Easy Midnight Sunflower Bee Placemat Pattern

There is absolutely no way I can make that, right? You look at the Midnight Sunflower Bee Placemat and see the layered colors, the textured ribbing, and the adorable little bee sitting right in the center. It looks like something only an expert could pull off. But here is the truth: if you can work double crochet in the round and follow along step by step, you can absolutely make this. It is the perfect project to challenge yourself just enough without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you are making this for your own dining table or as a thoughtful handmade gift for a housewarming, this placemat combines practical cotton durability with a charming, sunflower-inspired aesthetic.

Gift and Use Ideas

While this placemat is stunning enough to be a centerpiece, its true beauty lies in its versatility. The deep navy and warm ivory palette makes it a sophisticated addition to any table setting, while the mustard yellow accents add a pop of sunshine. Because it is made from cotton, it is practical for everyday use and easy to care for. Consider gifting a set of four to a friend who loves hosting dinner parties, or pair it with the optional sunflower napkin ring for a complete table decor set. The textured ribbing and scalloped edges make it a delightful “show-off” project that looks far more complex than it actually is.

Project Overview

The Midnight Sunflower Bee Placemat is designed to be approachable for crocheters who have moved past basic dishcloths but want to explore texture and color changes. The construction is simple: you are essentially making circles that get bigger, changing colors a few times, and adding a sweet applique at the end. The design features a warm ivory center medallion, a mustard yellow openwork ring that creates a lacy halo effect, a deep navy ribbed band for texture, and beautiful scalloped edges trimmed in gold.

Materials

Gather these supplies before you begin:

Yarn

• Warm ivory cotton yarn for the center
• Mustard yellow cotton yarn for the openwork ring and gold edging
• Deep navy blue cotton yarn for the outer scallop band
• Black and gold yarn for the bee applique
• Small amount of green yarn (optional, for sunflower napkin ring accents)

Tools

• 4 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
• Stitch markers
• Scissors

Gauge and Finished Size

Getting your gauge right ensures your placemat turns out the correct size. Work a small swatch first if you are concerned about sizing.

• Gauge: 10 double crochet stitches and 5 rounds should measure approximately 2 inches.
• Adjustments: If your swatch is larger, try going down a hook size. If it is smaller, go up a hook size.
• Finished Size: Approximately 15 to 16 inches in diameter.

Abbreviations

Let me define every stitch you will encounter so there is no confusion:

• ch (chain): Wrap yarn over hook and pull through the loop on your hook. This creates the foundation for most crochet work.
• sl st (slip stitch): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Used for joining rounds.
• sc (single crochet): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.
• hdc (half double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all 3 loops.
• dc (double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops, yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops.
• tr (treble crochet): Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through 2 loops three times.
• inc (increase): Work 2 stitches into the same stitch to add one stitch to your count.
• st (stitch): A single unit of crochet work.
• sk (skip): Pass over the indicated stitch without working into it.

Pattern Notes

This placemat is worked in joined rounds. This means you will slip stitch to join at the end of each round rather than working in a continuous spiral. Turn only when the instructions specifically tell you to do so.

For the cleanest finish on your placemat edge, use invisible joins when fastening off each color section. This creates a polished, professional look that makes your color changes nearly seamless.

Pattern Instructions

Part 1: Ivory Bee Center

Grab your warm ivory yarn and let’s build the foundation of this beautiful placemat.

Round 1: Make a magic ring (also called a magic circle or adjustable ring). If you have never made one, you create a loop with your yarn, insert your hook, pull up a loop, and work your stitches into that ring. When you pull the tail, the ring cinches closed with no hole in the center. Chain 2. Work 12 double crochet (dc) into the ring. Join with a slip stitch (sl st) to the top of your starting chain. Stitch count: 12 stitches.

Round 2: Chain 2. Work 2 dc in each stitch around. Join with sl st. Stitch count: 24 stitches.

Round 3: Chain 2. Work the following repeat around the entire round: 1 dc in the next stitch, 2 dc in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern all the way around. Join with sl st. Stitch count: 36 stitches.

Round 4: Chain 2. Work the following repeat around the entire round: 1 dc in the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern all the way around. Join with sl st. Stitch count: 48 stitches.

Rounds 5 through 8: Continue increasing evenly in the same manner. Each round, you will add one more dc between your increases. So Round 5 would be 1 dc in 3 stitches then 2 dc in the next, Round 6 would be 1 dc in 4 stitches then 2 dc in the next, and so on. Keep working until your ivory circle measures approximately 7 inches in diameter. Fasten off ivory yarn and weave in your end.

Part 2: Mustard Openwork Ring

Now we are adding that gorgeous lacy yellow section that gives this placemat its sunflower halo effect. Attach your mustard yellow yarn to any stitch.

