The Sunburst Meadow Doily Placemat: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Floral Centerpiece

Introducing the Sunburst Meadow Doily Placemat

Transform your dining table with this stunning crochet placemat, featuring a central floral motif that radiates into a textured, lacy border. This pattern combines classic doily elegance with modern, thick yarn for a durable and beautiful home accent. The Sunburst Meadow Doily Placemat is a perfect project for intermediate crocheters looking to create a show-stopping centerpiece for their home. The combination of a dense, textured floral center and an expanding lacy border creates a piece that is both cozy and elegant. Whether you're dressing up a table for a special occasion or adding a handmade touch to your everyday decor, this placemat is sure to impress.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland (worsted weight, 100% acrylic) in 'Great Smoky Mountains' (taupe) and 'Acadia' (sage green), or similar worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors. You will need approximately 150 yards of Color A (taupe) and 200 yards of Color B (sage green).
• Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Other: Stitch marker, yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Gauge: First 4 rounds of center motif = 3 inches in diameter. Achieving the correct gauge is important for the final size and drape of your placemat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Notes: This pattern is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join at the end of rounds unless specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. This will help you keep track of your progress, especially in the early rounds.

Center Floral Motif (Color A - Taupe)

Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 3 (this counts as your first double crochet), then work 11 dc into the ring. Pull the tail tightly to close the ring. You should have 12 dc total (including the ch-3). Place a stitch marker in the top of the ch-3 to mark the beginning of the round.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as dc), then dc in the same stitch (this is an increase). Work 2 dc in each stitch around. You will have 24 dc at the end of this round. Move your stitch marker to the top of the ch-3.

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch. *Dc in the next stitch, then 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. You will have 36 dc. Move your stitch marker.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in the same stitch. *Dc in the next 2 stitches, then 2 dc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. You will have 48 dc. Move your stitch marker.

Round 5: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch. *Skip 2 stitches, then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in the next stitch (this forms a petal). Skip 2 stitches, then sc in the next stitch.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off Color A. You will have 8 petals.

Textured Border (Color B - Sage Green)

Round 6: Join Color B with a sl st in any ch-2 space of a petal. Ch 3 (counts as dc), then work (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same space. *Ch 1, sc in the next sc between petals, ch 1, then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. You will have 8 corner groups.

Round 7: Sl st into the next dc and into the ch-2 space. Ch 3, then work (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same space. *Ch 2, skip the next (dc, ch 1, sc, ch 1, dc), then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.

Round 8: Sl st into the ch-2 space. Ch 3, then work (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same space. *Ch 3, skip the next (dc, ch 2, dc), then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.

Round 9: Sl st into the ch-2 space. Ch 3, then work (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same space. *Ch 4, skip the next (dc, ch 3, dc), then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.

Round 10: Sl st into the ch-2 space. Ch 3, then work (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same space. *Ch 5, skip the next (dc, ch 4, dc), then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.

Round 11: Sl st into the ch-2 space. Ch 3, then work (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same space. *Ch 6, skip the next (dc, ch 5, dc), then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st.

Round 12: Sl st into the ch-2 space. Ch 3, then work (dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the same space. *Ch 7, skip the next (dc, ch 6, dc), then work (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in the next ch-2 space.* Repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in all ends.

Finishing

Block the placemat by pinning it to shape on a blocking mat or towel. Lightly steam or wet the placemat to open up the lace pattern. Allow it to dry completely before removing the pins. Blocking will help the placemat lay flat and showcase the beautiful stitch work.