Introduction
This placemat is a beautifully festive round crochet piece featuring a creamy center bordered by scallops in rich red, deep green, and touches of metallic gold. The design is “crowned” with a detailed, dimensional poinsettia flower, gold bead cluster at its center, three holly leaves, and cheerful red berries. Radiating classic holiday colors with a sophisticated, layered look, this project instantly elevates any seasonal table setting. Its eye-catching flower and textured border make it perfect for Christmas, winter gatherings, or as a special handmade gift. You could use the mat beneath plates, vases, or to highlight centerpieces, bringing warmth and handmade artistry to your holiday decor.
Crocheters will enjoy the interplay of rounds, vibrant color changes, and the creation of lifelike floral appliqués. The work is substantial yet approachable, yielding a practical piece that is both decorative and functional.
Project Overview
This placemat is worked in orderly rounds beginning at the center. The main base forms a flat circle with increasing rounds, which is followed by a decorative border using three seasonal shades and a gentle scalloped edge. The poinsettia, leaves, and berries are crocheted separately and sewn on as appliqués. The final assembly gives it a polished, three-dimensional look.
Skill Level
Intermediate
This project is best suited for intermediate crocheters. The center and body involve simple increases, but the ornate border, layered flower petals, and three-dimensional leaves require familiarity with color changes, shaping, and sewing appliqués.
Materials
- Yarn: DK (Light/3) or Worsted Weight (Medium/4) cotton yarn is recommended for durability and stitch definition.
Main colors: Cream (center), Red (border & flower), Green (border & leaves), Gold/Yellow (accent), Small amount of Brown/Red (berries). - Approximate amounts:
- Cream: 100 g
- Red: 70 g
- Green: 40 g
- Gold/Yellow: 15 g
- (Optional) Brown/Red for berries: less than 10 g
- Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm (E-4) or 4.0 mm (G-6), depending on your yarn and preferred drape.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing on appliqués.
- Small gold beads: For the center of the poinsettia (about 5–7 beads per flower).
- Stitch markers to keep track of round beginnings.
- Scissors
- Blocking pins and board for shaping your finished mat.
Finished Size
- Diameter: Approx. 34–36 cm (13.5–14.2 inches)
You may adjust sizing by swapping yarn/hook size, or adding/removing rounds in the center. Be aware that this will affect yardage and stitch counts at the border.
Gauge
Gauge is not critical, but for reference: 10 rounds in the flat center circle = approx. 13 cm/5 inches in diameter. Small changes in tension or yarn weight will alter final size; consistency is more important than perfection.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- inc – increase (2 sts in same st)
- dec – decrease (2 sts together)
- MR – magic ring
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sk – skip
- FO – fasten off
Important Pattern Notes
- You will work in joined rounds for the main circle. Slip stitch to join each round and ch 2 or 3 as needed, which always counts as the first hdc or dc (unless otherwise noted).
- Color changes occur at the end of a round; always complete the last stitch of a round with the new color for a neater join.
- Use stitch markers to keep track of your beginning stitch if needed.
- Appliqué pieces (flower, leaves, berries) are worked flat, then shaped and sewn on securely.
- Keep right side facing throughout; border has a RS (right side) and WS (wrong side).
Approximate Crochet Pattern
Part 1: Center Circle (Cream)
- Round 1: With cream, start with a MR. Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), work 11 hdc into ring. Join with sl st to first hdc. (12 hdc)
- Round 2: Ch 2, hdc inc in each st around. Join. (24 hdc)
- Round 3: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next st, inc in next st; repeat from * around. Join. (36 hdc)
- Round 4: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 2 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (48 hdc)
- Round 5: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 3 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (60 hdc)
- Round 6: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 4 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (72 hdc)
- Round 7: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 5 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (84 hdc)
- Round 8: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 6 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (96 hdc)
- Round 9: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 7 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (108 hdc)
- Round 10: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 8 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (120 hdc)
- Round 11: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 9 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (132 hdc)
- Round 12: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 10 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (144 hdc)
- Round 13: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 11 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (156 hdc)
- Round 14: Ch 2, *1 hdc in next 12 sts, inc in next st; repeat around. Join. (168 hdc)
Note: Ensure your piece is lying flat; if it begins to ruffle, check your stitch count. If it’s curling, go up a hook size.
