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20 Free Crochet Placemat Patterns (Fun And Easy)

THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.

Looking to elevate your dining table with a handmade touch?

Whether you’re crafting for your own home or searching for thoughtful gift ideas, crochet placemats are the perfect project for combining style, functionality, and creativity.

In this post, you’ll find 20 free crochet placemat patterns that are both fun to make and easy to follow—ideal for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike.

You’ll also discover tips on choosing the best yarn for crochet placemats, common placemat sizes, the most effective crochet stitches for a flat and sturdy finish, and helpful techniques to make your placemats look professionally crafted.

20 Free Crochet Placemat Patterns

Crochet Placemats: 20 Free Patterns

Crochet placemats made easy—20 free patterns with step-by-step guides, yarn tips, and sizes for stylish table settings.

Happy Crocheting!

Standard Sizes for Crochet Placemats

Crochet placemats come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the goal is always the same: to protect your table while adding handmade charm. 

Most placemats are rectangular, but you can also make round, square, or even oval versions depending on your table style and personal preference.

Standard Rectangular Placemat Sizes

  • 12″ x 18’’ – 30 x 45 cm – Most common size for individual use
  • 13″ x 19’’ – 33 x 48 cm – Slightly larger, more coverage
  • 14″ x 20’’- 35 x 50 cm – Full table setting size

 Other Placemat Shapes and Sizes

  • Round placemats: 12″ to 15″ (30–38 cm) in diameter.
    Perfect for round tables or decorative layering.
  • Oval placemats: About 13″ x 19″ (33 x 48 cm)
    Elegant option for formal settings.
  • Square placemats: 12″ x 12″ to 15″ x 15″ (30–38 cm)
    Modern and compact, great for small spaces.

What Supplies Do You Need To Crochet A Placemat?

To crochet a placemat, you’ll need a few essential supplies: 

  • Cotton yarn (or a cotton blend) is the best choice for durability and washability, especially for items that will be used on the dining table. 
  • Choose a yarn weight that gives your placemat structure—worsted weight (medium #4) is ideal. 
  • You’ll also need a crochet hook that matches your yarn (typically 4 mm to 5.5 mm crochet hook size), 
  • tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape to check your dimensions. 
  • Optional tools like stitch markers can help you keep track of your rows, and a blocking mat and pins are great for shaping your placemat evenly once it’s done. 

With just these simple tools, you’ll be ready to create stylish and functional crochet placemats for your home.

What Is The Best Crochet Stitch For Placemats?    

The best crochet stitch for placemats is one that creates a tight, flat, and durable fabric—ideal for protecting your table and supporting dishware. 

  • Single crochet (sc) is the top choice for beginners because it forms a dense, even surface that doesn’t let crumbs or spills slip through. Learn how to crochet the single crochet stitch here – How To Single Crochet (SC)
  • If you want a bit more texture, half double crochet (hdc). Learn how to crochet the half-double crochet stitch here. – How To Half Double Crochet Stitch For Beginners (hdc)
  • Or, the linen stitch (also known as moss stitch) works beautifully for creating clean, structured rows with a stylish, woven look. Learn how to crochet the linen stitch here. – How To Crochet: Linen Stitch (Free Printable)
  • For a more decorative feel, waistcoat stitch, grit stitch, or even thermal stitch (extra thick and heat-resistant) are excellent options. 

Whichever stitch you choose, the goal is to create a sturdy and washable placemat that lies flat and withstands daily use.

If you’re unsure, create a small gauge swatch to test the design. 

For crochet placemats, the best yarns are those that are durable, washable, and hold their shape well, since placemats are exposed to spills, heat, and frequent handling.

Best Yarns For Crochet Placemats

1. 100% cotton yarn

Best overall choice
Cotton yarn is sturdy, absorbs moisture, lays flat, and is machine washable—making it ideal for everyday use on the dining table.

  • Pros: Heat-resistant, easy to wash, natural fiber, holds stitch definition well
  • Cons: May shrink slightly if not preshrunk or blocked
  • Popular choices:Lily Sugar’n Cream, Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran, Bernat Handicrafter Cotton

2. Cotton blends (cotton + acrylic or polyester)

Good for color variety and flexibility
Blended yarns combine the structure of cotton with the flexibility and softness of synthetic fibers.

  • Pros: Soft, more stretch-resistant than pure cotton, available in more colors
  • Cons: Slightly less heat-resistant than 100% cotton
  • Popular choices: Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend, Premier Home Cotton Blend

3. Raffia or t-shirt yarn

Best for a rustic or chunky look
These heavier yarns create unique textures and modern or farmhouse-style placemats.

  • Pros: Bold, sturdy, holds shape well
  • Cons: Can be harder to work with for beginners
  • Popular uses: Boho or outdoor table settings

Yarn weights to use

  • Worsted/Aran weight (#4) – Most common for flat, durable placemats
  • DK weight (#3) – Great for lighter, finer placemats or layering with other table decor
  • Bulky weight (#5) – Best for statement pieces or chunky mats

Helpful resources

How to Stiffen Crochet Placemats

To stiffen crochet placemats and help them lay flat with added structure, you can use a few easy methods depending on your project and fiber choice. 

The most common method is blocking, where you shape the placemat to its exact size, pin it to a blocking mat, and spray it with water or steam it using an iron (with a cloth between the iron and yarn). 

This works best for cotton yarn and helps the piece dry evenly and flat. 

For extra stiffness, especially with lace or openwork designs, you can use a fabric stiffener spray or a homemade solution of equal parts white glue and water, applied lightly and allowed to dry fully.

Another option is to sew a lightweight fabric lining to the back, which adds stability while keeping your placemat washable and practical. 

These techniques will help your handmade placemats look polished and professional on any table setting.

Crochet Lessons

If you are new to the craft and need help with the crochet basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Crochet Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

This includes crochet abbreviations, UK and US terms, how to make a slip knot, foundation chains (ch), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), working through the back loop only, and more.

If you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

For extra help and to connect with more makers from the crafting community, check out the Handylittleme Knitting and Crochet Community Facebook group.

You can also find us on social media: Ravelry, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.

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