Autumn Stripe Oval Placemat

A cozy, beginner-friendly oval placemat knit entirely in garter stitch. Soft autumn stripes of brown, orange, yellow, and white (3 rows each) create a cheerful table accent that is fully reversible and lies perfectly flat.

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) yarn in 4 colors, approximately 70 yd (64 m) each:
  • Color A: Brown
  • Color B: Orange
  • Color C: Yellow
  • Color D: White
• Needles: US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, blocking mats and pins (or wires)

Gauge

18 sts and 36 rows = 4" (10 cm) in garter stitch, blocked. Gauge is important for finished size; adjust needle size if needed.

Finished Size

One size: approximately 12½" wide × 18" long (32 × 45.5 cm) after blocking.

Abbreviations (US)

• BO = bind off
• CO = cast on
• k = knit
• k2tog = knit 2 stitches together (1 st decreased)
• kfb = knit into front and back of same stitch (1 st increased)
• rep = repeat
• RS = right side
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• WS = wrong side

Pattern Notes

• The entire placemat is worked flat in garter stitch (knit every row).
• Color sequence is continuous and never broken: 3 rows A, 3 rows B, 3 rows C, 3 rows D; repeat these 12 rows throughout.
• When changing colors, cut the old yarn leaving a 6" tail and begin the new color. All tails will be woven in at the end.
• Increases and decreases are worked 1 stitch in from each edge for a tidy border.
• “Every other row” means every RS row.
• Stitch counts are given at key points and confirmed with inline math.

Instructions

Increase Section

With Color A, CO 20 sts.

Begin working in the established 3-row stripe sequence (A-B-C-D) and at the same time shape the oval as follows:

Increase Row (RS): K1, kfb, knit to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. (2 sts increased)

Work the Increase Row every RS row 18 times total, continuing the 3-row stripes without interruption.

• After 18 increase rows you will have worked 36 rows and have 56 sts.
• Math check: 20 + (2 × 18) = 56 sts ✓

Center Section

Continuing the 3-row stripe sequence uninterrupted, work even (knit every row, no shaping) on these 56 sts for 90 rows.

Decrease Section

Continuing the 3-row stripe sequence uninterrupted, shape the second end as follows:

Decrease Row (RS): K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. (2 sts decreased)

Work the Decrease Row every RS row 18 times total.

• After 18 decrease rows you will have worked 36 rows and have 20 sts.
• Math check: 56 – (2 × 18) = 20 sts ✓

Next row (WS): Knit.

BO all sts knitwise.

Total rows worked: 36 (inc) + 90 (even) + 36 (dec) = 162 rows ✓
(162 rows ÷ 9 rows per inch = 18" length ✓)

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends securely on the WS using a tapestry needle. Because there are many color changes, take care to weave each tail along its own color stripe for invisibility.
2. Block the placemat firmly to open the oval shape:
   • Soak in lukewarm water with a little wool wash.
   • Gently squeeze out water (do not wring).
   • Pin to measurements: 12½" wide at center × 18" long, easing the curved ends into smooth ovals.
   • Allow to dry completely.
3. Steam lightly if desired to set the stripes.

Your Autumn Stripe Oval Placemat is ready for the table!

(Optional: make a matching set by repeating the pattern; each placemat uses roughly the same yardage.)