Part 2: Border Rounds & Scallops (Red, Green, Gold)
- Round 15 (Red base border): Attach red. Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (168 sc)
- Round 16 (Green shell setup): Attach green. *Sk 2 sts, 5 dc in next st (shell made), sk 2 sts, sl st in next st; repeat * around. Join to first dc of the first shell. (28 shells)
- Round 17 (Gold accent): Attach gold. In any shell: ch 1, sc in middle (3rd) dc of each shell, ch 2, sc in middle dc of next shell; repeat around. Join. (28 sc, 28 ch-2 spaces)
- Round 18 (Red scallops): Attach red. In any ch-2 space: *(sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc) all in same ch-2 sp, sl st in next sc*; repeat around. Join. FO and weave in ends. (28 scallops)
Part 3: Poinsettia Flower Appliqué (Red & Gold Beads)
Large Poinsettia (make 1 per placemat):
- Layer 1 (6 petals):
With red, ch 6.- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 chs, tr in last ch. (5 sts)
- Turn & work on opposite side of chain: ch 2, tr in same ch, dc in next 2 chs, hdc, sc in last. FO. (6 petals) Repeat 6 times to make 6 petals; join at base to circle these petals together.
- Layer 2 (smaller petals):
With red, repeat as above but ch only 4 to start, and make 5 petals. Nest and sew atop first layer, off-setting for a fuller look. - center cluster: Sew on 5–7 gold beads tightly at the center.
Part 4: Holly Leaves and Berries (Green & Red)
Leaves (make 3):
- With green, ch 12.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next 5, tr in next 2, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in last.
(Rotate to work on the back side of chain.)
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in same, hdc, dc, tr in next 2, dc in next 5, hdc, sc. FO. Shape into holly-style pointy leaf with fingers.
Berries (make 3):
- With red, MR, ch 1, 6 sc into MR, pull tight, sl st to first sc to close. Leave long tail for sewing.
Part 5: Assembly
- Block your placemat by pinning it in a round shape and applying steam or spraying lightly with water, then let dry flat.
- Arrange the poinsettia flower and holly leaves as a cluster on one edge of your placemat (typically between two border scallops at the bottom “center” if using as a plate mat). Secure with pins before sewing.
- Sew the flower first, followed by leaves fanned outward, and stitch the berries at the base of the flower overlapping the leaves for texture. Weave in all ends, hiding tails beneath appliqués where possible.
- Ensure the embellishments are stitched down well so they withstand handling and washing.
Assembly and Finishing
- Weave in all ends securely with a tapestry needle on the wrong side.
- Use gentle steam blocking on the finished mat to ensure the main circle and border lie flat.
- Pin the mat to shape, lay the border scallops out evenly, and allow it to set while drying.
- Check that the floral cluster is centered and adjust before final sewing.
Customization Ideas
- Alternate colors: Try snowy whites, silver sparkle yarn, or variations like blue, emerald, or burgundy to personalize for any winter theme.
- Different yarn weights: Thicker yarn makes a larger, thicker mat; lighter weights for dainty, smaller pieces or coasters.
- Use as a centerpiece mat, placemat, extra-large coaster, wall hanging, or festive tray doily.
- Make multiples for a coordinated table set or attach cord to create a hanging decoration.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the center circle curls or ruffles: Try adjusting your stitch count (an extra inc or skip), or change hook size.
- Uneven edges: Check stitch counts at each round, especially on border scallops.
- Loose color changes: Always finish the last stitch of the old round with the new yarn for a neat transition.
- Uneven tension: Practice consistent yarn tension, especially when making motifs and border details.
- Motif too large or small: Adjust by adding or removing rounds from the center; always keep final round stitch count in multiples matching your border setup (here, 28 shells).
Care Instructions
For cotton or similar washable yarn, hand wash gently in cool water with mild soap. Lay flat to dry and reshape border scallops and appliqués if needed. Avoid wringing or twisting flower and leaf elements.
Final Notes
Before finishing, double-check your stitch counts—especially on the border and circle—in order to maintain symmetry. Adjust your hook or tension where needed. Use the images as a visual guide for placement and shaping of the appliqués. Enjoy creating a festive and stunning decorative crochet piece that will become a treasured part of your holiday decor or table setting!
