Introduction
This elegant and eye-catching crochet pattern features a rectangular placemat constructed of repeated flower lace motifs. The design is characterized by vibrant green yarn worked into open, lacy petals, forming a repeating floral pattern that exudes freshness and organic softness. Each motif resembles a delicate daisy or lotus, with radiating long petal loops encircled and connected seamlessly to the next, which creates a see-through effect suitable for many uses. Whether you’re seeking a decor highlight for your dining table, a unique centerpiece, or a stylish tray mat, this piece offers both beauty and function.
What makes this flower lace placemat truly delightful is its versatility; you can adapt the size easily, use any color, or even combine shades for a cheerful effect. This is a captivating project for anyone who loves crocheting lace or motif work, and is ideal for spring, summer, or to bring a burst of floral charm into your home year-round. Its construction, while visually intricate, is intuitive, making it as enjoyable to make as it is to display.
Project Overview
This piece is made from a series of joined floral motifs, each worked in the round with petal-shaped loops radiating from a central ring. The motifs are joined together as you work the final round, creating a fabric with a beautiful lacy look. Once all motifs are connected, a simple border of double crochet stitches is worked around the entire rectangle to provide structure and a polished finish. This technique is modular, so you can adapt the number of motifs to alter the width and length of your placemat to suit your needs.
Skill Level
This pattern is suitable for advanced beginners to intermediate crocheters. If you are comfortable working in rounds, making chain loops, and joining pieces as you go, you will enjoy this project. Understanding motif construction and joining techniques is helpful, but detailed instructions are provided.
Materials
- Yarn: Light worsted / DK weight yarn (sample uses mercerized cotton for crisp stitch definition). Approximately 80g (2.8 oz) for a 30x20cm (12×8 inches) placemat.
- Color: Solid green is shown, but feel free to use any color or alternate for each motif.
- Crochet Hook: US size G/6 (4.0 mm) or size to obtain gauge.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
- Sharp Scissors
- Stitch Markers: Useful for marking motif joins and row corners.
- Blocking Pins and Mat: Optional but recommended for crisp motifs.
Finished Size
The finished placemat as shown measures approximately 30 cm x 20 cm (12 x 8 inches), which fits as a decorative tray mat or centerpiece. To adjust the dimensions, add or subtract motifs in rows and columns. Each motif measures about 7 cm (2.75 inches) square after blocking, so plan your layout accordingly.
Gauge
One finished and blocked motif should measure approximately 7 cm x 7 cm (2.75″ x 2.75″). Make a motif and measure after light blocking for best accuracy. Adjust hook size if needed. Small variations in gauge will affect the overall size, but the project is forgiving.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble (triple) crochet
- MR – magic ring
- rep – repeat
- st(s) – stitch(es)
Pattern Notes
The motifs are worked in joined rounds. Chains at the beginning of rounds count as a stitch unless otherwise noted. The final round of each motif is joined directly to adjacent motifs via their chains, using slip stitches at joining points. For neat color changes, fasten off and join a new color at a motif’s center if desired. The right side is the side facing you as you work the petals. When assembling, use stitch markers to hold motifs in place before joining if needed.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Center Flower Motif
Round 1: Make a MR, ch 3 (counts as dc), 15 dc into ring. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-3. (16 sts) Pull ring tight.
Round 2: Ch 1, *sc in same st, ch 7*, rep from * to * around for a total of 16 ch-7 loops. Join with sl st to first sc. (16 ch-7 loops)
Tip: You should now see a ring with 16 loops radiating like petals.
Petal Definition
Round 3: Sl st into next ch-7 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 8, tr, ch 8, sc) all into each ch-7 sp around. Join with sl st to first sc. (16 petal arches)
You are now forming elongated petal shapes all around.
Joining Motifs (Join-As-You-Go)
For the first motif, work rounds 1–3 and finish off. For all subsequent motifs, join on their final round as follows:
- Complete rounds 1–2 as for the first motif.
- Round 3 (joining round): On each motif, when you get to a ch-8 (petal tip), replace the second ch-8 with: ch 4, sl st into corresponding ch-8 arch-tip of adjacent motif, ch 4. Then continue as written (tr, ch 8, sc) until all needed joins are made. Join with sl st to first sc.
Joining Layout: Place completed motifs side-by-side. Join newly-made motifs to motifs at the sides, working a sl st at the mid-point of the petal tip so arches connect seamlessly.
Building the Rectangle
Continue making and joining motifs until your piece measures the desired rows and columns (sample is 3 motifs tall x 5 motifs wide, for 15 motifs). Join horizontally and vertically for a solid fabric. Use stitch markers to plan your motif grid if desired.
Outer Edge and Border
Once all motifs are connected:
- Attach yarn at any corner.
- Border Round 1: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each ch-8 space along the side, 1 sc over each petal between arches, and 3 sc in each outermost corner loop. Continue evenly around entire rectangle. Join with sl st to first sc.
- Border Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), dc in each sc around, working (dc, ch 2, dc) in each corner to maintain shape. Join with sl st to top of beg ch-2. Fasten off, weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
After your last round, inspect all joins and motifs to ensure they are secure and oriented correctly. Weave in all yarn ends carefully using a tapestry needle, threading through stitches inside the motif centers and petal loops to hide them. Gently wash and block the placemat to open up the lace — pin out petals and corners onto a blocking mat, mist with water, and let dry completely. Blocking helps even out edges and maximizes the crisp look of each flower motif.
Customization Ideas
Try using different yarn weights for a lighter or heavier placemat, or create coasters using a single motif. Swap out single-color yarn for a variegated yarn for a gradient effect, or alternate colors per motif for a striped or checkerboard look. With finer yarn, this pattern produces a delicate doily; with thicker cotton, a durable table mat. For seasonal variety, work in bright florals, autumnal tones, or neutrals to match your decor.
Troubleshooting
If your fabric is curling, you may be working too tightly — use a slightly larger hook or relax your tension. Uneven edges may result from miscounted stitches on joins; always double-check motif placement and counts before adding new motifs. If your piece is too large or too small, adjust motif size by changing hook size or yarn weight. For loose color changes or messy joins, ensure you are making slip stitches firmly at motif petal tips. Maintain even tension when working arches for consistent petal length.
Care Instructions
Wash your finished placemat gently by hand in cool water with mild detergent, or machine wash on a delicate cycle if your yarn allows. Lay flat on a towel or blocking mat to dry, reshaping the petals and corners to maintain the rectangle. Avoid wringing to keep the lace crisp.
Final Notes
This pattern rewards careful counting and even tension — periodically check your motif and row counts for a tidy result. If modifications are needed, use your finished motifs as a guide for layout and assembly. Refer to the project photo for motif placement and color inspiration. Enjoy your new lace flower placemat!
