Free Crochet Pattern: Placemat with Scalloped Edging
There is something deeply satisfying about sitting down to a table set with handmade pieces. A beautifully crocheted placemat instantly elevates any dining experience, bringing warmth, texture, and a personal touch that no shop-bought item can quite replicate. If you have been looking for a free crochet pattern that is both beginner-friendly and impressive enough to gift or sell, this placemat with scalloped edging is exactly what you need. Created and shared by Ritohobby.co.uk, this pattern combines a simple body stitch with a decorative scalloped border that gives the finished piece a polished, cottage-style charm.
Whether you are crocheting for your own home, making a set as a housewarming gift, or simply looking for a satisfying weekend project, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from materials and tension to finishing tips and creative variations.
Why Crochet Your Own Placemats?
Before diving into the pattern itself, it is worth pausing to appreciate why handmade placemats are such a wonderful project. Unlike dishcloths or pot holders, placemats are large enough to feel like a real achievement but small enough to finish quickly. A single placemat can typically be completed in an evening or two, which means a full set of four is achievable over a weekend.
Crocheted placemats are also genuinely functional. Cotton yarn, in particular, is washable, durable, and improves with repeated laundering, becoming softer over time without losing its structure. When you add a scalloped edging, the result is a piece that looks like it belongs in a lifestyle magazine — and yet costs a fraction of what a comparable item would in a homeware boutique.
There is also the meditative quality of the craft itself. The repetitive rhythm of working rows in a consistent stitch creates a calming, almost hypnotic experience that many crocheters find deeply restorative. If you have had a stressful week, casting on a new placemat and watching it grow row by row can be genuinely therapeutic.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your materials right before you start will make the whole process smoother. Here is what you will need for this free crochet pattern from Ritohobby.co.uk:
Yarn: 100% cotton yarn in a DK or worsted weight is the most popular choice for placemats. Cotton is the preferred fibre because it is heat-resistant, easy to wash, and holds its shape well on a flat surface. You will need approximately 100–150 grams per placemat depending on the finished size you are aiming for. Neutral tones like cream, linen, sage green, and dusty blue work beautifully for a classic look, but bold colours like terracotta or navy make a striking modern statement.
Hook: A 4mm or 4.5mm crochet hook is ideal for DK weight cotton. If you are using a bulkier worsted cotton, size up to a 5mm or 5.5mm hook. Always check your tension before starting the main body of the placemat.
Notions: You will also want a yarn needle for weaving in ends, a pair of scissors, and a ruler or tape measure for checking dimensions. Stitch markers are optional but helpful for keeping track of row counts.
Blocking tools: A set of blocking mats and rust-proof pins will help you achieve a crisp, professional finish, especially around the scalloped edging. A quick block with a damp cloth and a cool iron can also work well for cotton.
Understanding the Tension and Gauge
Tension matters more than beginners sometimes expect. Even a small difference in how tightly or loosely you crochet can significantly alter the finished dimensions of your placemat. For this pattern, you are aiming for approximately 18 stitches and 20 rows per 10cm (4 inches) in the main body stitch using a 4mm hook with DK cotton.
If your tension square comes out smaller than this (meaning your stitches are too tight), try moving up half a hook size. If it comes out larger (your stitches are too loose), try going down half a size. There is no right or wrong way to hold your yarn — tension is personal and varies from crocheter to crocheter — but matching the gauge will ensure your finished placemat lands at the right dimensions.
The standard finished size for this pattern is approximately 30cm x 40cm (12 inches x 16 inches), which is a classic placemat size that fits comfortably under a dinner plate with room to spare. A side note: if you are making a set, always use the same hook and the same ball of yarn colour (or at least the same dye lot) to keep all four placemats consistent.
Abbreviations and Stitch Guide
This pattern uses standard UK crochet terminology. Here is a quick reference guide for the stitches used:
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
dc — double crochet (known as single crochet in US terms)
htr — half treble crochet (US: half double crochet)
tr — treble crochet (US: double crochet)
sp — space
rep — repeat
RS — right side
WS — wrong side
If you usually follow US crochet patterns, keep this conversion in mind throughout. The pattern is written in UK terms as it originates from Ritohobby.co.uk, a UK-based craft resource.
The Pattern: Main Body
Foundation Chain:
Begin by chaining 61. This gives you 60 working stitches plus one turning chain.
Row 1 (RS): Work 1 dc into the second chain from the hook and into each chain across. You should have 60 dc. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch throughout), 1 dc into each dc across. Turn.
Repeat Row 2 until your work measures approximately 27–28cm from the foundation chain. This solid fabric of double crochet creates a dense, sturdy base that will lie flat on the table and hold up well to regular use.
The beauty of the double crochet body is its simplicity. There is almost no counting required once you are past the foundation row, which means you can work on this placemat while listening to a podcast, watching television, or simply enjoying a quiet moment. The stitch creates a tight, even fabric with excellent drape and durability.
When you reach the desired length, do not fasten off. You are now ready to work the scalloped edging, which is the real showstopper of this design.
The Pattern: Scalloped Edging
The scalloped edging is what gives this placemat its character. It transforms a functional rectangle of crochet fabric into something that feels deliberately designed and beautifully finished. Do not be intimidated by it — the scallop repeat is straightforward once you understand the rhythm.
Round 1 (Preparation Round):
With RS facing, join your yarn (or continue if you have not fastened off) at any corner. Work 1 dc into each stitch along the top and bottom edges, and work evenly spaced dc stitches along both side edges (aim for approximately 1 dc per row end). At each corner, work 3 dc into the corner stitch to help the fabric turn neatly. Join with a sl st to the first dc to close the round. Do not turn.
