or two, or use up scraps from your stash in a meaningful, coordinated way.

What Yarn Works Best for Crochet Placemats?

The most important consideration when choosing yarn for placemats is washability. These items will be used at mealtimes, which means spills, crumbs, and general everyday mess are inevitable. Cotton yarn is by far the most popular choice, and for good reason. It is strong, durable, highly washable, absorbent, and holds its shape well after repeated laundering. It also comes in an enormous range of colors, from the softest neutrals to the most vibrant saturated tones.

Some crocheters prefer a cotton-linen blend, which offers a slightly stiffer, more structured drape with a beautiful matte texture that looks especially elegant in neutral colorways. Jute and raffia yarns can also make gorgeous placemats, though they tend to be stiffer and less forgiving in the washing machine, so they are better suited to decorative use rather than heavy daily function.

If you are new to cotton yarn, a few popular choices include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, Drops Safran, and Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK. All of these are widely available, reasonably priced, and come in extensive color ranges.

For hook size, most worsted-weight cotton pairs well with a 4.0–5.0 mm hook, while lighter DK-weight cotton works best with a 3.5–4.0 mm hook. Always swatch before you begin if your finished dimensions need to be precise, since gauge can shift significantly between different cotton brands.

Pattern 1: The Classic Round Placemat

Round placemats are a timeless choice, and this pattern uses simple double crochet increases to create a smooth, flat circle that lies perfectly on the table without any curling or cupping. The construction begins with a magic ring and expands outward using a consistent increase formula, making it an excellent pattern for beginners who want to practice working in the round.

Materials: Approximately 150 yards of worsted weight cotton, 5.0 mm hook, yarn needle, scissors.

Finished size: Approximately 13–14 inches in diameter.

Instructions: Begin with a magic ring. Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as first double crochet throughout), work 11 double crochets into the ring, slip stitch to top of beginning chain. You will have 12 stitches. Round 2: Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch, work 2 double crochets in each stitch around, slip stitch to join. You will have 24 stitches. Round 3: Chain 3, double crochet in the same stitch, double crochet in the next stitch, repeat around. You will have 36 stitches. Continue this pattern, adding one more regular stitch between increases with each round, until your mat measures 13–14 inches. Fasten off and weave in ends. An optional shell stitch border adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Pattern 2: The Farmhouse Rectangle Placemat

For those who prefer a more traditional rectangular shape, this pattern works up in rows of half double crochet for a dense, stable fabric with a lovely subtle texture. The stitch height of the half double crochet gives the fabric a slightly padded feel that is wonderfully sturdy underplate.

Materials: Approximately 200 yards of worsted weight cotton, 4.5 mm hook, yarn needle, scissors.

Finished size: Approximately 12 by 18 inches.

Instructions: Chain 37. Row 1: Half double crochet in the third chain from the hook and in each chain across. Turn. Row 2: Chain 2 (does not count as a stitch), half double crochet in each stitch across. Turn. Repeat Row 2 until work measures 12 inches. Fasten off. For the border, join yarn at any corner and work a single crochet border all the way around, working 3 single crochets into each corner stitch to keep corners flat. For a more decorative finish, work a second border round of reverse single crochet, also called crab stitch, for a twisted, corded edge that frames the piece beautifully.

Pattern 3: Granny Square Placemat

The granny square is perhaps the most iconic motif in crochet, and it translates brilliantly to placemat form. This pattern uses a single large granny square as the placemat itself, with the colorful cluster rounds providing all the visual interest the piece needs. It is wonderful worked in a single solid color for a modern, minimalist look, or in two or three complementary colors for a more playful aesthetic.

Materials: Approximately 180 yards of worsted weight cotton (one or more colors), 5.0 mm hook, yarn needle, scissors.

Finished size: Approximately 13 by 13 inches with 8–10 rounds.

Instructions: Begin with your magic ring or foundation chain of 4 joined in a ring. Round 1: Chain 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc, ch 2, (3 dc, ch 2) 3 times, slip stitch to top of beginning chain. Round 2: Slip stitch to corner space, chain 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next corner, ch 1, repeat from twice, slip stitch to join. Continue expanding the granny square in this manner, adding one 3-dc cluster separated by ch 1 along each side per round, and working (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner space. Continue until the mat measures your desired size. A solid-color final border round in a neutral shade like cream or natural ties the piece together and gives it a clean, finished look.

Pattern 4: Shell Stitch Placemat

The shell stitch creates a fan-like pattern that is one of the most visually appealing in all of crochet. This rectangular placemat uses a simple repeating shell stitch pattern that is elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough to make while watching television.

Materials: Approximately 220 yards of DK weight cotton, 4.0 mm hook, yarn needle, scissors.

Finished size: Approximately 12 by 17 inches.

Instructions: Chain a multiple of 6 plus 3. For a 12-by-17-inch mat, chain 39. Row 1: Double crochet in the 4th chain from hook, skip 2 chains, work 5 double crochets in next chain (shell made), skip 2 chains, single crochet in next chain, repeat across, ending with double crochet in last chain. Row 2: Chain 3, turn, 2 dc in first stitch, sc in center of next shell, 5 dc in next sc (shell), repeat across. Continue repeating Row 2 until mat measures your desired length. The flowing fan shapes of the shells give this placemat an almost lacey, decorative quality that looks far more complicated than it actually is to work.

Pattern 5: Tunisian Simple Stitch Placemat

Tunisian crochet uses a long hook to work a forward and return pass, creating a fabric that looks almost woven and sits beautifully flat without curling. This pattern uses the Tunisian simple stitch to create a dense, structured placemat with a distinctly modern, textured feel.

