Crochet Placemat | Free Crochet Pattern
There is something quietly satisfying about setting a table with something you made yourself. A crochet placemat is one of those projects that sits right at the intersection of practical and beautiful — it protects your table, adds a handmade touch to your home, and gives you a finished object you can actually use every single day. Whether you are a beginner looking for a confidence-building project or an experienced crocheter wanting something relaxing to work on between bigger makes, this free crochet placemat pattern is exactly what you need.
In this post, you will find everything: the full free pattern, materials list, stitch guide, tips for customizing the size and color, and answers to the most common questions about crocheting placemats. Grab your hook and let’s get started.
Why Crochet Placemats Are a Perfect Project
Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk about why placemats are such a wonderful thing to crochet. First and foremost, they are fast. Unlike a blanket that can take weeks or months, a single placemat can be completed in an evening or two. That means you get the deeply satisfying experience of finishing a project without a long commitment.
Placemats are also incredibly forgiving. Because they lie flat on a table and do not need to conform to a body or fit a specific shape, slight gauge variations are perfectly fine. If yours comes out a little longer or a little wider than the pattern states, it still works beautifully. This makes placemats ideal for practicing new stitches or trying out a yarn you have never worked with before.
They also make exceptional gifts. A set of four or six handmade placemats, perhaps in colors chosen to match a friend’s kitchen, is a thoughtful, personal gift that feels luxurious without requiring a huge amount of yarn. For crafters who love to give handmade presents, placemats are a staple.
Finally, placemats are a great way to use up yarn from your stash. Because each placemat is a relatively small project, you can mix and match colors, use partial skeins, and create a mismatched set that still looks coordinated and intentional.
Materials You Will Need
This pattern is written for a standard rectangular placemat measuring approximately 12 inches by 18 inches, which is a traditional placemat size. Here is what you will need to get started.
Yarn: Approximately 100–120 yards of worsted weight yarn (also labeled as size 4 medium weight). Cotton yarn is the most popular choice for placemats because it is durable, washable, and has a lovely drape without stretching out of shape. Some excellent cotton options include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK (held double), Paintbox Simply Cotton Worsted, and Drops Safran. That said, any worsted weight yarn will work for this pattern.
Hook: A 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook is recommended, but as always, go up or down a size to match your gauge and tension.
Notions: A yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape.
Gauge: Approximately 14 stitches and 16 rows in single crochet = 4 inches x 4 inches. As mentioned above, gauge is flexible for this project, but if you want your placemats to match a specific size, check your gauge before you begin.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
sk — skip
st(s) — stitch(es)
sp — space
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
rep — repeat
BLO — back loop only
If you are new to crochet or need a refresher on any of these stitches, there are many wonderful video tutorials online. The single crochet and half double crochet are the main workhorses of this pattern, so if you are comfortable with those two stitches, you will have no trouble at all.
Free Crochet Placemat Pattern
This pattern creates a classic, textured rectangular placemat using a combination of single crochet and a simple shell stitch border. The body of the placemat uses a moss stitch (also called linen stitch or granite stitch), which creates a beautiful woven-looking fabric that is dense enough to protect your table but still has a lovely handmade texture. The shell border adds a decorative finish that elevates the whole piece without adding much time.
Foundation Chain
Using your 5.0 mm hook and worsted weight cotton yarn, chain 63.
If your foundation chain feels tight, as many people’s does, go up one hook size for the foundation chain only and then switch back to your regular hook for the body of the placemat. This prevents the bottom edge from pulling in.
Body of the Placemat
Row 1 (RS): Insert hook into the 2nd chain from the hook, draw up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on hook (sc made). Ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn. (32 sc, 31 ch-1 spaces)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st. Ch 1, skip ch-1 sp, sc in next sc. Repeat from * to end of row. Turn.
Rows 3 through 46: Repeat Row 2.
You should have a rectangle measuring approximately 12 inches wide by 15 inches tall at this point. Continue repeating Row 2 until your piece measures 15 inches, or your desired length minus about 1 inch for the border. Finish on a right side row if possible.
Do not fasten off. You will continue directly into the border.
Shell Stitch Border
The border is worked in rounds around the entire perimeter of the placemat. You will need to work evenly along the sides of the rows as well as across the top and bottom chains, so take your time placing your stitches evenly.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 1 sc in each stitch and each ch-1 space across the top edge, placing 3 sc in each corner. Continue working sc evenly down the first side edge (approximately 1 sc per row end), place 3 sc in the corner, work 1 sc in each stitch and ch-1 space across the bottom, place 3 sc in the corner, work sc evenly up the remaining side edge, place 3 sc in the corner, and join with a sl st to the first sc. Do not turn.
Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), skip 2 sts, sc in next st. Repeat from * around, adjusting the spacing slightly at the corners so that a shell always sits at each corner. Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Fasten off and weave in ends.
This completes your placemat. If you prefer a simpler border, you can work two rounds of sc instead of the shell stitch border and the result will be equally lovely.
Finishing Your Placemat
Weave in all ends securely using your yarn needle. Because cotton yarn does not felt or grip itself the way wool does, take extra care to weave your ends in thoroughly, going in multiple directions to ensure they stay put through washing.
