Autumn Pumpkin Placemat (Set of Two)
Intermediate
For crocheters comfortable with the basics, ready to try new shaping and assembly techniques
Single-Day Project
A satisfying project you can complete in a single afternoon or evening.
Handmade Gift
A beautiful keepsake — free forever. Read online or print at home.
About This Autumn Pumpkin Placemat (Set of Two)
These cheerful pumpkin placemats bring the whole harvest to the table. A spoked ‘pumpkin slice’ centre, a ring of open eyelets, a shaped pumpkin outline and a little crocheted stem with a curly vine — make one in orange, one in golden mustard, and you have an instant autumn set.
About this design
The centre is a flat round worked in double crochet with raised spike-stitch ‘ribs’ that divide it into pumpkin segments. An eyelet round gives the airy border, the outline is shaped with short rows to form the classic pumpkin curve, and the stem and curling tendril are made separately and sewn to the top.
Pro tips for a flawless finish
Space your spike-stitch ribs evenly — mark the segment lines before you start so the slices are symmetrical. Work the eyelet round a touch loosely so the border does not pull in. For a firm placemat that lies flat under a plate, keep a tight, even double-crochet tension on the body.
Blocking & finishing
Press each placemat under a damp cloth and let the curly vine spiral naturally — do not block the tendril flat, its spring is what makes it charming. Weave the stem ends in securely so they survive the wash.
How to style it at home
Mix orange and mustard with gingham napkins and a few real mini pumpkins for a cosy Thanksgiving table, or use a single one as a trivet-style centre under a candle cluster.
Ready to make it?
The full written pattern — materials, round-by-round instructions, abbreviations, FAQ and troubleshooting — is all right here on this page, 100% free. Grab your hook, take your time, and enjoy every stitch. When you finish, you will have an heirloom-quality piece that looks like it came from a boutique.
Starting rounds — magic ring and first increases
Why You'll Love This Pattern 💛
Two colours, one happy autumn set. The pumpkin shape and curly vine make them feel special, but they work up fast enough to finish a pair in a weekend.
Shaping with increases — building the body
Switch Things Up 🎨
Make a white 'ghost pumpkin' for Halloween, or a deep-rust one for a moody fall palette.
Colour variations — personalise your make
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them 🔧
The spike stitches aren't lined up. Mark the 12 rib points with stitch markers and work every spike into the same column each round.
Double crochet increases add up fast — if it domes, you have too many stitches; recount to exactly +12 per round, or switch to the eyelet round a round earlier.
Work the ch-1 spaces loosely, or go up half a hook size for rounds 9–10 only.
Work MORE stitches per chain (3–4 hdc in each) — the extra stitches force the strip to coil. Fewer stitches = a straight strip.
Assembly stage — pinning pieces before sewing
Materials Needed for Autumn Pumpkin Placemat (Set of Two)
🪝Tools & Notions
Pumpkin orange OR golden mustard (body), approx 55 g each mat
Beige/tan (edge trim), approx 15 g
Green (stem + vine), small amount
— Gauge:
16 dc = 10 cm
— Finished Size:
~34 cm wide pumpkin
— Yarn Weight:
DK cotton
— Hook:
4.0 mm (US G/6)
— Terms:
US Crochet Terminology
— Cost:
FREE ✓
Crochet Abbreviations
Autumn Pumpkin Placemat (Set of Two) — Full Pattern
🧶Pattern
Assembly & Finishing Tips
💡 Weaving in ends
Use a tapestry needle to weave each tail back and forth through at least 5–6 stitches in different directions. A tiny dot of washable glue on the final stitch before trimming adds extra security for toys used by children.
💡 Sewing pieces together
Pin each piece firmly to the body before sewing. Use mattress stitch for the most invisible join — insert the needle under the same yarn bar on alternating pieces and pull firmly. Knot securely at start and end, weave both tails deep into the body.
💡 Positioning safety eyes
Take time here — eye spacing determines the character's entire personality. Closer eyes look more intense; further apart looks more friendly and playful. Pin both positions and step back before snapping the backs on permanently. Once snapped, eyes cannot be moved without damaging the fabric.
💡 Blocking
Not required for amigurumi, but lightly steam-blocking any warped pieces will relax the fibres. Hold a steam iron a few centimetres away — never let it touch the stuffing or safety eyes directly.
💡 Care instructions
Handwash in cool water with mild detergent, press gently to remove excess water, lay flat to dry. Many acrylic yarns are machine washable on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag — always check your yarn label.
⚠️ Important Notes
- Use stitch markers at the start of every round — don't rely on memory to count.
- Work with consistent tension throughout. Gauge swatch before starting if in doubt.
- Fasten off leaving long tails for sewing — at least 30cm for each piece you'll need to attach.
- Pin and check positioning of all pieces before sewing any of them permanently.
Beginner's Guide to Amigurumi 🌱
Amigurumi (Japanese: ami = knitted/crocheted + nuigurumi = stuffed toy) is the craft of making small crocheted characters. You start with a magic ring, work in continuous spiral rounds of single crochet, and shape the piece through increases and decreases — no seams, no joins, no turning.
The magic ring creates a closable centre with no hole. Wrap yarn around two fingers, insert the hook, yarn over and pull through. Work your first round into this ring, then pull the tail to close tight. Practise a few times — it becomes effortless quickly.
The invisible decrease — insert your hook through the front loop only of the first stitch, then the front loop only of the second stitch. Yarn over, pull through both loops, then yarn over again and pull through the remaining two. Working through front loops only makes the decrease blend into the fabric instead of leaving a bump.
Tension matters most. Amigurumi needs tight, firm tension so stuffing can't show through. If you can see white fiberfill peeking between your stitches, go down one hook size. The fabric should feel dense and firm — like a tightly woven canvas, not a loose net.
The finished Autumn Pumpkin Placemat (Set of Two) — ready to gift or display
You Ask, We Answer ❓
Yes — add one or two more increase rounds (continuing +12 per round) before the eyelet ring. Keep the rib spike-stitches evenly spaced as the circle grows.
One colour is lovely too; use the beige just for the trim, or make both mats the same shade and vary only the napkins.
The shaping comes from the short hdc rows at the top in round 11. Add a row or shorten the stitches to exaggerate the shoulders if you want a rounder pumpkin.
Single thickness cotton gives light heat protection; for real trivets, work two circles and crochet them together for a double layer.
Yes — finished handmade pieces may be sold. Please credit Cozy Amigurumi; do not resell or redistribute the pattern itself.
