Scallops – Rektangulær Bordbrikke: Free Crochet Pattern for a Stunning Table Mat

There is something deeply satisfying about sitting down at a table that has been set with handmade details. A crocheted table mat carries with it the warmth of hours spent with yarn and hook, the quiet pride of making something both beautiful and useful. Among the many stitch patterns available to crocheters of all skill levels, the scallop pattern stands out for its elegance and its versatility. It creates a soft, fan-like texture that looks far more complex than it actually is, making it an ideal project whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the first time or returning to the craft after years away.

This post walks you through everything you need to create a rectangular scallop table mat, including a complete free crochet pattern, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and ideas for customizing the design to suit your home. Whether you are making one for your own dining table, crafting a set for a gift, or trying out scallops as a new stitch technique, this guide has everything you need to get started.

What Is the Scallop Stitch?

The scallop stitch, sometimes called the shell stitch, is one of the most beloved patterns in crochet. It is formed by working several double crochets (or treble crochets, depending on the variation) into a single stitch or space, then skipping a number of stitches on either side to create a fan or shell shape. The resulting fabric has a gently rippled, scalloped edge and a surface full of soft, rounded curves.

In Norwegian, “rektangulær bordbrikke” simply means a rectangular table mat or placemat. Combined with a scallop design, this becomes a piece that can dress up even the simplest table setting. The scallop edge gives the mat a finished, decorative border without requiring any additional trim or edging work, because the pattern itself creates that beautiful edge as you go.

The stitch has roots in traditional lace-making and has appeared in patterns across Europe and beyond for centuries. Today it remains a staple in home décor crochet, used for everything from baby blankets to curtain trim to the kind of charming table accessories that make a kitchen feel like a home.

Materials You Will Need

Before diving into the pattern, gather your materials. One of the best things about this project is that it requires very little investment. You likely already have most of what you need.

Yarn: A medium weight yarn (also called worsted weight or weight 4) works beautifully for table mats. Cotton yarn is especially well suited for this purpose because it is durable, easy to wash, and has a lovely drape that helps the mat lie flat on the table. Look for a 100% cotton yarn or a cotton-blend. Popular choices include Drops Safran, Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, or any similar yarn you have on hand. For a table mat, you will need approximately 150 to 200 grams, depending on the finished size you want.

Hook: A 4.0 mm crochet hook is recommended for worsted weight cotton. If you tend to crochet tightly, go up to a 4.5 mm hook. If your tension is loose, try a 3.75 mm. The most important thing is that your fabric feels sturdy but not stiff.

Scissors and a yarn needle: You will need scissors to cut the yarn at the end and a blunt tapestry needle to weave in the ends.

A stitch marker (optional): If you are new to working in rows, a stitch marker can help you keep track of your turning chains and prevent common beginner mistakes.

Gauge and Sizing

For this pattern, an approximate gauge of 14 stitches and 8 rows per 10 cm in double crochet is a useful reference, but since table mats are not fitted garments, gauge is not critical. What matters more is the overall look and feel of your fabric. If your mat feels too stiff or the stitches are difficult to work, try a larger hook. If the fabric is too loose and floppy, go down a hook size.

The finished dimensions for this pattern are approximately 30 cm wide by 45 cm long (about 12 inches by 18 inches), which is a standard rectangular placemat size. If you want a larger mat, you can add additional foundation chains in multiples of six, plus two extra chains for the turning chain at the start. Instructions for adjusting the size are included below.

Understanding the Pattern Before You Begin

The scallop pattern in this design is worked in a simple repeat. Each scallop is made by skipping two stitches, working five double crochets into the next stitch, and then skipping two more stitches before anchoring with a slip stitch or single crochet. This creates a shell that fans out beautifully and builds into a layered, rippled surface across the mat.

The repeat is a multiple of six stitches. To adjust the width of your mat, simply add or subtract multiples of six from your foundation chain. For example, if you want a narrower mat, reduce by six stitches. For a wider mat, add six stitches per extra scallop column you want.

The pattern uses the following abbreviations, which follow standard US crochet terminology:

ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
dc = double crochet
st = stitch
rep = repeat
sp = space

The Free Scallop Table Mat Pattern

Foundation Chain

Begin by chaining 62. This gives you a foundation of 60 working stitches plus 2 for your turning chain. The 60 stitches divide evenly into ten scallop repeats of six stitches each.

If you are adjusting size, remember: foundation chain = (number of repeats × 6) + 2.

Row 1 (Right Side)

Skip the first three chains from the hook. Work one dc into the fourth chain from the hook (the skipped chains count as your first dc). Work one dc into each chain across. You should have 60 dc across the row. Turn your work.

Row 2

Chain 1. Work one sc into the first stitch. Skip the next two stitches. Work five dc all into the next stitch. This is your first scallop. Skip the next two stitches. Work one sc into the next stitch. Repeat from the beginning of the scallop instruction across the row, ending with one sc in the final stitch. You should have 10 scallops across the row. Turn.

Row 3

Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work one dc into the sc at the beginning of the row. Work two dc into the center dc of the first scallop (the third dc of the five-dc group). Work one dc into the sc between scallops. Repeat, working two dc into the center of each scallop and one dc between scallops, ending with two dc in the final sc. Turn.

This row creates a compressed base that sets up the next row of scallops, keeping the pattern aligned and the fabric flat.

Row 4

Repeat Row 2.

Row 5

Repeat Row 3.

Continue alternating Rows 2 and 3 (or 4 and 5, which are identical to 2 and 3) until your mat measures approximately 44 cm in length, ending with a Row 3 equivalent so that your final row is a dc base row.

Final Row

Work a final Row 2 to finish with a scallop edge along the top of the mat. This gives both the starting and finishing edges the same decorative scalloped look.

