Country Christmas crochet pattern ideas for DIY decor are especially charming when they combine classic holiday colors with useful handmade pieces. This pattern creates a coordinated placemat and coaster set in white, paddy green, and hot red, with shell-like edging and embroidered French knots. The set works beautifully for a country-style Christmas table, hostess gift, or seasonal display. If you enjoy adding floral details to holiday decorating, you may also like these crochet rose decorations for wine glasses.
Why You’ll Love This Crochet Project
This Christmas crochet set has several practical and decorative advantages:
- It creates a coordinated table setting. The placemat and coaster share the same colors, edging, and embroidered accents.
- It practices shaping with increases. The placemat begins as a foundation chain and gradually expands into an oval shape, while the coaster is built in joined rounds.
- It introduces back-loop crochet. Working through the back loops creates subtle ridges and helps define the surface.
- It uses a simple decorative shell edging. Groups of five double crochet stitches form a repeated scalloped border.
- It makes a thoughtful handmade gift. A folded placemat paired with one or more coasters can be given as a useful seasonal present.
My Crochet Flower Tip: Keep the hot red French knots evenly spaced so they resemble bright berries against the white and green crochet.
Before You Start Crocheting
The approved pattern includes one oval placemat and one round coaster. Both pieces use CA, the white yarn, for the beginning section and change to CB, the paddy green yarn, for the later rounds. CC, hot red, is reserved for the embroidered French knots.
The placemat is worked from a foundation chain without turning after the foundation row. Its first round is worked around both sides of the beginning chain, then the shape expands through Rounds 2–8. The final round uses both loops and creates the decorative shell edge.
The coaster begins with a small chain ring. It expands through three rounds, changes to green, and finishes with the same five-double-crochet shell edging used on the placemat.
Important abbreviations used below include:
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- inc: increase
- rem lps: remaining loops
- rep: repeat
- CA: No. 311 White
- CB: No. 368 Paddy Green
- CC: No. 390 Hot Red
Materials You’ll Need
- RED HEART® “Super Saver®,” 4-Medium Weight Yarn, Art. E300, 100% acrylic:
- 6 ounces No. 311 White, used as CA
- 6 ounces No. 368 Paddy Green, used as CB
- Small amount No. 390 Hot Red, used as CC
- The yarn is available in 7-ounce solid and 5-ounce multi-color skeins.
- 5.5 mm [US I-9] crochet hook
- Yarn needle
Use the yarn colors consistently throughout the pattern. The white and green provide the main country Christmas palette, while the small amount of hot red adds the embroidered detail.
Step-by-Step Crochet Instructions
Placemat
Foundation
With CA, ch 22.
Foundation Row Right Side
Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across; do not turn – 20 dc.
Round 1
Ch 3, 8 dc over the post of the last dc made, working in rem lps of beg ch, dc in next 18 sts, 9 dc over ch-3, dc in next 18 dc; join in back lp of ch-3 – 54 sts.
Rounds 2–8 Back Loops Only
Work in back lps only for Rnds 2-8.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in joining, [dc in next dc; 2 dc in next dc – inc made] 4 times, dc in next 18 dc, inc, [dc in next dc, inc] 4 times, dc in next 18 dc; join – 64 sts.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, dc in next 2 dc, inc, dc in next dc, [inc] 4 times, dc in next dc, inc, dc in next 2 dc, inc, dc in next 18 dc inc; rep from * to * once more; join – 80 sts.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, [dc in next 2 dc, inc] 7 times, dc in next 18 dc, inc, [dc in next 2 dc, inc] 7 times, dc in last 18 dc; join – 96 sts.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, [inc, dc in next 2 dc] 7 times, inc, dc in next 26 dc, [inc, dc in next 2 dc] 7 times, inc, dc in last 22 dc, changing to CB; join – 112 sts.
Rnd 6 with CB: With CB, ch 3, dc in next 3 dc, [inc, dc in next 3 dc] 7 times, inc, dc in next 27 dc, [inc, dc in next 3 dc] 7 times, inc, dc in last 23 dc; join – 128 sts.
Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in next 4 dc, [inc, dc in next 4 dc] 7 times, inc, dc in next 28 dc, [inc, dc in next 4 dc] 7 times, inc, dc in last 23 dc; join – 144 sts.
Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in next 6 dc, [inc, dc in next 7 dc] 5 times, inc, dc in next 31 dc, [inc, dc in next 7 dc] 5 times, inc, dc in last 24 dc; join – 156 sts.
Round 9 Both Loops
Work in both lps:
Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, *skip next 2 dc, 5 dc in next dc, skip next 2 dc, sc in next dc; rep from * around, end at **; join to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
The original instruction is structured as follows:
Ch 1, sc in same st as joining,
*skip next 2 dc, 5 dc in next dc, skip next 2 dc **, sc in next dc; rep from * around, end at *; join to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Placemat Finishing
With CC embroider 26 French Knots evenly spaced as shown.
Coaster
Start / Ring
With CA, ch 5; join with a sl st to form a ring.
Round 1
Ch 3, 15 dc in ring; join in back lp of ch-3 – 16 sts.
Rounds 2–3 Back Loops Only
Work in back lps only for Rnds 2 and 3.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, 2 dc in each dc around; join – 32 sts.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st as joining, dc in next dc, [2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc] 15 times; join, changing to CB – 48 sts.
Round 4 Both Loops
Work in both lps.
