About This Pattern
This placemat is a quiet, useful thing. It sits under a plate or a mug. I like making one while dinner simmers, then another the next night. It grows in long rows, so you can stop at any point and pick it back up. It asks for steady cotton yarn and a small hook. Nothing about it needs full attention. It just needs a chair and a little time.
In the basket
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- sc
- single crochet
- dc
- double crochet
- tr
- treble crochet
- dtr
- double treble crochet
Simple crochet rectangle placemat for everyday tables
Foundation
Start with a slip knot.
Chain a multiple of 16 plus 4. For example, 64 chains were made for this placemat.
- Row 1Chain 4 (counts as the first treble crochet). Skip one chain, single crochet into the next chain, continue with single crochets in each chain across till the end of the row.Chain 1, turn your work.
- Row 2Single crochet in each of the first three chain spaces. Chain 1, skip a chain space and perform the following in the next spaces: Double Crochet, Chain 1, Treble Crochet, Chain 1, Double Treble Crochet, Chain 1, Double Treble Crochet. Repeat the sequence across the row, ending with a single crochet in each of the last three chain spaces.Chain 1, turn your work.
- Row 3Work a single crochet into every stitch and chain space across the entire row.Chain 1, turn your work.
- Row 4(this pattern begins to repeat from Row 2): Start with chain 6 (counts as your first double treble crochet + one chain space). Continue with a double treble crochet in the next appropriate chain space after skipping one. Chain 1, skip a chain space and work the sequence: Treble Crochet, Chain 1, Double Crochet, Single Crochet in each of the next three spaces. Continue the pattern until the end of the row.Chain 1, turn your work.
Continuation and Finish
Repeat the sequence from Row 2 and Row 4 until placemat reaches desired dimensions.
Finish off by creating a row of single crochets across the last row for a neat edge.
Additional options Change colors as desired, for example, adding a different color to the corners. You can also attach tassels on the corners for decoration (optional).
Conclusion Crochet until the placemat is of desired size. Bind off and weave in ends for a clean finish.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Check your cotton yarn amount before starting the foundation chain.
- Read Row 2 fully before you begin it.
- Make sure your 3.5 millimeter hook matches your cotton weight.
Minutes per piece
- Foundation about 45 minutes, because it sets the stitch pattern across three rounds
- Continuation and Finish about 3-5 hours, because rows repeat until you reach your size
Other yarns that work
- Mercerized cotton, worsted weight Gives a smoother, slightly stiffer finish. Hook size stays close to 3.5 millimeter.
- Cotton-linen blend, worsted weight Adds more drape and a matte look. You may need a slightly larger hook.
Where it ends up
- Set it under a dinner plate for everyday meals.
- Use it as a centerpiece base under a bowl or vase.
- Place it under a mug at your desk or reading chair.
Small notes
- Keep tension even across rows, since cotton shows loose stitches clearly.
- Count your chain multiple carefully before starting Row 1.
- Use a stitch marker on Row 2 if you lose track of chain spaces.
Little questions
How long should my foundation chain be?
Chain a multiple of 16, plus 4 extra chains. This keeps the stitch pattern lining up correctly across rows.
Can I make the placemat bigger?
Yes, just keep repeating Row 2 and Row 4 until you reach your desired size. The pattern is built to extend easily.
What hook size does this pattern use?
A 3.5 millimeter hook works well with the recommended cotton yarn. Match your hook to your yarn weight for even stitches.
How do I finish the edges neatly?
Work a row of single crochet across the final row. This gives a clean, tidy border to the placemat.
Original pattern: https://crocheteverything.com/how-to-crochet-gingerbread-man-table-runner/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
