If you’re a lover of handmade crafts or simply want to add a heartfelt touch to your table décor, the Easy Heart Placemat & Coaster Set is a perfect project to start. Whether you’re crafting for Valentine’s Day, a romantic dinner, a wedding shower, or just want to brighten your home with sweet accents, these crocheted heart-shaped pieces offer charm, function, and joy.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to create a delightful matching set of heart-shaped placemats and coasters — from materials and stitches to step-by-step instructions and design ideas.
🧶 Why Choose a Heart Placemat & Coaster Set?
There are dozens of patterns out there for kitchen and dining decor, but the heart shape brings something extra special. Here’s why this project is worth trying:
- Beginner-friendly: Uses simple stitches and shaping techniques.
- Fast to finish: Great as a weekend or evening project.
- Gift-worthy: A thoughtful handmade gift for anniversaries, holidays, weddings, or housewarmings.
- Customizable: Choose colors, borders, and sizes to suit your style or theme.
✨ What You’ll Need
Before you begin crocheting, gather the following supplies:
🧵 Materials:
- Yarn:
- Cotton yarn (recommended for placemats and coasters due to durability and easy cleaning).
- Weight: Worsted (Medium / 4) for placemats; you can use DK (Light / 3) for coasters if preferred.
- Colors: Choose solid, pastel, or variegated yarns for different looks.
- Crochet Hook:
- Size 4.0mm to 5.0mm (G or H hook), depending on your yarn and tension.
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle (for weaving in ends)
- Stitch Markers (optional but helpful for marking rounds)
🧵 Basic Stitches You’ll Use
This pattern uses basic crochet stitches, making it accessible to beginners and relaxing for experienced crocheters.
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble (triple) crochet
- inc – increase (2 stitches in one stitch)
- dec – decrease (combine two stitches)
❤️ How to Crochet a Heart-Shaped Placemat
Let’s start with the placemat — larger in size, but made from the same basic heart pattern as the coaster.
🧭 PATTERN: EASY HEART PLACEMAT
Size: Approx. 12–14 inches wide (adjustable)
Skill Level: Easy/Beginner
Time Required: 1–2 hours per placemat
🔹 Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Start With a Magic Ring
(Or ch 4 and join with sl st to form a ring.)
Step 2: Round 1 – Foundation
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), work 14 dc into the ring.
- Join with sl st to the top of the ch 3. (15 dc)
Step 3: Round 2 – Form the Top Lobes
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in the same stitch.
- 2 dc in each stitch around.
- Join with sl st. (30 dc)
Step 4: Round 3 – Shaping the Heart
- Ch 3, dc in same stitch.
- Dc in next 3 stitches.
- (Dc, tr) in next stitch.
- Tr in next 4 stitches.
- (Tr, dc) in next stitch.
- Dc in next 3 stitches.
- Ch 1, sl st in next stitch (this creates the point at the bottom of the heart).
- Continue on the other side:
- Dc in next 3, (dc, tr) in next, tr in 4, (tr, dc) in next, dc in 3, join with sl st.
Step 5: Round 4 – Finishing the Shape
- Work 1 sc in each stitch around. You can add a slight increase at the curves (top of the heart) to prevent pulling.
- Sl st to finish.
- Fasten off and weave in ends.
☕ Matching Heart Coaster Pattern
The coaster uses the same pattern as the placemat but with fewer rounds and/or a lighter yarn and smaller hook.
🔹 Coaster Instructions (Short Version):
- Magic ring or ch 4, sl st to form ring.
- Work 12–14 dc into ring.
- Use the same shaping from the placemat (Round 3), but stop after shaping — no additional rows.
- Edge with sc if desired.
- Fasten off and block if needed.
Size: Approx. 4–5 inches wide
Time: ~30 minutes each
🎨 Customization Ideas
Now that you have the basic heart shape down, the design possibilities are endless!
🖌️ Color Variations:
- Classic Red or Pink: For Valentine’s vibes.
- Rustic Neutrals: Great for weddings or farmhouse décor.
- Pastels: Baby showers, springtime, or Easter themes.
- Bold Multicolor: Use variegated or self-striping yarns.
🪡 Decorative Touches:
- Edging: Add a scalloped or picot edge around the heart for a lacy finish.
- Appliqué: Sew on a mini crochet flower or initial.
- Tassels or Pom-Poms: Add tiny decorative elements to one side.
🧼 Functional Enhancements:
- Add Felt Backing: Glue or sew a felt layer underneath for added thickness.
- Stiffen with Fabric Spray: Use a starch spray to help the placemats hold their shape.
🧼 Care Instructions
Crocheted tableware items need gentle care:
- Hand wash or machine wash in a mesh bag (gentle cycle).
- Use cold water and mild detergent.
- Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.
- Avoid hot ironing – use a light steam or press with a towel on top.
🧡 Gift and Decor Ideas
These placemat and coaster sets are excellent handmade gifts and look beautiful in a variety of settings:
- Romantic Dinner Table
- Wedding Gifts
- Mother’s Day Sets
- Housewarming Presents
- Valentine’s Day Breakfast Table
- Kids’ Craft Stations (use acrylic yarn)
🧵 Final Thoughts
The Easy Heart Placemat & Coaster Set is a charming and rewarding crochet project that allows crafters of all levels to create something functional, beautiful, and meaningful. With just a bit of yarn and time, you can bring warmth and creativity to your table or someone else’s heart.
Whether you’re creating for yourself, a loved one, or your Etsy shop, this set is a great way to practice shaping and bring love into every stitch.
Video tutorial:
