Tulip Model Placemat Crochet Pattern – Free Floral Round Placemat Pattern with 3D Flowers
There is something deeply satisfying about sitting down at a table set with handmade pieces. A crocheted placemat carries warmth that no store-bought item can replicate, and when that placemat features a stunning three-dimensional floral design, it becomes a true centerpiece in its own right. This tulip model placemat crochet pattern is one of those projects that looks incredibly intricate but is actually very approachable once you break it down step by step. Whether you are a seasoned crocheter looking for a new challenge or an intermediate maker ready to try your hand at 3D flower techniques, this free floral round placemat pattern is exactly what you need.
In this post, you will find everything: the materials list, the stitch abbreviations, gauge information, and a full written pattern with detailed instructions for both the base and the three-dimensional tulip flowers. Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Tulip Placemat Pattern
Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk about what makes this design so special. Round placemats are a classic in crochet home décor, but this one goes a step further by incorporating dimensional tulip flowers that sit slightly raised from the surface of the mat. The effect is gorgeous — you get the tactile beauty of sculptural crochet combined with the practical function of a place setting protector.
This pattern works up beautifully in cotton yarn, which makes it sturdy, washable, and table-safe. Cotton fibers do not absorb heat as readily as synthetic blends, making it a practical choice for protecting your table surfaces from warm dishes and glasses. And because this is a free pattern, you can make as many as you like — a full set of four or six placemats makes a wonderful housewarming gift or a stunning update to your own dining table.
The finished placemat is approximately 14 to 15 inches in diameter, which is a standard size for a single place setting. The 3D tulip flowers are worked separately and then sewn onto the base, giving you full control over placement and color.
Materials You Will Need
To complete this tulip model placemat, gather the following supplies before you begin:
Yarn: Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn in three colors. For a traditional tulip look, choose a green for the base and leaves, a deep pink or red for the tulip petals, and a soft cream or white for accent. Each placemat uses approximately 150 yards of the main color (green), 60 yards of the petal color, and 20 yards of the accent color. Suggested brands include Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK (held double), or Drops Safran.
Hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook for the base, and a US size E/4 (3.5 mm) hook for the flowers if you prefer slightly tighter petals.
Notions: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and sewing on flowers, scissors, stitch markers, and a blocking mat with pins if you plan to block the finished piece.
Gauge: 16 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet with worsted weight cotton. Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistency will ensure your placemat ends up close to the 14 to 15 inch finished diameter.
Stitch Abbreviations
Throughout this pattern, the following standard US crochet abbreviations are used:
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
tr — treble crochet
st(s) — stitch(es)
sp — space
BLO — back loop only
FLO — front loop only
MR — magic ring
rep — repeat
pm — place marker
sm — slip marker
Special Stitches
Shell stitch: Work 5 double crochets all into the same stitch or space. This creates the fan shape used throughout the border of the base.
Bobble stitch: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops — repeat this 4 more times in the same stitch so you have 6 loops on your hook, then yarn over and pull through all 6 loops at once. Bobbles are used in the center of the tulip flowers to add dimension.
3D petal: Worked into a foundation chain, this technique creates a raised, curved petal shape that gives the tulips their dimensional look. Full instructions are included in the flower section below.
Pattern Notes
This placemat is worked in the round from the center outward. The base is completed first, and the tulip flowers are made separately, then arranged and sewn onto the surface. The flowers can be positioned in any arrangement you like — clustered in the center, scattered across the mat, or aligned in a ring near the outer edge.
When working in the round, you have the option to join each round with a slip stitch and chain up, or to work in a continuous spiral with a stitch marker. This pattern uses the joined method for the base because it creates a cleaner edge between color sections, but either method will work.
Read each round completely before beginning to crochet it, especially in the flower sections, as some steps reference earlier foundation chains.
The Placemat Base Pattern
Round 1: Using your main color (green) and the G/6 hook, create a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 11 more dc into the ring, join with sl st to top of beginning ch-3. Pull ring closed. (12 dc)
Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join with sl st to top of ch-3. (24 dc)
Round 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, dc in next st, rep from to around, join with sl st. (36 dc)
Round 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 2 sts, rep from to around, join with sl st. (48 dc)
Round 5: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 3 sts, rep from to around, join with sl st. (60 dc)
Round 6: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. (60 sc)
Round 7: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 4 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 4 sts, rep from to around, join with sl st. (72 dc)
Round 8: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 5 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 5 sts, rep from to around, join with sl st. (84 dc)
Round 9: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. (84 sc)
Round 10: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 6 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 6 sts, rep from to around, join with sl st. (96 dc)
Round 11: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each of next 7 sts, 2 dc in next st, dc in each of next 7 sts, rep from to around, join with sl st. (108 dc)
Round 12: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. (108 sc)
Round 13: Ch 4 (counts as dc + ch 1), skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1, skip 1 st, rep from to around, join with sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch-4. (54 dc, 54 ch-1 spaces)
Round 14: Sl st into first ch-1 sp, ch 3, work 4 more dc into same sp (shell made), ch 1, skip next dc, shell in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, skip next dc, rep from to around, join with sl st. (27 shells)
Round 15: Sl st to center dc of first shell, ch 1, sc in same st, ch 5, sc in center dc of next shell, rep from to around, ch 5, join with sl st to first sc. (27 ch-5 loops)
Round 16: Sl st into first ch-5 loop, ch 3, work 6 dc into same loop, 7 dc into next ch-5 loop, rep from to around, join with sl st. (189 dc)
Round 17: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st. (189 sc)
Fasten off and weave in all ends. Block the base if desired by pinning it flat and misting lightly with water, then allowing it to dry completely.
