32 Free Knit and Crochet Placemat Patterns

Placemats are an easy way to redecorate your home or add seasonal flair! Swap them out each season to change the vibe. Plus, you can customize them to your style and your home. Knit or crochet the the amount that you need for your table. That way you’ll have a complete set every time you swap them out. Of course, you don’t make each set identical, For example, you could choose a pattern and make each mat in a separate color. You can do what you like! Here are thirty-two free knit and crochet placemat patterns to get you started!

Oval Knit and Crochet Placemat Patterns

Oval placemats aren’t as common today as they used to be. However, these classic styles will look good on any formal table. They have an air of the past to them that lends levity to the table. Therefore, you’ll want to try these knit and crochet placemat patterns when you’re having people over for a fancy dinner. Of course, anything goes in your own home. So, you can use these cute oval placemats for regular dinners, too, if you prefer.

• Oval Placemat and Coaster
• Table Lace Placemat
• Thankful Placemats

Rectangular Knit and Crochet Placemat Patterns

Traditional rectangular placemats provide lots of opportunities for experimenting. You can play with stitches, colors, and even the size of the placemat. If you’re new to knitting and crochet and haven’t yet learned about increases and decreases for shaping, then many of these rectangular knit and crochet placemat patterns will still work for you.

Plus, since they’re so versatile, they make great gifts. Create full sets of 4 or 6 of any of the patterns below. Wrap them together with a ribbon. Then you’ll have a ready-to-go present for housewarming parties, holidays, or even for something special when you’re invited to dinner.

• Checkerboard Placemats
• Celtic Placemat
• Placemat
• Holiday Placemat Set
• Apple Blossom Placemat
• Mad for Plaid Crochet Placemat
• Crochet Placemat
• Placemat
• Mosaic Basketweave Placemat
• All Charged Up Chunky Knit Placemats
• Options Placemat and Coaster
• Stripes Placemat
• Placemats & Coasters
• Roll and Go Placemats
• Sit with Me Knit Placemats
• Striped Table Setting – Placemat
• Retro Stripes Knit Placemat
• Easter Placemats with Napkin Rings
• Lacy Flower Placemat
• Knit Placemats
• Daisy Table Setting
• Easy Life Knit Placemats
• Mosaic Knit Placemat
• Mosaic Crochet Placemat
• Macrame Placemats

Circular Placemats

Add a bit of fun with circular placemats, which are less common than rectangular or even oval placemats. They actually make a lot of sense. After all, your plates are usually round. Therefore, you get that layered effect of the round plate on the round placemat.

Any crochet doily or mandala pattern would work for circular placemats. Therefore, even though we’ve rounded up the following terrific patterns, you don’t have to limit yourself. Look for circle patterns that are approximately the right size for your placemats. Then have at it!

• Lunar Lunch Crochet Placemats
• Pinwheels for Table & Tree
• Colorful Crochet Chargers
• Sundial Placemats

Also on the Blog

• 28 Free Picnic Patterns to Knit and Crochet
• 12 Free Crochet Thanksgiving Table and Home Decorations
• 20 Free Circle Patterns to Crochet and Knit

Frequently Asked Questions

Are placemat patterns good for beginners?

They’re perfect for beginners! Most placemats are small, flat projects that use basic stitches… single crochet, double crochet, garter stitch, or stockinette. You get to practice your tension and stitch consistency on a manageable project that you’ll actually use. And since you need a set of 4 to 6, you get lots of repetition to improve your skills. By the time you finish your last placemat, you’ll be significantly more consistent than when you started the first one.

What yarn works best for knit and crochet placemats?

Cotton is the go-to for placemats… it’s washable, heat resistant (important for hot dishes!), durable, and has a nice flat look that works well for table settings. 100% cotton or a cotton blend is ideal. Avoid wool or acrylic for placemats you’ll actually use for eating… they don’t hold up to washing as well and acrylic can melt under hot dishes. Worsted or DK weight cotton gives you a sturdy, flat placemat that looks great and lasts forever.

What shapes do crochet and knit placemats come in?

Lots of options! Rectangular and square are the most common (classic and easy to stitch). Oval placemats have a beautiful traditional look and are surprisingly not much harder to make. Round placemats work great for round tables. This collection has all three shapes in a variety of stitch patterns, from simple textured stitches to mosaic designs and more decorative patterns. Mix and match shapes for an eclectic table setting!

How do I make sure my placemats are all the same size?

Gauge is your best friend here! Check your gauge before you start and adjust your hook or needle size if needed. Keep the same tension across all your placemats… it helps to try and crochet or knit them one after another rather than spreading them out over months. Blocking is also key… wet blocking cotton placemats and pinning them to a consistent size ensures a matched set. Measure and pin each one before it dries.

Can I make placemats as gifts?

They make wonderful handmade gifts! A set of 4 matching placemats is a thoughtful housewarming, wedding, or host gift. You can customize the colors to match someone’s kitchen or dining room. They’re practical, beautiful, and people genuinely appreciate handmade home goods. A set of placemats paired with a handmade dish towel or pot holder is an especially lovely gift bundle.