Folksy Fiddle Mat - Free Pattern
The Folksy Fiddle Mat is a colorful, beginner-friendly crochet project designed to keep busy hands soothed and engaged. Made using nine vibrant granny-style squares in KnitPal Tweed Twinkles DK yarn, each block brings its own texture, charm, and playful personality. With added tactile trims—like tassels, ribbons, buttons, curls, and felt backing—this mat is perfect for children, memory-care settings, sensory play, or anyone who loves a comforting, hands-on companion. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a joyful project with thoughtful purpose.
Download a printable pattern PDF
What You’ll Need
- Yarn: KnitPal Tweed Twinkles DK (weight #3 - 79% acrylic/21% polyester, 87 yds per 50 g)This project uses 10 yds each of 9 different colours. Shown in: Main Color: Kiwi Green; Contrasting Colors: Golden Yellow, Orchid Purple, Mint Blue, Cyan Blue,Fuchsia Pink, Royal Blue, Coral Pink, and Baby Blue
- Hook: US H / 5 mm crochet hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
-
Notions:
Sewing needle & thread
Felt backing large enough to cover back of mat
Stitch markers
Buttons, beads, ribbons, or other textured materials to attach to mat
Details
- Skill Level: Easy
- Gauge: 4" / 10 cm = 12sts in dc
- Measurements: 11x11"/ 28x28 cm
Abreviations (US Terms)
- CC: contrast color
- ch: chain
- dc: double crochet
- MC: Main Color
- MR: Magic Ring
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- tr: treble crochet
Special Stitches
Blanket Stitch (for finishing)
-
With matching thread, pull the thread through from the back ofthe top layer(squares).
-
Pull the thread through but stop and leave a loop of threadhanging there. Take your needle and stick it through that loop ofthread you left hanging.Keep pulling that needle so the thread is pulled through that loop.
-
Tighten it, and it will hold that loop of thread in place, along theedge of the fabric.
-
Stick the needle through the front side again. Repeat the processover again around the edge.
Notes
- Turning ch does not count as a stitch unless otherwise indicated
Pattern
Download a printable pattern PDF
SOLID SQUARE – MAKE 1 IN EACH COLOR
Round 1: MR, ch3 (counts as one dc), 11dc in ring, sl st to join to top of beginning ch3. Pull beginning tail close the gap. (12 sts)
Round 2: Ch3, dc in same st, 2dc in each st around, sl st to join. (24 sts)
Round 3: Ch3, dc in same st, dc in next st, 2dc in next st. *Dc in next st, 2dc in next st*, repeat from* around, sl st to join. (36 sts)
Round 4: Ch3, dc in same st, ch1, 2dc in next st (corner made), dc in next 7 sts, *2dc, ch1, 2dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts*, repeat from * 2 more times, sl st to join. (44 sts)
Block squares.
Join the squares together with sl sts on the wrong side of squares.
Make 3 rows of 3 squares each. Join the rows of squares together, for a total of 3 rows, 3 columns.
With MC, finish edges with sc around, 3sc in each corner. Block.
FELT BACKING AND EDGING
Cut felt to match size of mat. Layer wrong sides of felt and squares together. Use the Blanket Stitch (through both layers) around to finish outside edge.
TRIMS
Attach tassels to each corner. Attach any trims with texture to keep hands busy. Use buttons, beads, ribbons, or create some from the ideas below:
YARN CURLICUE
In any CC, Ch16, 3sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across. Fasten off with a tail to attach to mat.
SUN
Round 1: With any CC, MR, ch1, 6sc in ring, sl st to join. (6 sts)
Round 2: 2sc in each st around., sl st to join. (12 sts)
Round 3: *sc, 2sc, repeat from * around, sl st to join. (24 sts)
Round 4: *Sl st in next st, ch4, sc in 1st ch, repeat from * around.
SQUARE
Work Rounds 1-3 of Solid Square as described above, using a different CC for each round. Fasten off with a tail.
POM POMS
In any CC, make a Pom Pom
HEART
Round 1: In any CC, MR, ch3, 3tr, 3dc, ch2, 3dc, 3tr all in ring, ch2, sl st in center of ring. Pull tail closed. Fasten off, leaving a tail.
Download a printable pattern PDF
Share Your Finished Piece!
We love seeing your creations—and this pattern is especially meaningful.
If you post your beanie on Instagram, please tag @knitpalusa so we can cheer you on!
And if you’d like more soft, gentle yarns perfect for charity crafting, KnitPal has so many beautiful options to keep your hooks busy and your heart full.
With permission of the designer, this pattern and photos are property of KnitPal and may not be altered, shared, or sold. Do not rewrite any part of this design and sell as your own design. You’re welcome to sell finished products made with this pattern, but please credit the design to KnitPal https://knitpal.com/
