Rula Placemat in Lion Brand Just Hemp - M20358 JH - Downloadable PDF

Lion Brand Just Hemp Rula Placemat – Free Crochet Pattern (M20358 JH)

The Rula Placemat is a beautiful, circular crocheted placemat designed by Lion Brand and worked entirely in Lion Brand Just Hemp yarn. This free downloadable crochet pattern (Pattern Number M20358 JH) produces a finished placemat measuring approximately 13 inches (33 cm) in diameter, making it an ideal size for everyday table settings. The design features a striking multicolor construction worked outward from the center, creating a decorative, textured surface with rich visual interest.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single round placemat suitable for use as a functional table accessory or as a decorative piece. Its circular shape and colorful, textured design make it a versatile addition to any home décor. The finished placemat has a handcrafted, natural aesthetic that reflects the organic character of the hemp yarn used.

Materials Used

• Lion Brand Just Hemp (Art. #839) in three colors:
  • #157 Hay – 1 ball (Color A)
  • #107 Sky – 1 ball (Color B)
  • #140 Primrose – 1 ball (Color C)
• Lion Brand crochet hook size I-9 (5.5 mm)
• Lion Brand large-eyed blunt needle for weaving in ends

Lion Brand Just Hemp is a chunky weight natural fiber yarn spun from hemp, giving finished projects a sturdy, slightly textured hand with excellent durability. Hemp is a sustainable, plant-based fiber known for its strength and its ability to soften with use and washing, making it especially well-suited for household items like placemats that need to withstand regular use.

Skill Level and Difficulty

This pattern is rated Easy, making it an excellent project for beginner crocheters who are comfortable with basic stitches and are ready to practice simple color changes and specialty stitches. The construction method — working in joined rounds from the center outward — is a classic approach that helps beginners build confidence with circular crochet projects.

Techniques Used

• Working in the round – The placemat is constructed entirely in joined rounds, beginning with a foundation chain ring and expanding outward with each round.
• Color changing – Starting with Round 3, the yarn color is changed on every round. Each old color is fastened off and the new color is joined at the indicated stitch or space. The pattern also notes that yarn can optionally be left attached and carefully carried up the wrong side of the work to reduce the number of ends to weave in.
• Gauge checking – The pattern specifies that Rounds 1–4 should measure approximately 4 inches (10 cm), and recommends checking gauge before beginning to ensure the correct finished size.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) – Used to form the foundation ring and throughout the pattern for spacing and structure.
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Used to join rounds and to form the picot embellishment.
• Double crochet (dc) – Used in Round 1 to establish the initial circular base of 12 stitches.
• Single crochet (sc) – Used in Round 2 to increase the stitch count to 24 stitches around the circle.
• Cluster stitch (Cl) – A key decorative stitch used from Round 3 onward. The cluster is worked by drawing up multiple loops in the same stitch and finishing them together, creating a raised, textured bobble-like effect. Specifically, the cluster involves working yarn-over insertions into the same stitch three times, drawing through two loops each time, then drawing through all remaining loops at once.
• Picot – A small decorative loop formed by chaining 3 and slip-stitching into the third chain from the hook, adding a delicate edging detail to the finished placemat.
• Chain-