The Gingham Bunny Placemat: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Whimsical, Farmhouse-Style Table Setting

Bring Whimsical Farmhouse Charm to Your Table with the Gingham Bunny Placemat

Imagine a table setting that whispers of spring mornings, fresh flowers, and cozy farmhouse style. This free crochet pattern for the Gingham Bunny Placemat does exactly that. Featuring a textured bobble stitch bunny nestled in a classic checkered field of cream, soft pink, and light gray, this placemat is the perfect project to add a playful yet elegant touch to your Easter brunch or year-round dining decor. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a fun challenge, this pattern will guide you through creating a stunning, textured piece that's as delightful to make as it is to display.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in three colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - Cream (approx. 200 yards)
  • Contrast Color A (CA) - Soft Pink (approx. 150 yards)
  • Contrast Color B (CB) - Light Gray (approx. 150 yards)
• Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a tape measure for checking gauge.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your own Gingham Bunny Placemat. The finished size is approximately 12 inches wide x 18 inches long.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• bobble: Bobble stitch (yo, insert hook, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 loops) x 4 times in same st, yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• MC: Main Color (Cream)
• CA: Contrast Color A (Soft Pink)
• CB: Contrast Color B (Light Gray)

Pattern Notes

• The placemat is worked in rows from bottom to top.
• The gingham pattern is created by alternating blocks of color in a checkerboard pattern.
• The bunny is worked as an intarsia motif using bobble stitches for the body and ears.
• Always change colors on the last yarn over of the last stitch of the previous color to avoid gaps.

Instructions

Row 1 (Right Side): With MC, ch 43. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (42 sc)

Row 2: With MC, ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 3: Change to CA. Ch 1, sc in first 14 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 4: With CA, ch 1, sc in first 14 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Rows 5-6: Repeat Row 4.

Row 7: Change to MC. Ch 1, sc in first 14 sts, change to CA, sc in next 14 sts, change to MC, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 8: With MC, ch 1, sc in first 14 sts, change to CA, sc in next 14 sts, change to MC, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Rows 9-10: Repeat Row 8.

Rows 11-16: Repeat Rows 3-10 to continue gingham pattern.

Row 17 (Bunny Body - Right Side): With MC, ch 1, sc in first 14 sts, change to CA, sc in next 14 sts, change to MC, sc in last 14 sts. Turn. (This row sets up the bunny placement in the center CA block)

Row 18: With CA, ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, bobble in next st (bunny body), sc in next 4 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 19: With CA, ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, bobble in next st, sc in next 4 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 20: With CA, ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, bobble in next st, sc in next 4 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 21 (Bunny Ears): With CA, ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, bobble in next st (ear 1), sc in next 2 sts, bobble in next st (ear 2), sc in next 4 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 22: With CA, ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, bobble in next st, sc in next 2 sts, bobble in next st, sc in next 4 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 23: With CA, ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, bobble in next st, sc in next 2 sts, bobble in next st, sc in next 4 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 24: With CA, ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, bobble in next st (ear 1), sc in next 2 sts, bobble in next st (ear 2), sc in next 4 sts, change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Row 25: With CA, ch 1, sc in first 4 sts, sc in next 5 sts (no bobbles), change to MC, sc in next 14 sts, change to CA, sc in last 14 sts. Turn.

Rows 26-30: Continue gingham pattern as established (alternating blocks every 4 rows) until placemat measures approximately 18 inches from start. End with a row of MC.

Border

Round 1: With MC, ch 1, sc evenly around all edges, working 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Block lightly to shape by pinning the placemat to the desired dimensions and lightly steaming or spritzing with water. Allow to dry completely.

Your Gingham Bunny Placemat is now ready to grace your table with its whimsical farmhouse charm. Enjoy the compliments and the cozy, handmade touch it brings to your home!