Easy Blue Chamomile Placemat: 3 Steps to Perfect Napkin Rings

There is something undeniably satisfying about a table setting that looks as though it came straight from a storybook. The Blue Chamomile Placemat and Napkin Ring Set delivers that exact feeling of cottage-core charm, combining a structured, flat-laying base with a whimsical, three-dimensional floral border. It is the kind of project that feels like a labor of love, resulting in a set that is as practical for daily use as it is stunning for display. Whether you are preparing for a spring brunch or crafting a thoughtful housewarming gift, this intermediate-level pattern offers a rewarding balance of rhythmic stitching and delicate assembly.

Why the Finished Piece Stands Out

What truly elevates this project beyond a standard table linen is the textural contrast between the dense, sturdy half double crochet base and the airy, dimensional chamomile flowers. The color palette—powder blue, ivory, and honey yellow—creates a soft, classic aesthetic that feels timeless. The flowers are not merely printed or embroidered on; they are individually crafted and linked with delicate chain bridges, creating a gentle, undulating border that catches the light. This tactile quality makes the set particularly appealing for makers who enjoy the meditative process of assembling small components into a cohesive whole. The result is a piece that feels custom-made and deeply personal, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to everyday meals or special occasions.

Project Overview

This pattern guides you through creating a complete table setting, including a circular placemat and an adjustable napkin ring. The placemat features a solid powder blue center worked in half double crochet, framed by an ivory scalloped rim. The standout feature is the border of three-dimensional chamomile flowers, worked in honey yellow and ivory, which are connected and attached to the rim. The matching napkin ring allows you to coordinate your table setting perfectly.

Materials

Before you start, gather all your supplies. Having everything ready makes the process so much more enjoyable.

Yarn

• Powder blue worsted weight cotton yarn: Approximately 250 to 300 g
• Ivory or white worsted weight cotton yarn: Approximately 120 to 150 g
• Honey yellow worsted weight cotton yarn: Approximately 20 to 30 g

Cotton yarn is essential for this project. It provides excellent stitch definition, holds its shape beautifully, and can be blocked to achieve that perfectly flat, professional finish. Cotton is also practical for table linens since it washes well and resists stains better than many other fibers.

Tools

• Crochet hook: 4.0 mm (US G) or size needed to obtain gauge
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing
• Scissors
• Locking stitch markers (recommended)

Gauge and Finished Size

Getting gauge right matters for this pattern. Your placemat needs to lie flat, and the increases are calculated based on specific stitch dimensions.

• Gauge: Approximately 16 half double crochet (hdc) stitches x 12 rows = 10 cm square
• Finished Placemat: Approximately 38 to 42 cm (15 to 16.5 inches) in diameter
• Napkin Ring: Circumference is adjustable to fit your specific napkins

Take time to make a gauge swatch before diving in. If your swatch is too small, go up a hook size. If it is too large, go down a hook size. This small step saves frustration later.

Abbreviations

Let me walk you through every stitch used in this pattern. Even if you know these already, a quick refresher never hurts.

• Magic ring: A technique for starting crochet in the round that creates a tight, closed center with no hole. You wrap yarn around your fingers, work your first stitches into the loop, then pull the tail to close it tight.
• Chain stitch (ch): The most basic crochet stitch. Yarn over, pull through the loop on your hook. Chains create foundation rows and turning chains.
• Slip stitch (sl st): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion. Used for joining rounds and creating invisible connections.
• Single crochet (sc): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops. A short, tight stitch.
• Half double crochet (hdc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops. Taller than single crochet but shorter than double crochet. This is the main stitch for the placemat body.
• Double crochet (dc): Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops. Creates a taller, more open fabric.
• Treble crochet (tr): Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through two loops three times. An even taller stitch.
• Increase (inc): Working 2 stitches in one stitch to add width and shape your circle.
• Picot stitch: A small decorative bump created by chaining a few stitches and slip stitching back into the base.

Pattern Notes

This Blue Chamomile Placemat and Napkin Ring crochet pattern is rated as intermediate level. The main placemat construction is straightforward half double crochet worked in rounds, which is very approachable. The chamomile flowers and assembly add a bit more complexity, but nothing that should intimidate you if you have made a few projects before.

• Keep tension consistent for a smooth circular placemat. If your tension varies, your circle may become wavy or cup-shaped.
• Increase spacing may need adjustment depending on your yarn thickness and personal tension. If your placemat is cupping (bowl-shaped), you need more increases. If it is ruffling (wavy edges), you need fewer increases.
• Cotton yarn gives the best stitch definition and structure for this project. Acrylic will work in a pinch, but it will not block as crisply and may not hold its shape as well over time.
• Count your stitches regularly. It is much easier to fix a mistake one round back than to discover it ten rounds later.
• Use stitch markers to track your rounds and increase placement. Locking stitch markers work best since they will not fall out as you work.

Pattern Instructions

Part 1: Blue Half Double Crochet Placemat

This is the foundation of your project. The powder blue center creates a beautiful solid base for all the decorative elements.

