Introduction
This eye-catching crochet project radiates festive cheer and cozy charm—perfect for your holiday table or as a decorative accent throughout the winter season. The placemat is shaped like a large leaf, using a rich forest green for most of its structure. Cream veins run intricately from base to tip, giving the piece a realistic, botanical elegance. A subtle pop of red outlines the leaf and is echoed in the small berry cluster at the base, while a soft, lacy white border adorned with red pops frames the whole work like a snowflake. The texture is gently raised, detailed, and invitingly thick, making it ideal for hot plates, mugs, or simply as a seasonal centerpiece.
This placemat’s bold contrast, natural motif, and layered construction make it a wonderful project for intermediate crocheters who love sculptural designs. Practical yet decorative, it can be used as a placemat, trivet, wall hanging, or gift. Its festive palette and intricate veinwork make the journey to crochet completion satisfying and rewarding, whether you are making just one or a whole set.
Project Overview
The placemat is worked in several stages: first, the main leaf is crocheted in rows, shaped with strategic increases and decreases to form the leaf silhouette. Afterward, a single round of red border is added with scalloped details for extra definition. The cream decorative border is then crocheted in the round, worked into the edge of the leaf, creating a delicate lacy frame. Surface slip stitching is used to embroider the cream veins onto the green base, and a smaller embellishment section provides the stem and three clustered red berries with applied crochet. All pieces are joined as you go, or sewn on, depending on your preference.
Skill Level
Intermediate. This project uses shaping, color changes, surface slip stitching, and working both in rows and in the round. Familiarity with increasing, decreasing, and working into the edges of pieces is helpful. Experience with decorative borders and motif assembly will make the process more enjoyable.
Materials
- Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn in three colors:
- 100g dark green (main leaf)
- 50g cream (veins and border)
- 30g bright red (berries and accent outline)
- 4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle
- Small, sharp scissors
- Stitch markers
- Blocking pins and mat (optional but helpful for shaping)
Finished Size
Approximate finished size is 28 cm (11 in) wide by 25 cm (10 in) tall, including border.
To adjust size, use a larger or smaller hook and thicker or thinner yarn, or add/decrease rows to make the leaf larger or smaller. Note that this may impact the finished look and the scale of veins and border.
Gauge
Gauge for the main leaf: 17 sc x 19 rows = 10 cm (4 in) square. This is not critical for this project, but changes in gauge will affect the overall size slightly.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble (triple) crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in same st)
- dec – decrease (sc 2 together)
- sk – skip
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- MR – magic ring
Important Pattern Notes
- Chains at the beginning of rows do NOT count as a stitch unless otherwise noted.
- The leaf is worked flat (back and forth in rows), with some shaping occurring through increases and decreases at the edges and in the center.
- When adding a border or surface slip stitch veins, keep tension consistent but not too tight, so the placemat lays flat.
- Color changes: Change color in the last yarn-over of the previous stitch for a clean transition.
- Use stitch markers to keep track of the central spine and key increase points.
- The pattern is written for right-handed crocheters; left-handed crocheters may wish to reverse shaping notes.
Detailed Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Main Leaf Body
With green yarn, start at base of leaf.
Row 1: Ch 3. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next ch. (2 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc in next. (3 sc)
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc to last st, 2 sc in last st. (5 sc)
Rows 4–10: Ch 1, turn, 2 sc in first st, sc across to last st, 2 sc in last st. (Add 2 sts per row; at end of Row 10, you’ll have 19 sc)
Center Shaping (Rows 11–19): Ch 1, turn, sc in first st, *2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 (4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4), repeat from * ending with sc in last st. (Increase by 2 sc per row, placing increases about 1/3 into and from end of row.) At end of Row 19, you’ll have 35 sc.
Rows 20–28 (Leaf Shoulders): Ch 1, turn, sc dec in first 2 sts, sc to last 2 sts, sc dec in last 2 sts. (Decrease by 2 sts each row: 33, 31, … down to 17 sc by Row 28.)
Transfer to Leaf Point: Ch 1, turn, sc dec in first 2 sts, sc to last 2 sts, sc dec in last 2 sts. Repeat for 2 more rows until 9 sts remain.