Blocking your placemat will make a significant difference to the finished look. Wet blocking is easy: soak the finished placemat in cool water for about 10 minutes, squeeze out the excess water gently (do not wring), and lay it flat on a blocking mat or a clean towel. Use your hands to shape it to the correct dimensions, pinning if needed. Allow it to dry completely before removing pins or moving the mat. Once blocked, your placemat will lie perfectly flat and the stitch definition will be much more visible and crisp.
Tips for Customizing This Pattern
One of the best things about this pattern is how easily it adapts to different sizes, colors, and stitch textures. Here are some ideas for making it your own.
Changing the size: To make a larger or smaller placemat, simply adjust your starting chain. The moss stitch repeat is a multiple of 2, so start with any even number plus 1. For a round placemat, start with a magic ring and work in rounds, increasing at regular intervals until you reach your desired diameter. The shell border translates beautifully to a round shape as well.
Striped placemats: This pattern is wonderful worked in stripes. Change colors at the end of any row by simply drawing up a loop in your new color when completing the last stitch of the previous row. Because the moss stitch has such a graphic, woven texture, even simple two-color stripes look sophisticated. Try a classic combination like cream and terracotta, or go bold with alternating jewel tones.
Using a different stitch: The moss stitch body can easily be swapped out for half double crochet, linen stitch, waffle stitch, or even simple rows of double crochet. Any flat, even stitch will work here. The key is to maintain consistent tension so your placemat lies flat.
Going thicker: For a more substantial placemat that offers extra protection for your table, hold two strands of DK weight yarn together and use a 5.0 or 5.5 mm hook. The resulting fabric will be denser and more padded.
Matching sets: Crochet a set of four or six placemats in the same colorway for a cohesive table setting. You can also crochet matching coasters using the same yarn and stitch by simply working a smaller version — a 4-inch square or round makes a perfect coaster.
Yarn Choices and Why They Matter
The yarn you choose will have a bigger impact on this project than on almost any other crochet project. Here is a quick guide to the most common options.
Cotton: Highly recommended. Cotton yarn is durable, absorbs moisture, withstands frequent washing, and lies flat without stretching. It has a beautiful stiffness that gives placemats a crisp, professional look. It can feel a little stiff on the hands while working, but many crocheters find it perfectly comfortable once they get used to it.
Cotton-acrylic blend: A good compromise if you find 100% cotton difficult to work with. Blends tend to be softer and easier on the hands, and the finished placemat will still be durable and washable, though it may have slightly less structure than 100% cotton.
Jute or raffia: For a more rustic, natural look, jute or raffia yarn creates beautiful texture and has wonderful stiffness. However, these fibers are rougher to work with and may feel scratchy against delicate table surfaces. They also tend not to be as washable as cotton.
Acrylic: Acrylic works fine and is the most budget-friendly option, but it tends to lack the density and structure that makes a placemat feel truly polished. If acrylic is what you have on hand, go ahead and use it — your placemat will still be lovely and functional.
Caring for Your Crochet Placemats
One of the main reasons to use cotton yarn for placemats is washability. Cotton placemats can be machine washed in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle and tumble dried on low. Avoid hot water and high dryer heat, as cotton can shrink slightly.
For cotton-blend or acrylic placemats, follow the care instructions on your yarn label. In general, cold water and low heat are safest.
Blocking your placemats before first use will help them stay flat and retain their shape through repeated washing. If they ever come out of the wash looking a little rumpled, a quick re-blocking will restore them to their original beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to crochet a placemat?
Most crocheters finish a single placemat in two to four hours, depending on their speed and experience level. The moss stitch has a simple two-row repeat that becomes very rhythmic once you are a few rows in, making this a relaxing project to work on while watching television or listening to a podcast.
Can I use this pattern to make a table runner?
Absolutely. Simply increase your starting chain to any length you like and work the same moss stitch body until your runner reaches the desired width. The shell stitch border finishes a table runner beautifully.
What if my placemat is not lying flat?
Curling or puckering is usually caused by tension that is too tight. Try going up one hook size. Blocking will also help significantly. If the placemat is still not lying flat after blocking, it may be a tension issue that is best corrected by starting fresh with a larger hook.
Can a beginner make this pattern?
Yes, with confidence. If you know how to chain, single crochet, and double crochet, you have everything you need for this pattern. The moss stitch looks more complicated than it is — after just a couple of rows, the pattern becomes intuitive and very easy to maintain.
How much yarn do I need for a full set of four placemats?
You will need approximately 400–500 yards for a set of four placemats in a single color. If you are working in stripes, plan for roughly 50–60 yards per color per placemat.
Final Thoughts
A handmade crochet placemat is one of those small, everyday objects that quietly makes life better. Every time you sit down to a meal, you get to look at something you created — something that brought you a few hours of peaceful, satisfying making. That is not a small thing.
This free crochet placemat pattern is designed to be as accessible and enjoyable as possible, whether you are making one placemat for yourself on a Sunday afternoon or working through a set of eight as holiday gifts. The moss stitch body creates a beautiful, professional-looking texture that belies how easy it is, and the shell border gives each placemat a finished, polished edge.
Feel free to share your finished placemats in the comments or tag your photos online — there is nothing more inspiring than seeing this pattern made up in different colors and yarns. Happy crocheting!
