I love a craft that looks unexpectedly high-end but starts with something you probably tossed in your cart for a dollar. This crochet wall hanging does exactly that: a plain white plastic placemat becomes the base, and those evenly cut slots turn it into the easiest loom-meets-crochet project. If you can do basic chain and single crochet stitches, you can make this, and even if you're newer to crochet, the placemat keeps the shape neat and forgiving.
This is the kind of project I’d work on at the kitchen counter while dinner simmers, because it comes together in short, satisfying stages and still gives you a finished piece that looks full and polished on the wall. I designed this version to have nice dense texture, long fringe, and a clean hanging dowel so it feels intentional and substantial instead of flimsy.
Materials
Instructions
1. Lay the placemat flat vertically and mark 12 evenly spaced slot positions across the top short end, starting 3/4 inch in from each side and spacing each mark about 7/8 inch apart.
2. At each mark, draw a vertical slot 1/2 inch long, keeping all 12 slots parallel and about 1/2 inch down from the top edge so the placemat stays sturdy.
3. Place the placemat on your cutting surface and carefully cut each slot with the craft knife, then flex the placemat gently to make sure the openings are clean and easy to stitch through.
4. Make a slip knot and single crochet evenly through all 12 slots, working one stitch into each slot to create a neat foundation row anchored to the placemat.
5. Chain 1, turn, and work 12 single crochet stitches across the row; repeat for 5 more rows so you build a dense, stable band at the top.
6. On the next row, create texture by alternating 1 single crochet and 1 half double crochet across, then repeat that textured row 5 times for a fuller center section.
7. Chain 3, skip 1 stitch, and double crochet into the next stitch across to make an open decorative row; on the following row, fill each space with 2 single crochet stitches so the pattern opens up without looking sparse.
8. Continue with 6 more rows of single crochet to lengthen the hanging until the crocheted panel measures about 8 inches from the placemat.
9. Cut 24 strands of yarn, each 18 inches long, fold each strand in half, and attach them as fringe across the bottom edge with lark’s head knots so the fringe looks full and generous.
10. Trim the fringe into a soft shallow V or straight line, depending on the look you want, and weave in all yarn tails with the needle.
11. Fold the top inch of the placemat slightly over the wooden dowel if the placemat design allows, or simply center the dowel behind the top edge and tie hanging yarn securely around both ends to support the piece evenly.
12. Cut one 24-inch piece of yarn for the hanger, tie it to both ends of the dowel, and adjust it until the wall hanging sits level; add a tiny dot of craft glue to knots if you want extra hold.
Variations & Tips
Change the shape: Trim the fringe into a deep V, angled sides, or a rounded curve if you want the finished hanging to feel a little more boho.
Try color blocking: Use cream for the top rows and a second cotton yarn color for the lower half or fringe; muted terracotta, sage, or dusty blue all look great with the white placemat.
Keep the slots neat: If your placemat is cracking when you cut, warm it slightly with your hands first and make several light passes with the knife instead of one heavy cut.
Use what you know: If single and half double crochet are your comfort zone, stick with those for the whole panel; the wall hanging will still look rich as long as you keep the rows dense and the fringe full.
Make it longer: For a more dramatic piece, add 4 to 6 extra crochet rows and cut fringe strands 22 inches long instead of 18 inches.
Best yarn choice: Cotton yarn works especially well here because it holds clean stitch definition and gives the fringe a nice weight, which helps the hanging drape straight instead of curling.