Crochet Placemat Free Pattern – Luxury Turkish Model
There is something deeply satisfying about setting a beautiful table. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply sitting down with your morning coffee, the details matter. Handmade placemats carry a warmth and intentionality that no store-bought item can replicate, and when the design draws inspiration from the intricate textile traditions of Turkey, that satisfaction deepens even further. This free crochet placemat pattern brings together classic Turkish motif styling with an elegant, lace-like construction that looks far more complex than it actually is.
This pattern is suitable for intermediate crochet enthusiasts, though a confident beginner with a solid understanding of basic stitches and reading crochet instructions will find it very approachable. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a set of gorgeous placemats that look like they belong in a boutique home décor store, made entirely by your own hands.
Why Turkish-Inspired Crochet?
Turkey has one of the richest textile traditions in the world. From the intricate knotted patterns of Anatolian rugs to the delicate lace-work known as Oya, Turkish craftsmanship has influenced fiber arts across centuries and continents. The hallmarks of Turkish textile design include geometric symmetry, floral medallion centers, layered borders, and a sense of organized complexity — the feeling that every element belongs exactly where it is.
When translated into crochet, these design principles produce something quite special. The medallion center, concentric rings of texture, and a decorative outer border all come together to create a placemat that feels both luxurious and timeless. This pattern uses cotton yarn for practicality, making the finished placemats durable, washable, and perfectly suited for daily use.
Materials You Will Need
Before casting on, gather everything you need so the process flows smoothly from start to finish.
Yarn: Size 10 crochet cotton thread or a fine-weight (size 1) cotton yarn works beautifully for this pattern. You will need approximately 200–250 yards per placemat. Ecru, ivory, white, or soft sand tones give the most authentic Turkish textile feel, though rich jewel tones like deep teal, terracotta, or navy create a more contemporary look that works just as well.
Hook: A US size 7 (1.65mm) steel crochet hook for size 10 thread, or a US size B/1 (2.25mm) hook for fine-weight cotton yarn. The right hook size will give you a firm, even fabric that holds its shape without being stiff.
Scissors: A sharp pair for clean yarn cuts.
Yarn needle: For weaving in ends neatly.
Stitch markers: Optional but helpful for marking the beginning of rounds.
Blocking materials: A spray bottle filled with water, rust-proof pins, and a foam blocking mat or clean towel. Blocking is not optional for this pattern — it transforms the finished piece from attractive to stunning.
Finished size: Each placemat measures approximately 13 inches x 18 inches after blocking. If you want a larger placemat, simply add additional border rounds at the end.
Abbreviations and Stitches Used
This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
ch-sp — chain space
sp — space
rep — repeat
st — stitch
beg — beginning
rnd — round
RS — right side
Special stitches used in this pattern:
Shell stitch: Work 5 dc into the same stitch or space.
Picot: Ch 3, sl st into the first ch made.
V-stitch: (dc, ch 2, dc) all into the same stitch or space.
Joining V-stitch: (dc, ch 2, dc) worked so the ch-2 sp of one round aligns with the dc pair of the next.
Pattern Instructions
The Medallion Center
This placemat begins with a small central medallion, the hallmark of Turkish-inspired design. This medallion forms the visual heart of the piece and anchors all subsequent rounds.
Foundation Ring: Ch 8, join with sl st to form a ring. Alternatively, begin with a magic ring for a tighter, neater center.
Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first dc throughout), work 23 dc into the ring. Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. You will have 24 dc total.
Round 2: Ch 5 (counts as dc + ch 2), skip the next dc, dc in next dc, ch 2, skip next dc; rep from around. Join with sl st to the 3rd ch of the beginning ch-5. You will have 12 dc and 12 ch-2 spaces.
Round 3: Sl st into the first ch-2 sp. Ch 3, work 2 dc into the same ch-2 sp. Ch 1, work 3 dc into the next ch-2 sp; rep from around. Ch 1, join with sl st to the top of beginning ch-3. You will have 12 groups of 3 dc with ch-1 spaces between each group.
