Easy Cotton Placemat Knitting Pattern (Perfect For Dining)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Looking to knit something practical and beautiful for your table? This easy cotton placemat knitting pattern is just the thing.
Designed with everyday use in mind, it’s made using soft, durable Pima cotton that’s washable and elegant — perfect for everyday meals, alfresco dining, or hosting guests.
The simple textured design adds a clean, modern look to your table setting, while the garter stitch edges keep everything neat and tidy.
If you’ve already made my decorative knit placemat pattern, you’ll love how this version brings form and function together.
Please scroll down to view the free pattern online or grab the inexpensive, ad-free PDF in my shop here.
Before You Get Started
Here are a few things to keep in mind before casting on:
- This project uses worsted weight Pima cotton, which is breathable and washable — ideal for kitchen use.
- Use my code – MGM4VHHAT – for 10% off on your WAK yarn order.
- You’ll knit flat using 5mm (US 8) needles.
- Garter stitch borders give the piece a polished edge, while the central pattern adds texture and absorption.
- The finished size is generous enough for plates, cutlery, or layered table settings.
Tools/Materials Needed
- Yarn: 1 ball of The Pima Cotton from We Are Knitters (100% Pima Cotton / 100g / 212m / 232yds)
- Needles: Pair of 5 mm (US 8) straight knitting needles
- Notions:
- Stitch markers
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- Tape measure
Gauge: 18 sts and 23 rows = 4in/10cm in pattern
Finished Size: 12 inches (31 cm) high × 17 inches (43 cm) wide
Easy Cotton Placemat Knitting Pattern
This cotton placemat is worked flat with a simple repeat that’s easy to memorize — ideal for beginners or a relaxing knit for more advanced makers.
Abbreviations
- Beg – Begin(ning)
- Cont – Continue(ing)
- K – Knit
- P – Purl
- PM – Place marker
- Rem – Remaining
- Rep – Repeat
- RS – Right side
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- SM – Slip marker
- WS – Wrong side
Pattern Instructions
- Cast on 75 stitches
- Knit 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row)
- Now begin the stitch pattern:
Row 1 (RS): K4, PM, knit to last 4 sts, PM, K4
Row 2 (WS): K4, SM, purl to last 4 sts, SM, K4
Row 3: K4, PM, knit to last 4 sts, PM, K4
Row 4: K4, SM, P1, K2 repeat from * to * across to last 4 sts, SM, K4 - Repeat Rows 1–4 until the piece measures 12 inches / 31 cm
- Knit 6 rows in garter stitch
- Cast off
- Weave in all loose ends with a yarn needle
Tip: Block your placemat gently using a steam iron or by pinning it while damp to even out stitches and straighten the edges.
FAQs + Extra Tips
→ Can I use different yarn?
Yes, any worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn will work well.
Just check your gauge and aim for durability if you’ll be washing them often.
→ How many placemats can I make from one skein?
You’ll need one ball per placemat, so grab 4–6 skeins if you want a full set.
→ Can I make this wider/narrower?
Absolutely! Just cast on more or fewer stitches in multiples of 3 between the markers, plus the 8 stitches for the garter borders.
→ Can I machine wash this?
If you use 100% cotton yarn like Pima cotton, yes — gentle cycle, lay flat to dry for best results.
Share Your Knitted Placemat
I hope you enjoyed this placemat knitting pattern.
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