Easy Crochet Pattern for Fall Placemats and a Table Runner

This free crochet pattern for placemats and a table runner is very easy to make! It's perfect for beginners- it could even serve as a "first project" for someone who's learning to crochet!

You can make as many placemats as you'd like, or just one if you want. The table runner is exactly the same as the placemats- you just keep crocheting until you get to the length you want.

Color suggestions for Fall Crochet Placemats and Table Runner:

You can customize your crocheted placemats and table runner by choosing any color yarn you'd like. Match the decor of your kitchen or dining room; or opt for a seasonal look!

Traditional autumn colors like golds, maroons, greens, and browns are nice for the fall. Red Heart has a yarn called Painted Desert that makes for a marvelous autumn palette. Or, if you're thinking of Halloween, you could alternate orange, yellow, and white to make your placemats and table runner have the look of candy corn.

I choose solid black over an orange tablecloth (pictured above) for my fall crochet placemats and table runner because of Halloween. The black on orange and the spaces in the crochet pattern remind me of Jack-o-lantern! Isn't that cute?

You'll need:

Yarn (The amount you need will depend on how many placemats you make and how long your table runner will be. (I'd start by buying just one skein.) See above for color suggestions.)
Size I crochet hook
Scissors

Kay's Free Easy Crochet Pattern: Placemats and Table Runner:

1. Chain (ch) 24 loosely.

2. Double crochet (dc) in 4th ch from the hook, 2 dc in same ch, *skip 1 ch, 3 dc in next ch*, repeat * until you get to the end of the row. (End with 3 dc).

3. Ch 4 (note: 3 chains act as a dc, the other is your ch 1 in the pattern), turn, 3 dc in the chain space (ch sp) (ch sp is the "hole"), *ch 1, 3 dc in ch sp*, repeat * to the end of the row, 1 dc in last dc.

4. Ch 3 (this acts as you first dc), 2 dc is ch sp, *ch 1, 3 dc in ch sp*, repeat * until you get to the end. (End with 3 dc.)
(Odd numbered rows have 1 dc on each end. Even numbered rows have3 dc on each end.)

5. Repeat rows 3 & 4 until you reach desired length. (About 18 inches for a placemat, fit to table for a table runner.)

6. Edging: do not turn, single crochet (sc) in each stitch (2 sc in corners) until end. Join with slip stitch and tie off.

7. Optional for table runner only: attach tassels to every other set of dc's.

Tips:

There's no gauge on the pattern, Generally, a placemat is about 12 inches by 18 inches, give or take. Chaining 24 loosely should put you right around 12 inches. (Remember that there's a small border.) This pattern doesn't have to be exact- you may even want your placemats to be larger or smaller.

The tassels are optional. (Some people love tassels, some people don't. It's your project, do what you want!) If you decide to put tassels on your table runner, click here for instructions.

OK, I'll admit it: Every time I read a new crochet pattern I have to review the stitches. (Or if I make up a pattern, I have to look to see what that stitch is called.) If you're wondering what a double crochet (dc) is, click here for instructions.

I hope you like this free easy crochet pattern for fall placemats and a table runner! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section or send me a private message. I'd be happy to get back to you. Happy crocheting!

References:
Double crochet: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/doing-a-double-crochet.html
Tassles: http://www.nezumiworld.com/crochet_057.htm