Round 4: Sl st into the next dc and into the ch-1 sp. Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1). Dc into the same ch-1 sp. Ch 1. (dc, ch 1, dc) into next ch-1 sp, ch 1; rep from around. Join with sl st to the 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. You will have 12 V-stitch formations.
Round 5: Sl st into the first ch-1 sp (the V-stitch sp). Ch 3, work 4 more dc into the same sp to make a shell of 5 dc. Ch 2, sc into the ch-1 sp between the V-stitches, ch 2, shell of 5 dc into the next V-stitch ch-1 sp; rep from around. End with ch 2, sc, ch 2. Join with sl st to the top of beginning ch-3. You will have 12 shells separated by sc stitches.
Round 6: Sl st into the 2nd and 3rd dc of the first shell (the center dc). Ch 1, sc in that center dc. Ch 5, sc in the center dc of the next shell; rep from around. End with ch 5. Join with sl st to the first sc. You will have 12 ch-5 loops.
Round 7: Sl st into the ch-5 loop. Ch 3, work 6 dc into the same loop. Work 7 dc into the next ch-5 loop; rep from around. Join with sl st to the top of beginning ch-3. You will have 12 groups of 7 dc, forming large shells.
At this point, your medallion should measure approximately 4 inches in diameter. It will look dense and full, with a satisfying geometric quality. Set it aside and admire it for a moment.
Shaping the Oval Body
Turkish placemats traditionally follow an oval or rectangular form with rounded ends. The next set of rounds transitions the circular medallion into an oval placemat shape.
Round 8: This is a pivotal round where you begin the oval shaping. Sc in each dc around, but work additional sc stitches at two opposite points of the medallion to begin elongating the shape. Specifically, identify two opposite “pole” positions on your medallion. At each pole position, work 3 sc into the same dc instead of 1. This creates the gentle curve that will form the short ends of the oval. At all other positions around the round, work 1 sc per dc. Join with sl st. You will notice the piece beginning to take on a slight oval character.
Round 9: Ch 4, skip 1 sc, dc in next sc, ch 1, skip 1 sc; rep from around, adding extra (dc, ch 1, dc) groupings at the two pole positions to maintain the oval shaping. Join with sl st to the 3rd ch of beginning ch-4.
Round 10: Sl st into the ch-1 sp. Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp. Ch 1, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp; rep from around, continuing to add extra shell groups at the poles. Ch 1, join with sl st to beginning ch-3.
Round 11: Work one full round of V-stitches: (dc, ch 2, dc) in each ch-1 sp around. Join with sl st.
Round 12: Work shells into the V-stitch ch-2 spaces on the sides of the placemat. At the oval ends (the pole positions), work sc into the V-stitch ch-2 spaces to keep the ends tighter and rounder. This differential treatment of the sides versus the ends is what gives the placemat its clean oval silhouette.
Continue working Rounds 9–12 in sequence two more times, expanding outward. Each full repeat of these four rounds adds approximately 1.5 inches to the width and 2 inches to the length. After three complete repeats, your placemat body should measure roughly 11 inches x 15 inches.
The Signature Turkish Border
The border is where this pattern earns its “luxury” description. Inspired by the layered borders seen in Turkish kilim rugs and embroidered textiles, this border consists of three distinct layers, each adding detail and definition.
Border Round 1 — Stabilizing Round: Work 1 sc evenly around the entire perimeter of the placemat. At each corner curve (the oval ends), work 3 sc into the turning points to keep edges smooth. Join with sl st.
Border Round 2 — Picot Shell Round: Sl st to the first sc. Ch 3, work 4 dc into the same sc (first shell made). Skip 2 sc, sc into next sc, skip 2 sc, work 5 dc shell into next sc; rep from around. At the oval ends, work sc stitches between shells without skipping as many stitches so the border curves cleanly. Join with sl st.