Leaf Tip: Ch 1, turn, sc dec, sc to last 2 sts, sc dec. (7 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing or weaving.
Note: Your leaf should have a gently rounded base, wider center, and pointed tip, with each side matching.
Part 2: Red Decorative Border
Join red yarn at center bottom.
With RS facing, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire edge of the leaf (approximately 2 sc in side of each row for sides, 1 sc in each st across top), working 3 sc in tip to turn the corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Do not fasten off.
Scallop edging round: [Skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st] repeat around. Adjust as needed so the scallops are evenly spaced; at tip, work 7 dc instead of 5 for a fuller effect. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Part 3: Cream Lacy Outer Border
Join cream yarn in base sc of any scallop.
Ch 1, *sc in same sp, ch 2, sk next st, sc in next st*.
Repeat * to * around entire edge, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in the tip scallop to help the border curve smoothly. At the end of the round, sl st to first sc.
Lacy arch round: Sl st into first ch-2 sp, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 4 dc in same sp, sl st in next ch-2 sp, (in next ch-2 sp: 5 dc, sl st in next ch-2 sp), repeat around. At red scallops, work 6 dc if desired for an extra pop. Fasten off, weave in all ends.
Optional: Work a second round with cream, making smaller arches inside the previous ones for a denser lace appearance.
Part 4: Surface Slip Stitch Leaf Veins (Cream)
Thread a tapestry needle with cream yarn or use a crochet hook for surface slip stitching. On RS, begin at base center near the stem.
- For the central vein: Working from the bottom upward, surface slip stitch in a straight line to the tip, following the leaf’s center. Keep tension even but not tight.
- For side veins: Branch out at 4-5 evenly spaced points along the central spine, forming gentle curves towards the outer edges. Mirror for each half.
- For smaller veins: Add 2 shorter lines branching off main side veins for a realistic look.
Tip: Secure both ends of each vein on the back, weaving in ends for a neat finish.
Part 5: Leaf Stem and Berries Appliqué
Leaf Stem (Green or Cream):
- With green, ch 9.
- Sc in 2nd ch from hook and next 7 ch. (8 sc)
- Fasten off. Stitch to underside of leaf base, letting it extend from the center as a simple, short stem.
Holly Berries (Red):
- Make 3: With red, MR, ch 1, 6 sc in ring. Pull tight, join with sl st. Fasten off.
- Sew 3 berries in a cluster at the junction where stem meets leaf, positioned symmetrically.
Assembly and Finishing
- Weave in any remaining yarn tails securely on the WS, making sure ends are invisible from RS.
- Sew the stem snippet and berry appliqué to the RS base with small, invisible stitches.
- If needed, gently wet block or steam the placemat, pinning scallops and border to shape. Let dry flat.
- Check that the veins are centered and border arches are evenly distributed.
Customization Ideas
- Colors: Try a monochrome palette, pastel wintery hues, or playful spring colors.
- Yarn: Use acrylic for more sheen or linen blends for rustic charm.
- Uses: Make smaller sizes for coasters, stitch multiple together for a table runner, or sew onto a backing fabric for a festive wall hanging.
- Blanket Squares: Work without the scalloped border and block into a square for blankets or pillows.
- Bag Flap: Fold leaf in half and sew sides for a seasonal handbag pocket or purse flap.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If piece curls, block with steam or damp cloth pinned into shape.
- For uneven edges, ensure a consistent stitch count around and adjust scallops as necessary.
- If motif is too large/small, change hook/yarn size or add/remove increase/decrease rows.
- To fix gaps at color changes, tighten the final yarn over and pull old color snug before next stitch.
- Ensure even tension, especially during surface slip stitching, for smooth vein lines.
Care Instructions
Hand wash gently in cold water with a mild detergent. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed. If required, steam lightly to restore shape. Avoid bleaching and tumble drying, especially for cotton or blended fibers.
Final Notes
Double-check your stitch count at each stage, especially after rows with increases or decreases, to maintain symmetry. Adjust your tension as needed for both firm structure and drape. Use the photo as a visual guide to vein and berry placement, and have fun making the project your own with each repetition. With careful finishing and blocking, your cheerful leaf placemat will be the highlight of your winter décor!