With CB, ch 1, sc in same st as joining, *skip next dc, 5 dc in next dc, skip next dc, sc in next dc; rep from * around, end at **; join to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
The original instruction is structured as follows:
With CB, ch 1, sc in same st as joining,
*skip next dc, 5 dc in next dc, skip next dc **, sc in next dc; rep from * around, end at *; join to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Coaster Finishing
With CC embroider 12 French Knots as shown.
Ways to Display Your Finished Crochet
- Set a Christmas dinner table: Place the oval placemat beneath a centerpiece, serving dish, or place setting, then add the coaster beside each glass.
- Create a country-style coffee station: Use the coaster beneath a holiday mug and place the mat under a small tray or teapot.
- Give a handmade hostess gift: Fold the placemat neatly and pair it with the coaster for a practical seasonal gift.
- Build a larger table set: Make additional coasters using the same instructions so every guest has a matching piece.
- Use it beneath seasonal décor: The placemat can support a candleholder, bowl, or small holiday arrangement. Protect the crochet from direct heat and open flames.
- Coordinate it with floral crochet: A green-and-white table arrangement can complement the palette; a collection of related crochet bouquet patterns can provide inspiration for additional handmade accents.
Caring for Your Crochet Project
Treat the finished pieces gently to preserve the shell edging and embroidered French knots. Dust them with a soft brush or shake them outdoors rather than pulling at the decorative stitches.
For small marks, use careful spot cleaning with a barely damp cloth and allow the piece to dry completely on a flat surface. Avoid soaking unless the yarn manufacturer’s care instructions support it. Do not place the crochet near excessive heat, radiators, or open flames.
Store the placemat and coaster flat or loosely folded in a dry container. Avoid compressing them beneath heavy objects, which may flatten the shell border. If the pieces become slightly misshapen, ease them back into shape by hand while damp from gentle spot cleaning, then let them dry flat.
Tips for Better Results
- Track every stitch count. The placemat increases from 54 stitches after Round 1 to 156 stitches after Round 8. Checking each count helps catch missed increases early.
- Mark the joining point. Place a removable stitch marker near the joining stitch, especially while working the long placemat rounds.
- Pay attention to loop placement. Rounds 2–8 of the placemat and Rounds 2–3 of the coaster are worked in back loops only. The final decorative rounds are worked through both loops.
- Change color at the stated point. The placemat changes to CB at the end of Round 5, while the coaster changes to CB after Round 3.
- Keep the shell groups consistent. Each shell uses five double crochet stitches. Skipping the specified stitches between shells keeps the edging even.
- Count the French knots before finishing. The placemat requires 26 French knots, and the coaster requires 12. Space them as evenly as possible.
- Secure ends carefully. Weave in all ends after fastening off, taking care not to pull the fabric so tightly that the oval or circular shape puckers.
- Use the back-loop ridges as a visual guide. They can help you see where each round begins and make it easier to identify the correct stitch for the next increase.
Color and Styling Variations
The approved pattern uses white CA, paddy green CB, and hot red CC. The following changes are optional and should be treated as design variations rather than replacements for the original color plan:
- Use cream instead of white for a softer country look while keeping paddy green and hot red for contrast.
- Replace hot red with burgundy for a deeper, traditional Christmas palette.
- Try forest green in place of paddy green for a darker evergreen effect.
- Make a neutral version with cream, tan, and a small amount of cranberry.
- Coordinate the crochet with your table linens by selecting a contrasting CC for the French knots.
If you substitute yarn or change the hook size, the fabric texture, finished proportions, stitch tension, and yarn requirements may change. Keep the 5.5 mm [US I-9] hook and specified 4-Medium Weight yarn when you want to follow the approved pattern as written.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this pattern suitable for a beginner?
It is approachable for a crocheter who knows chains, double crochet, single crochet, slip stitches, increases, and joined rounds. The repeated stitch counts and loop changes require careful attention.
What yarn is recommended?
The pattern specifies RED HEART® “Super Saver®,” 4-Medium Weight Yarn, Art. E300, 100% acrylic, in No. 311 White, No. 368 Paddy Green, and No. 390 Hot Red.
What hook size should I use?
Use a 5.5 mm [US I-9] crochet hook for the approved instructions.
How many pieces does the pattern include?
The pattern includes one placemat and one coaster. You can repeat the coaster instructions to create enough pieces for a larger table setting.
Can I change the colors?
Yes. Color changes are an optional styling choice. Keep the original CA, CB, and CC assignments if you want to reproduce the supplied pattern exactly.
Why are some rounds worked in back loops only?
Working in the back loops creates ridges and helps add surface definition as the placemat and coaster expand.
How are the decorative edges made?
The edges use groups of five double crochet stitches worked after skipped stitches, with single crochet stitches separating the groups.
How many French knots are embroidered?
The placemat receives 26 French knots, while the coaster receives 12 French knots, both worked with CC.
How should I store the finished pieces?
Store them clean and dry, preferably flat or loosely folded. Avoid heavy pressure, excessive heat, and rough handling of the shell edging and embroidered details.
Conclusion
This country Christmas crochet pattern creates a useful placemat and coaster set with a cheerful handmade finish. The white, green, and red palette suits rustic holiday decorating, while the shell edging and French knots add texture and detail. Display the pieces on your own table, give them as gifts, or customize the colors for a different seasonal mood. For more handmade country-style inspiration, browse these country craft ideas.