Round 9: Chain 3. Work a dc in the same stitch. Chain 1, skip the next stitch, then work 2 dc in the next stitch. Continue this pattern all the way around: chain 1, skip 1, 2 dc in next. Join with sl st.

Round 10: Slip stitch into the chain space you just created. Chain 3. Work 2 dc in each chain space around. Join with sl st.

Round 11: Chain 4, skip 2 stitches, then sc into the next space. Repeat this pattern all the way around. This creates a lovely open lace texture that lets the ivory center peek through.

Round 12: Work mustard dc stitches evenly around to create a firm transition band. This solid round stabilizes the lace section and prepares you for the color change to navy.

Part 3: Navy Ribbed Band

This is where we add beautiful texture. The front post half double crochet technique creates raised ribbing that catches the light and adds dimension. Attach your deep navy blue yarn.

Round 13: Chain 2. Work hdc (half double crochet) around the entire round. Join.

Round 14: Now we create the ribbing. Work a front post hdc around each stitch. To do this, yarn over, insert your hook from front to back around the post (the vertical part) of the stitch below, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. This pushes the stitch forward and creates that textured ridge.

Rounds 15 through 18: Repeat the front post hdc rounds until your navy band measures approximately 2 inches wide. The ribbing should be clearly visible and have a satisfying textured feel.

Part 4: Navy Scalloped Edge with Gold Trim

Here comes the gorgeous scalloped border that makes this placemat look like a blooming flower.

Round 19: Attach navy yarn. Chain 1. Work sc (single crochet) around the entire round. This creates an even base for your scallops.

Round 20: Now create the scallops. Work the following repeat: Skip 2 stitches, work 7 dc all in the next stitch (this fans out to create your scallop), skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch. Repeat this pattern around the entire placemat. Take your time on this round. The scallops should be evenly spaced and uniform in size.

Round 21: Attach your mustard or gold yarn. Slip stitch around the scallop edge to finish.

Part 5: Crochet Bee Applique

The little crocheted bee in the center is the detail that takes this from pretty to absolutely charming. Create the bee applique according to your preferred bee pattern, ensuring it fits the scale of the ivory center. Use surface slip stitches to add details: hold your gold yarn behind the work, insert your hook through the body, pull up a loop, and slip stitch across to create a raised stripe. Add surface crochet two curved lines from the head end of the bee for antennae or wing details.

Assembly

Take time with these final steps since they make all the difference in your finished piece.

• Weave in all ends using your tapestry needle. Thread each tail through several stitches on the back, then trim close to the work.
• Block lightly by laying your placemat on a flat surface and gently shaping it into a perfect circle. Pin the edges if needed.
• Shape your scallops evenly by adjusting each one so they are uniform in size and spacing.
• Steam gently if needed, but avoid pressing down on the textured ribbing or you will flatten those beautiful front post stitches.

Tips

• Work a small swatch first if you are concerned about sizing.
• If your swatch is larger, try going down a hook size. If it is smaller, go up a hook size.
• For the cleanest finish on your placemat edge, use invisible joins when fastening off each color section. This creates a polished, professional look that makes your color changes nearly seamless.
• Take your time on the scallop round. The scallops should be evenly spaced and uniform in size.
• Your finished placemat should be hand washed in cool water with a gentle detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting. Lay flat to dry on a clean towel, reshaping while damp if necessary. Cotton yarn is durable and practical for table use, but machine washing can distort your careful blocking and flatten the textured stitches.

FAQs

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?

While cotton is recommended for its durability and practicality for table use, you can use acrylic. However, keep in mind that acrylic may not hold the blocking shape as well as cotton, and the textured ribbing might not be as defined.

How do I fix a wavy edge on my scallops?

If your scallops are uneven, check your stitch counts in Round 20. Ensure you are skipping exactly 2 stitches and working 7 dc into the next stitch consistently. Blocking your finished piece by pinning it out can also help even out minor irregularities.

What is an invisible join?

An invisible join is a technique used to finish a round without the bump created by a standard slip stitch. It involves cutting the yarn, pulling the tail through the loop on the hook, and then weaving that tail through the stitches of the round to hide it seamlessly.

How do I make the optional sunflower napkin ring?

You can create a simple napkin ring using the green yarn and the same ribbing technique (front post hdc) used in the navy band, adjusting the circumference to fit your napkin. Attach a small sunflower motif to the front for a matching set.

Why is my ribbing not showing up clearly?

Ensure you are working the front post hdc correctly by inserting your hook from front to back around the vertical post of the stitch below. Also, check your tension; if the stitches are too tight, the ribbing may flatten. Try using a slightly larger hook if the fabric feels stiff.