Ocean Tide Pumpkin Patch Crochet Mat Free Pattern
Ocean Tide Pumpkin Patch Crochet Mat Free Pattern
Introduction
This cozy mat is made for the big dogs in your life — the ones who sprawl across the whole floor and deserve a soft, sturdy spot of their own. It combines solid granny squares in three ocean blues with three flat, folk-art pumpkins sewn along one edge, so it looks just as charming in a hallway as it does by the fireplace. The bulky wool works up quickly and feels dense and warm under paws, while the striped square layout gives it a calm, rippling look. Whether you make it for Halloween or all year round, it is a satisfying project that uses simple stitches and a little color play.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Bulky weight (category 5) wool, approximately 1,200 yards total:
- 400 yards light blue
- 400 yards medium blue
- 400 yards dark blue
- 50 yards muted orange-brown (pumpkins)
- Small amount of brown (stems)
- Hook: 6.0 mm (J-10) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle, stitch markers, scissors, polyester fiberfill for stuffing pumpkins
- Finished size: 36 inches (91 cm) wide x 24 inches (61 cm) long
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sl st — slip stitch
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- sc2tog — single crochet two stitches together (a decrease)
- sp / sps — space / spaces
- st / sts — stitch / stitches
- R / Rnd — row / round
- [ ] — repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
One solid granny square measures 6 inches (15 cm) square after blocking. Work one square first and measure it flat; if it is larger, go down a hook size, and if it is smaller, go up a hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Make all 24 squares first and block them to 6 inches before joining — even squares make a flat, even mat.
- Keep your tension consistent between colors; the three blues should all measure the same square size.
- When joining, work through the back loops only so the seams lie flat and give the mat a sturdy, ridged finish.
- Stuff the pumpkins only lightly so they stay flat against the mat and do not become lumpy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mat Base — Solid Granny Squares (make 24: 8 light blue, 8 medium blue, 8 dark blue)
Rnd 1: Ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of ch 3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in each ch-2 sp, join (28 dc).
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in each ch-2 sp, join (44 dc). Fasten off.
Arranging the Squares
Lay the squares out in 4 rows of 6, following this striped pattern:
- Row 1: Light, Medium, Dark, Light, Medium, Dark
- Row 2: Medium, Dark, Light, Medium, Dark, Light
- Row 3: Dark, Light, Medium, Dark, Light, Medium
- Row 4: Light, Medium, Dark, Light, Medium, Dark
Joining the Squares
Hold two squares with right sides together and join with sc through both layers, working through the back loops only, using a matching color. Join the 6 squares in each row this way, then join the 4 rows together in the same manner.
Edging
Rnd 1: With light blue, work 1 round of sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner.
Rnd 2: Work 1 round of reverse sc (crab stitch) evenly around. Fasten off.
Pumpkins (make 3)
With orange-brown, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, 2 sc in next sc] 6 times (30 sts).
Rnds 6–8: sc in each sc around (30 sts).
Rnd 9: [3 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 10: [2 sc, sc2tog] 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 11: [sc, sc2tog] 6 times (12 sts). Stuff lightly.
Rnd 12: sc2tog 6 times (6 sts). Fasten off and close the opening.
Stems (make 3)
With brown, ch 2.
Rnd 1: 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (6 sts).
Rnds 2–3: sc in each sc around (6 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew one stem to the top of each pumpkin using the brown tail. Sew the three pumpkins evenly spaced along one short edge of the mat, about 2 inches (5 cm) in from that edge, using orange-brown yarn. Weave in all ends securely. Block the finished mat to 36 x 24 inches (91 x 61 cm), pinning the edges straight and allowing it to dry fully before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the blues for autumn rusts and golds for a warmer, seasonal look.
- Add a non-slip backing or a few dabs of fabric glue underneath to keep the mat in place on smooth floors.
- Make a smaller version by using 12 squares for a 24 x 12 inch mat — perfect for a cat or small dog.