The 3D Tulip Flowers
Each placemat uses 3 large tulip flowers and 2 small bud flowers. The large flowers have 5 petals each, and the small buds have 3 petals. All flowers are worked in your petal color.
Large Tulip Flower (Make 3)
Foundation: Ch 6, join with sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 10 sc into ring, join with sl st. (10 sc)
Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, rep from to around, join with sl st. (15 sc)
Round 3 (begin petal 1): Ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 3 ch, hdc in last ch, sl st back into base st to anchor petal, rep from to 4 more times to create 5 petals total.
After completing all 5 petals, fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Center detail: Using your accent color, join yarn to the center ring of the flower. Work a single bobble stitch into the center ring, then fasten off and weave the tail back through the center to secure. This creates the prominent stamen at the heart of each tulip.
Small Tulip Bud (Make 2)
Foundation: Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
Round 1: Ch 1, work 6 sc into ring, join with sl st. (6 sc)
Round 2: Ch 6, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 2 ch, sl st back into base st, rep from to 2 more times to create 3 petals.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Add a small bobble center in the accent color as described for the large flowers.
Leaf (Make 5–6)
Using your main color (green), ch 12.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 4 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in next ch, ch 1, do not turn. Now work down the other side of the foundation chain: sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 4 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in last ch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Each leaf is a simple oval with a slight point at the tip that gives it a natural look.
Assembling Your Placemat
Once all your flowers and leaves are complete and the base is blocked and dry, it is time to assemble the placemat. This is the most creative step, and there is no single right answer for placement.
A popular arrangement places the three large tulips clustered slightly off-center, positioned in a loose triangular grouping. Tuck the small buds just beneath or beside the large flowers, as if they are still emerging. Arrange the leaves around and between the flowers, with the pointed tips angling outward.
Use straight pins to hold everything in place before sewing. Step back and look at your arrangement from a distance to make sure the balance feels right. Once you are happy with the placement, use the long yarn tails and your tapestry needle to sew each piece securely to the base. Make several passes through each piece to ensure it will not shift with regular use.
When all pieces are attached, weave in any remaining ends on the underside of the mat.
Tips for a Beautiful Finish
Blocking makes a significant difference with cotton crochet. After completing the base and before attaching the flowers, wet block the round mat by soaking it in cool water, gently squeezing out the excess moisture, and pinning it into a perfect circle on your blocking mat. Cotton responds beautifully to wet blocking and the stitches will open up and even out in a very satisfying way.
If you plan to use these placemats regularly, choose a machine-washable cotton yarn and use a gentle cycle in cold water. Lay flat to dry rather than putting them in a dryer, which can cause cotton to shrink slightly and may distort the 3D flowers.
For a gift set, consider making each placemat in a slightly different color combination. A set of four where each one uses a different flower color — pink, red, orange, and yellow — over a unified green base looks stunning on a spring or summer table.
You can also experiment with the flower placement by adding more blooms for a fuller look, or scaling the number of placemat rounds up or down to achieve a different finished size. Adding two extra rounds of double crochet increases can bring the diameter closer to 16 or 17 inches for a larger place setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different weight of yarn for this pattern? Yes. If you use DK weight yarn, the finished placemat will be slightly smaller — closer to 11 or 12 inches. For a chunkier look with bulky yarn, go up to a 5.5 or 6.0 mm hook and the mat will finish around 16 to 18 inches. Just keep in mind that the flower petals may look proportionally different if the weight changes significantly.
Is this pattern suitable for beginners? This pattern is best suited for intermediate crocheters who are comfortable working in the round, making increases, and trying simple 3D techniques. A confident beginner who has completed at least a few circular projects and is comfortable with the basic stitches should be able to follow it with some patience.
How long does one placemat take to complete? Depending on your speed, one placemat including all the flowers and assembly takes between 4 and 7 hours total. The base works up fairly quickly once you get into the rhythm, and the flowers are quick individual pieces.
Can I sell items made from this pattern? Yes! This is a free pattern for personal and small-scale commercial use. If you sell finished placemats made from this pattern, a credit or link back to the original pattern source is always appreciated.
Final Thoughts
This tulip model placemat crochet pattern is the kind of project that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. Every time you set the table, you’ll feel a small surge of pride looking at those dimensional tulips you built stitch by stitch. The combination of a sturdy, well-constructed circular base with the delicate sculptural flowers creates something that genuinely looks like it belongs in a boutique home décor shop — except you made it yourself, for free, with a hook and some cotton yarn.
Whether you’re making one for your own kitchen table or a full set as a gift for someone you love, this pattern delivers results that are well worth the time. Save it, pin it, share it with your crochet friends, and come back after you’ve made yours — there is nothing better than seeing how different color choices and arrangements bring this design to life in a hundred different ways.
Happy crocheting!