Fasten off, leaving a tail of about 15 cm for weaving in.

Edging (Optional but Recommended)

To finish the long sides of the mat and give the whole piece a polished look, join your yarn at any corner and work a simple single crochet edging down each long side. Work one sc per row end along each side, with three sc in each corner stitch to help the mat lie flat. When you reach the scallop edges at the top and bottom, work one sc into each sc and one sc into each dc of the scallops, again working three sc into the corners. Slip stitch to join and fasten off.

Weave in all ends carefully with your tapestry needle, passing the yarn through the backs of several stitches in different directions to secure it.

Blocking Your Table Mat

Blocking is the process of wetting your finished piece and shaping it to its correct dimensions while it dries. For cotton crochet, wet blocking works wonderfully and can make a significant difference in how professional the final piece looks.

To block your mat, soak it in cool water for about 15 minutes until fully saturated. Gently squeeze out the excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric. Lay the mat flat on a clean towel and roll the towel up to press out more moisture. Then lay the mat on a blocking board or a flat, dry surface covered with a towel. Use rust-proof pins to pin the mat to its correct dimensions, gently stretching it to open up the scallops and straighten the edges. Allow it to dry completely before removing the pins, which may take 12 to 24 hours depending on the humidity in your home.

Once blocked, the mat will have a crisp, even appearance that really shows off the scallop texture at its best.

Color and Yarn Choices

One of the delights of this pattern is how differently it can look depending on the yarn you choose. A pure white or cream cotton gives a classic, Scandinavian look that pairs beautifully with natural wood tables. A deep terracotta or sage green creates something earthy and modern. Pale pastels work wonderfully for spring tables or children’s rooms.

You can also experiment with color changes between rows to create a striped effect. Because the pattern alternates between a dc row and a scallop row, you can switch colors every two rows (at the start of each new cycle) to get clean, even stripes where each color appears on both the base row and the scallops above it. Alternatively, change color every single row for a more graphic, high-contrast result.

Variegated or hand-dyed yarns create a painterly, organic effect that makes each mat unique. Because the scallop shape itself is already visually interesting, variegated yarn tends to look especially lovely here, with the color shifts highlighting the curves and fans of the stitches.

Tips for Success

If your mat is curling at the edges, try going up a hook size or adding more stitches to your foundation chain. Curling usually means the fabric is too tight. Blocking will also help significantly with any curling.

If your scallops are not aligning from one row to the next, double-check that you are working the sc of each row into the sc of the row below, not into the center of a scallop. The pattern relies on precise stitch placement to keep the shells stacked cleanly.

If you find the pattern hard to track, count your stitches at the end of each Row 2 equivalent. You should always have 10 sc and 10 five-dc scallops, for a total of 60 working stitches across each scallop row (plus the sc at the beginning and end).

Practice the scallop repeat on a swatch of about 20 stitches before starting your full mat if you are unfamiliar with the stitch. Two or three rows of practice will make the rhythm feel natural, and the main project will go much more quickly.

Making a Matching Set

A single table mat is a joy, but a matching set of four, six, or eight placemats is a genuine heirloom. Because this pattern works up relatively quickly (most crocheters can complete a single mat in three to five hours), making a full set is an entirely achievable weekend project.

To keep a set looking cohesive, wind all the yarn for the full set from the same dye lot before you begin and work each mat in the same sequence. Measure each mat at the same stage in the pattern to ensure they all come out the same length. Blocking the entire set together on a large flat surface is efficient and ensures consistency.

You might also consider making coordinating coasters or a small centerpiece mat using the same yarn and stitch pattern at a smaller scale. A coaster version of this pattern would use a foundation chain of 20 (three scallop repeats), and a small runner could use the same 60-stitch width but be worked much longer.

Caring for Your Crocheted Table Mat

Cotton crochet is wonderfully practical for table use because it is machine washable. Wash your mats on a gentle or delicate cycle in cool water, and either lay them flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Avoid hot dryer cycles, which can cause cotton to shrink.

If your mat loses its shape after washing, a quick re-blocking will restore its crisp, flat appearance. Over time, cotton actually softens and improves with washing, developing a lovely patina that makes handmade textiles feel increasingly lived-in and loved.

Why Handmade Table Mats Make the Best Gifts

In a world full of mass-produced home goods, a handmade table mat carries something no store-bought item can: the time and care of the person who made it. A set of crocheted scallop placemats is a thoughtful gift for a housewarming, a wedding, a birthday, or simply a gesture of affection toward someone whose home you want to feel a little warmer.

Pair them with a hand-written card explaining the stitch technique or the yarn you chose, and you have something truly personal. Tuck them into a linen bag or wrap them in tissue paper, and even the presentation becomes part of the gift.

A Note on the Scallop Pattern in Scandinavian Craft Tradition

In Norway and across Scandinavia, the tradition of handmade home textiles runs deep. From hand-woven table runners to embroidered linen napkins, the idea that a home should be beautified through the labor of its inhabitants is woven into the culture. Crochet arrived in Scandinavia in the nineteenth century and was quickly absorbed into this tradition, with patterns for doilies, table coverings, and decorative edgings appearing in Norwegian craft magazines from the late 1800s onward.

The scallop stitch fits naturally into this tradition. Its clean geometry, repetitive rhythm, and elegant simplicity align well with Scandinavian aesthetic values: functionality that does not sacrifice beauty, decoration that enhances rather than overwhelms. A scallop table mat made in natural cotton on a wooden dining table is, in many ways, a thoroughly Scandinavian object, regardless of where in the world it is made.

Making something with your hands takes time, and that time is never wasted. Each row of scallops is a small act of creation, a few minutes spent building something that will outlast the afternoon. Set it on your table, invite people to gather around it, and let the work speak for itself.