Border Round 3 — Picot Detail Round: Sl st to the center dc of the first shell. Ch 1, sc in that dc. Picot (ch 3, sl st into the first ch), sc in the same center dc, ch 4, sc into the sc between the shells, ch 4, sc in the center dc of the next shell; rep from around. This round creates the delicate pointed picot edging that is characteristic of Turkish lace work. Join with sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing and Blocking
This step is non-negotiable if you want professional, heirloom-quality results. Blocking cotton crochet opens up the stitches, evens out the tension, and allows the lace structure to breathe and shine.
Soak your finished placemat in cool water for about 15 minutes. Gently press out the excess water without wringing or twisting. Lay the placemat face-up on your blocking mat. Using your hands and pins, shape it into an even oval, pinning along the picot edge to open up each point and along the sides to straighten the edges. The placemat will look dramatically different once blocked — crisper, lacier, and beautifully defined.
Allow it to dry completely, which usually takes 24 hours. Remove the pins and the placemat will hold its blocked shape beautifully, especially in cotton.
Care Instructions
Cotton crochet placemats are wonderfully practical. Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water, or hand wash. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low. If needed, press with a warm iron on the cotton setting with a pressing cloth to restore crispness after washing. These placemats get better with time, softening slightly with each wash while retaining their structure.
Tips for Customizing Your Luxury Turkish Placemat
Size adjustments: To make coasters in the same style, simply stop after Round 7 (the medallion) and work the three border rounds directly on the medallion. For a table runner, work three medallions, join them side by side, and then work the border around the entire joined piece.
Color variations: A two-color version is stunning. Work the medallion center and inner rounds in one color, then join a second color at Round 8 and work through the border in the contrasting shade. Classic Turkish combinations include ivory and terracotta, navy and gold, or white and sage green.
Yarn substitution: While fine cotton thread produces the most authentic look, a thin mercerized cotton sock yarn or bamboo-cotton blend works beautifully too. Bamboo blends give a subtle sheen that makes the placemat look particularly luxurious.
Adding fringe: For a more explicitly Turkish rug-inspired look, cut 4-inch strands of yarn and attach fringe along the two short ends of the placemat using a lark’s head knot through the picot loops. Trim the fringe evenly after attaching.
Stiffening: If you want a very crisp placemat that holds a perfectly flat shape, mix equal parts white school glue and water, soak the finished placemat in the solution, block, and allow to dry completely. The dried starch keeps everything pristine, though this is best for display pieces rather than everyday use.
Making a Full Set
A full table setting typically calls for four to six placemats. With approximately 200–250 yards per placemat, a standard 400-yard ball of size 10 crochet thread will yield about one and a half placemats. Plan accordingly and make sure to purchase all your yarn from the same dye lot to ensure consistent color across the set.
Working the entire set in one sitting over a long weekend is deeply satisfying, especially once you have memorized the rhythm of the pattern after the first placemat. The medallion rounds in particular develop a meditative quality — each round building on the last with gentle, predictable logic.
Why Handmade Placemats Are Worth Every Stitch
There is a quiet luxury in handmade textiles that manufactured goods simply cannot replicate. When you place a hand-crocheted placemat beneath a cup of tea or a dinner plate, you are placing something made with time, attention, and skill. Guests notice. They reach out to touch it. They ask where it came from. The answer — “I made it” — carries its own particular pride.
Turkish artisans have understood this for centuries. The extraordinary textile traditions of Anatolia did not arise from speed or efficiency. They arose from a culture that valued the time spent making beautiful, durable things and passed those skills from one generation to the next. When you sit down with your hook and cotton thread and work through this pattern, you are participating in that tradition in your own way, translating ancient design principles into a contemporary handmade object.
This free crochet placemat pattern gives you everything you need to create something genuinely lovely. Save it, pin it, share it with a fellow crafter, and most importantly — make it. Your table is waiting.
If you make this pattern, I would love to see your finished placemats. Share your photos and tag your project so the community can admire your work. Happy crocheting.