Round 1: With powder blue yarn, make a magic ring. Chain 2 (this counts as your first hdc). Work 11 hdc into the ring. Join with slip stitch to the top of the starting chain 2. (12 hdc) Pull that magic ring nice and tight so you do not have a hole in the center.

Round 2: Chain 2. Work 2 hdc in every stitch around. Join with slip stitch. (24 hdc) You have just doubled your stitch count. Your circle should already be taking shape.

Round 3: Chain 2. Alternate 1 hdc in next stitch and 2 hdc in next stitch around. Join with slip stitch. (36 hdc) This alternating increase pattern keeps your circle flat and even.

Round 4: Chain 2. Work 1 hdc in each stitch, increasing evenly around every third stitch. Join with slip stitch.

Rounds 5 through 18: Continue working hdc in spiral rounds. Increase evenly each round so the circle remains flat. The key here is to smoothly spread increases around the work instead of stacking them directly above previous increases. Why does this matter? When you stack increases in the same place round after round, you create corners instead of a smooth circle. By offsetting your increases, you maintain that beautiful round shape.

Final Blue Round: Work one final round of hdc without increases to stabilize the center. This creates a firm edge for attaching the ivory rim. Fasten off and weave in your end. Your blue center is complete!

Part 2: Ivory Rim

Now we add the elegant white border that frames the blue center and provides the foundation for attaching the chamomile flowers.

Attach ivory yarn to any stitch along the edge of your blue placemat.

Round 1: Work single crochet evenly around the edge. Join with slip stitch. Count your stitches here. You want an even number for the next round to work correctly.

Round 2: Chain 3, skip one stitch, slip stitch into next stitch to create a small open chain loop. Repeat this pattern around the entire edge. These chain loops create the lacy foundation for your scalloped edge.

Round 3: Inside each chain space, work: 1 sc, 3 dc, 1 sc. This creates the soft scalloped white rim that gives the placemat its finished, feminine look. Fasten off and weave in ends. Set the placemat aside while you make the flowers.

Part 3: Chamomile Flower Border

This is where the magic happens. You will make approximately 12 to 14 individual chamomile flowers, then connect them into a beautiful border.

Flower Center

With honey yellow yarn, make a magic ring. Work 10 sc into ring. Join with slip stitch and fasten off. Pull the magic ring closed completely. You want a tight, puffy center that looks like the real thing.

Petals

Attach ivory

Part 4: Crochet Napkin Ring

The matching napkin ring adds that extra touch of charm to your table. Whether you are making a set for yourself or crafting a thoughtful housewarming gift, this project delivers impressive results without requiring advanced skills.

Ring Base

Create a foundation chain that fits comfortably around your napkin. Join with slip stitch to form a ring. Work rounds of half double crochet or single crochet to achieve the desired height for the ring.

Flower Decoration

Create a small chamomile flower using the instructions in Part 3 (Flower Center and Petals). Attach this flower to the napkin ring using your tapestry needle and matching yarn.

Assembly

Now we connect all those sweet little flowers into a cohesive border.

1. Arrange flowers evenly around the placemat edge. Use ivory yarn and create chain bridges between flowers:
2. Join flower edge with yarn.
3. Chain 6 to 8 (adjust based on spacing).
4. Attach to next flower with a slip stitch.

Repeat until the full border is connected in a continuous ring.

Once your flower chain is complete, sew the flower chain border securely to the ivory rim of the placemat. Use your tapestry needle and ivory yarn, taking small stitches on the back of the work where they will not show.

You are almost there! These final steps make the difference between a nice project and a stunning one.

Tips

• A helpful tip: Place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round so you do not lose track of where you are. Count your stitches every few rounds to make sure you are on track.
• Weave in all ends thoroughly. For table linens that will be washed, weave each end through at least 2 inches of stitches in different directions.
• Block the placemat and flowers lightly with steam or damp blocking. Lay the placemat on a flat surface, pin it into a perfect circle if needed, and either hover a steam iron over it (without touching) or spritz it with water and let it dry completely. Shape the circle flat and allow to dry completely before use. Blocking truly transforms the finished piece.
• Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Lay flat to dry on a clean towel. Avoid high heat to preserve cotton shape. If needed, block again after washing to restore the flat circle shape.

FAQs

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?

Acrylic will work in a pinch, but it will not block as crisply and may not hold its shape as well over time. Cotton is recommended for the best stitch definition and structure, especially for table linens that need to lie flat.

How do I fix a cupping placemat?

If your placemat is cupping (bowl-shaped), you likely need more increases. Try increasing more frequently or in different spots to encourage the fabric to lie flat. Conversely, if it is ruffling, you need fewer increases.

How many flowers do I need for the border?

You will make approximately 12 to 14 individual chamomile flowers. The exact number may vary slightly depending on your gauge and how tightly you space them, but this range ensures full coverage of the rim.

Is this pattern suitable for beginners?

This pattern is rated as intermediate level. While the main body uses straightforward half double crochet stitches, the assembly of the flower border and the creation of individual flowers add a layer of complexity that may challenge absolute beginners.

How do I care for the finished placemat?

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap and lay flat to dry on a clean towel. Avoid high heat to preserve the cotton shape. You may need to block it again after washing to restore the flat circle shape.