This preparation round is important because it creates a uniform base for the scallop stitches to sit on. Without it, the scallops can look uneven or pull at the edges of the placemat.
Round 2 (Scallop Round):
This is where the magic happens. The scallop is made by working a cluster of treble crochet stitches into a single stitch, separated by chains and slip stitches that draw the clusters into the distinctive shell shape.
Work as follows, starting at any point along the edge:
Sl st into the first dc. *Skip 1 dc, work (1 dc, 1 htr, 3 tr, 1 htr, 1 dc) all into the next dc, skip 1 dc, sl st into the next dc. Rep from * all the way around, adjusting as needed at corners to keep the scallops even.
Each scallop repeat uses 4 stitches from the preparation round (one for the sl st anchor, one skipped, one for the cluster, one skipped). When you reach the end, join with a sl st to the first sl st of the round and fasten off.
If the stitch count along your edge does not divide perfectly into multiples of four, do not worry. You can slip stitch across an extra stitch or two at the corner joins to help the pattern work out neatly. The beauty of a handmade piece is that minor adjustments are part of the craft.
Finishing Your Placemat
Once the scalloped edging is complete, weave in all your ends securely using a yarn needle. Thread the tail through several stitches in alternating directions to ensure it will not work its way loose with washing. Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric.
Now comes the blocking stage, which many beginners skip but which makes an enormous difference to the finished result. Wet blocking is ideal for cotton: soak your placemat in cool water for a few minutes, gently squeeze out the excess moisture (do not wring), and lay it flat on a blocking mat. Use rust-proof pins to ease the edges into shape, paying particular attention to the scalloped border — pin each scallop individually to open out the shells and give them their full, rounded profile. Leave to dry completely, then remove the pins.
If you do not have blocking mats, lay the damp placemat between two clean towels and press firmly with your hands to remove moisture, then lay flat on a dry towel to air dry. You can also place a damp cloth over the finished piece and press gently with a cool iron for a quicker result.
Tips for Making a Matching Set
One of the great pleasures of this placemat pattern is how well it lends itself to making a matching set. A set of four placemats makes a wonderful gift or a satisfying project for your own home. Here are a few tips to keep your set looking cohesive:
Work from the same dye lot of yarn if at all possible. Even yarn in the same colourway can vary slightly from dye lot to dye lot, and the difference can be noticeable when placemats are laid side by side on a table.
Always use the same hook. Swapping hook sizes partway through a set can subtly alter your tension and lead to placemats that are slightly different in size.
Make all four bodies before starting any of the edgings. This way, if you notice a tension change (which can happen if you pick the project up and put it down over several weeks), you can adjust before committing to the scalloped border.
Stack the finished placemats after blocking to check that they are consistent in size. A small difference in length or width is perfectly normal for handmade items and adds to their charm, but if there is a significant discrepancy, you may want to add or remove a few rows from the remaining pieces before working the edging.
Colour and Yarn Inspiration
The neutral approach — cream, white, or natural linen — is a timeless choice for placemats that will work with any table setting. However, do not be afraid to experiment with colour. Here are a few combinations that work particularly well with this pattern:
A deep forest green body with a crisp cream scalloped edging has a vintage, botanical feel that looks beautiful on a wooden table. Navy blue with white edging brings a clean, coastal aesthetic. Terracotta with a natural undyed cotton edging feels warm and earthy, perfect for an autumnal table. For something more playful, consider alternating colours for the main body rows — this creates a subtle stripe effect that pairs beautifully with a single-colour scalloped border.
You can also work the body in a textured stitch rather than plain double crochet for more visual interest. A simple moss stitch or linen stitch creates a lovely woven-look fabric while remaining beginner-friendly. Just be aware that textured stitches may affect your row count, so measure frequently and adjust as needed to hit your target length.
Caring for Your Crocheted Placemats
Cotton crochet placemats are reassuringly easy to care for. Most 100% cotton yarns are machine washable on a gentle or delicate cycle at 30–40 degrees. Avoid high heat, which can cause cotton to shrink slightly. Lay flat to dry rather than tumble drying, which can distort the scalloped edging. If the placemats become slightly misshapen after washing, a quick press with a damp cloth and a cool iron will restore them to their original crispness.
With proper care, a well-made crocheted placemat will last for years and improve with age, becoming softer and more characterful with every wash.
Why Ritohobby.co.uk Is a Go-To Resource for Crochet Patterns
Ritohobby.co.uk has built a well-deserved reputation as a reliable source of free and paid crochet and knitting patterns for crafters of all skill levels. The patterns available on the site are clearly written, well-tested, and accompanied by helpful notes that make them accessible even to those who are relatively new to crochet. The placemat with scalloped edging is a perfect example of the Ritohobby approach: a practical, attractive project with a clear pattern structure and enough decorative detail to make the finished result feel special.
If you enjoy this placemat pattern, it is well worth exploring the rest of the Ritohobby catalogue. From garments and accessories to home décor and seasonal projects, the site offers a broad range of patterns that make it a valuable bookmark for any crafter’s browser.
Final Thoughts
A crocheted placemat with scalloped edging is one of those projects that delivers far more than its simplicity might suggest. It is quick enough to keep you motivated, beautiful enough to display with pride, and practical enough to use every single day. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a satisfying quick make or a relative beginner wanting to practise your double crochet and try a decorative edging for the first time, this free pattern from Ritohobby.co.uk has everything you need.
Gather your cotton yarn, pick up your hook, and enjoy the process. There is a quiet pleasure in making something beautiful for the table — something that will be touched and used and appreciated every day, and that carries in every stitch a little of the care and craft you put into making it.
Happy crocheting.