Materials: Approximately 250 yards of worsted weight cotton, 5.5 mm Tunisian hook, yarn needle, scissors.

Finished size: Approximately 12 by 18 inches.

Instructions: Foundation row: Chain 37. Pick up a loop in the second chain from hook and in every chain across. You will have 37 loops on your hook. Work the return pass by yarning over and pulling through one loop, then yarning over and pulling through two loops repeatedly until one loop remains on the hook. Row 1 (forward pass): Skip the first vertical bar, insert hook under next vertical bar, yarn over, pull up loop, repeat across. Row 1 (return pass): Same as foundation return pass. Repeat Row 1 until the mat measures 12 inches. For the final edge, work a row of single crochet around all four sides. The Tunisian fabric is wonderfully stable and has a slight thickness that gives these placemats excellent heat protection.

Pattern 6: Hexagon Placemat

Hexagon placemats have a distinctly modern, geometric appeal and make for a striking table setting, especially when worked in earthy, muted tones. This pattern builds the hexagon from the center out in rounds of double crochet with strategic increases at six points.

Materials: Approximately 160 yards of worsted weight cotton, 5.0 mm hook, yarn needle, scissors.

Finished size: Approximately 13 inches point to point.

Instructions: Begin with a magic ring. Round 1: Chain 3, work 11 dc into ring, slip stitch to join. Round 2: Chain 3, dc in same stitch, (2 dc in next stitch) around, join. Round 3: Chain 3, dc in same stitch, dc in next stitch, (2 dc in next, dc in next) around, join. Continue expanding, keeping 6 increase points evenly spaced. To keep the hexagon shape rather than a circle, cluster your increases at 6 fixed points rather than distributing them evenly. After 7–8 rounds, the hexagon shape becomes clearly defined. A slip stitch border around the final round gives it a clean, streamlined edge.

Pattern 7: Striped Boho Placemat

Stripes are one of the easiest ways to use up scraps of yarn in your stash, and this simple pattern celebrates that. Worked in rows of single crochet with color changes every two rows, the resulting fabric is thick, durable, and endlessly customizable. The boho aesthetic comes from choosing a mix of natural, earthy tones — think terracotta, cream, sage, rust, and sand — though this pattern works just as beautifully in bold, modern color palettes.

Materials: Approximately 100–200 yards each of 3–4 colors of worsted weight cotton, 5.0 mm hook, yarn needle, scissors.

Finished size: Approximately 12 by 18 inches.

Instructions: Using your first color, chain 43. Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from hook and across. Turn. Row 2: Chain 1, single crochet across. Switch to second color at end of row, carry or cut yarn depending on stripe frequency. Continue working 2-row stripes in your chosen color sequence until the mat measures 12 inches. Single crochet border around all edges in your neutral base color. For extra flair, add short fringe in a complementary color along the two short ends by cutting lengths of yarn, folding them in half, and pulling them through the edge stitches with a crochet hook.

Pattern 8: Lace Oval Placemat

For a more formal, heirloom-style placemat, this lace oval pattern uses chains, double crochets, and open spaces to create a delicate, airy fabric that is beautiful used alone or layered over a solid tablecloth. It is a step up in complexity from the other patterns on this list but remains very approachable for anyone comfortable with basic crochet stitches.

Materials: Approximately 200 yards of DK or fingering weight cotton, 3.5 mm hook, yarn needle, scissors.

Finished size: Approximately 12 by 16 inches oval.

Instructions: Chain 31 for the foundation. Round 1: Double crochet in the 4th chain from hook, dc in next 26 chains, 5 dc in last chain (working around the end of the foundation chain), dc back along the other side of the chain, 4 dc in the beginning chain. Join. Round 2: Chain 5 (counts as dc plus ch 2), skip 1 stitch, (dc, ch 2, skip 1) around, increasing at both oval ends to keep the work flat. Round 3: Slip stitch to first chain-2 space, chain 3, 2 dc in same space, ch 1, (3 dc in next ch-2 space, ch 1) around. Continue adding lace rounds, working flat increases at the ovals’ ends. As the oval grows, the lace pattern radiates outward beautifully. A final round of picot edging — single crochet, chain 3, slip stitch into first chain of chain 3, single crochet — gives the finished edge a dainty, handcrafted detail.

Tips for Blocking and Finishing Your Placemats

No matter which pattern you choose, blocking your finished placemats will make a significant difference to the final result. Cotton yarn responds wonderfully to wet blocking. Simply soak the finished mat in cool water for 15–20 minutes, gently squeeze out the excess moisture without wringing, lay it flat on a blocking board or clean towel, pin it to your desired dimensions, and leave it to dry completely. This process relaxes the stitches, evens out any tension inconsistencies, and helps the mat lie perfectly flat on the table.

Weaving in ends securely is also important for something that will be laundered regularly. Weave each tail in at least two different directions through the backs of stitches, and consider adding a tiny dab of fabric glue if you are worried about ends working loose over time.

When it comes to washing, always follow the care instructions for your specific yarn. Most cotton yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle in cool water and can be tumble dried on a low setting, but some specialty cotton blends prefer hand washing and flat drying to maintain their shape and texture.

Making a Matched Set

One of the most satisfying things you can do with these patterns is work up a matched set of four to eight placemats for your table. You might choose to make all eight mats in the same pattern for a coordinated look, or mix two or three designs in the same colorway for an eclectic, curated table setting. For a more unified look when mixing patterns, choose two complementary colors and stick with them across all your patterns — even very different stitch structures will feel cohesive when they share a color palette.

Working multiple mats in the same pattern also has the benefit of speed.