Oval Moss Bath Mat Crochet Free Pattern

Introduction

This oval bath mat is the perfect first "big" project for a beginner who has already mastered single crochet and wants to make something they'll actually use every day. Worked in joined rounds from a simple foundation chain, it grows into a soft, flat oval with smooth, rounded ends — no shaping tricks, no sewing pieces together. The striped bands of moss green, lichen green, and pale sage give it a calm, mid-century modern look that suits almost any bathroom. Because it's worsted-weight cotton, it feels sturdy and absorbent underfoot while staying soft and quick to work up.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn, approximately 400 yards total:
  • 200 yards moss green (Color A)
  • 120 yards lichen green (Color B)
  • 80 yards pale sage (Color C)
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors
• Finished size: Approximately 24 inches (61 cm) long x 16 inches (41 cm) wide

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• st / sts — stitch / stitches.
• Rnd — round.

Gauge

14 sc x 16 rows = 4 inches (10 cm). To check, crochet a small flat swatch in single crochet and measure a 4-inch section in both directions; if you have more stitches than 14, go up a hook size, and if you have fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Count your corners every round. Each end of the oval has a group of three corner stitches that each receive 3 sc. Mark the first and last of these with a stitch marker so you never lose your place.
• Keep your tension relaxed. A mat that's too tight will cup at the ends; if yours starts to ruffle, that's normal at first — it will flatten as the oval grows.
• Change colors at the join. Finish the last stitch of the round with the new color so the color change sits neatly at the join, then continue with a ch 1 as usual.
• Work over your ends as you go. Hold the old color alongside your work for a few stitches after each change to save weaving later.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Oval Body

Base chain: With A, ch 61.

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, 3 sc in last ch, turn to work along the opposite side of the foundation ch, sc in each ch across, 3 sc in last ch, join with sl st to first sc. (124 sc)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each sc across to first corner (3-sc group), 3 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each sc across to next corner, 3 sc in each of next 3 sc, join with sl st to first sc. (132 sc)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each sc across to corner, 3 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each sc across to next corner, 3 sc in each of next 3 sc, join with sl st to first sc. (140 sc)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each sc across to corner, 3 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each sc across to next corner, 3 sc in each of next 3 sc, join with sl st to first sc. (148 sc)

Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each sc across to corner, 3 sc in each of next 3 sc, sc in each sc across to next corner, 3 sc in each of next 3 sc, join with sl st to first sc. (156 sc)

Change to B.

Rnds 6-10: Repeat Rnd 5. (196 sc after Rnd 10)

Change to C.

Rnds 11-13: Repeat Rnd 5. (220 sc after Rnd 13)

Change to A.

Rnds 14-18: Repeat Rnd 5. (260 sc after Rnd 18)

Change to B.

Rnds 19-21: Repeat Rnd 5. (284 sc after Rnd 21)

Change to C.

Rnds 22-24: Repeat Rnd 5. (308 sc after Rnd 24)

Change to A.

Rnds 25-29: Repeat Rnd 5. (348 sc after Rnd 29)

Fasten off.

Edging

Edging Rnd: With A, join yarn at any st, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

There's no seaming — the mat is worked in one piece from start to finish. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, running each tail through several stitches in two directions so it stays put through washing. Block the mat by misting it lightly with water and pinning it flat to the finished measurements (24 x 16 inches / 61 x 41 cm); let it dry completely before use. A gentle steam press over a towel also smooths the edges.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make it wider: Add 10 chains to the foundation chain for a wider mat; each extra chain adds roughly 1.5 inches (4 cm) to the width.
• Try a non-slip backing: Sew a few dots of fabric puff paint or a piece of rug grip to the wrong side to keep the mat from sliding on tile.
• Play with color: Swap the stripe sequence for two colors only, or use up leftover cotton in a random striped order for a scrappier look.