Old Glory Table Runner & Napkin Rings: A Patriotic Knitting Pattern

Bring a touch of handcrafted Americana to your table this season with our Old Glory Table Runner & Napkin Rings knitting pattern. This textured, star-spangled placemat and matching napkin ring set is knitted in soft, absorbent cotton—making it a cozy, festive accent for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or any patriotic gathering. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern delivers a stunning centerpiece with clear, step-by-step guidance.

In this post, we'll walk you through everything you need: the exact materials, a detailed stitch-by-stitch guide, and pro tips for flawless colorwork. By the end, you'll have a beautiful, heirloom-quality set that’s sure to spark conversation at your next BBQ.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Festive & Functional: The placemat protects your table while adding a bold red, white, and blue statement.
• Beginner-Friendly Colorwork: The star motif uses simple stranding techniques—no complex intarsia or short rows.
• Quick to Knit: Worsted-weight cotton means fast progress and durable results.
• Complete Set: Includes a matching napkin ring with a button closure for a polished look.

Materials Needed

Before you cast on, gather these supplies. All items are readily available at craft stores or online.

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors (approx. per placemat + ring set):
  • Red: 200g (e.g., 4 balls of 50g)
  • White: 150g (e.g., 3 balls of 50g)
  • Navy Blue: 100g (e.g., 2 balls of 50g)
• Tip: Choose a machine-washable cotton like Lily Sugar'n Cream or Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton for easy care.

Needles & Notions

• US 7 (4.5mm) knitting needles (straight or circular—whatever you prefer)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing the button
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking chart rows)
• One small Navy button (approx. ½ inch diameter) for the napkin ring closure

Gauge

20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side). Always knit a gauge swatch to ensure your finished placemat measures approximately 12" x 18". Adjust needle size if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions carefully. We've expanded every step to eliminate guesswork. The pattern is divided into two parts: the Placemat and the Napkin Ring.

Part 1: The Placemat (Approx. 12" x 18")

Step 1: Cast On & Border

1. With Red yarn, cast on 60 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail is recommended for a stretchy edge).
2. Work in garter stitch (knit every row) for 6 rows. This creates a sturdy, non-curling border.

Step 2: Begin the Body in Stockinette

3. Switch to stockinette stitch: Knit on the right side (RS), purl on the wrong side (WS).
4. Work 2 rows in Red (one RS row, one WS row). This separates the border from the colorwork.

Step 3: The Star Motif (Colorwork)

Now you'll create the centerpiece—a crisp white star on a navy background. The star is worked over 40 rows and uses all 60 stitches of the row. Each "square" in the chart below represents one stitch. Read odd rows (RS) from right to left, and even rows (WS) from left to right.

Important Colorwork Technique: When switching colors, carry the unused yarn loosely along the back of the work. Twist the yarns every 3-4 stitches to prevent long floats that can snag. Keep your tension even—don't pull the carried yarn too tight, or the fabric will pucker.

Star Chart (40 rows x 60 stitches)

Note: The star shape emerges naturally from the increasing and decreasing white sections. Trust the chart—it's symmetrical and foolproof.

Step 4: Finish the Body & Border

5. After completing Row 40 of the chart, continue in stockinette stitch with Red yarn for 2 rows.
6. Work 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row) with Red yarn to mirror the bottom border.
7. Bind off loosely in Red. To avoid a tight edge, use a larger needle (e.g., US 8) for the bind-off or bind off in pattern (knit stitches).

Step 5: Weave in Ends

Using your tapestry needle, weave in all loose yarn ends on the wrong side of the work. Trim any excess.

Part 2: The Napkin Ring (Approx. 2" Wide)

Step 1: Cast On

1. With Navy yarn, cast on 12 stitches.

Step 2: Knit the Body

2. Work in stockinette stitch for 30 rows, or until the piece measures approximately 6 inches in length. This should wrap comfortably around a rolled napkin. (Measure your own napkin to adjust—just ensure it overlaps by about 1 inch for the button.)

Step 3: Create the Buttonhole

3. Row 31 (RS): Knit 5 stitches, bind off 2 stitches, knit 5 stitches. (You'll have 10 stitches on the needle, with a gap in the middle.)
4. Row 32 (WS): Purl 5 stitches, cast on 2 stitches over the gap (using the backward loop method), purl 5 stitches. (Back to 12 stitches.)

Step 4: Finish the Ring

5. Work 2 more rows in stockinette stitch (RS knit, WS purl).
6. Bind off all stitches loosely.

Step 5: Assembly & Button

7. Sew a small Navy button on the end opposite the buttonhole. Position it so that when the ring is wrapped around the napkin, the button aligns perfectly with the hole.
8. Fold the piece into a loop, overlapping the cast-on and bind-off edges. The buttonhole should sit on top of the button. Sew the edges together securely on the inside of the ring (or leave them open if you prefer a slip-on style—but sewing ensures a neat finish).
9. Weave in all ends.

Finishing & Blocking

Blocking is essential for a professional look, especially with cotton yarn.

1. Placemat: Soak in lukewarm water with a drop of mild detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring). Lay flat on a towel, shape to 12" x 18", and pin if needed. Allow to dry completely.
2. Napkin Ring: Block lightly by shaping into a circle and letting it dry.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Twist your yarns: When carrying the unused color, twist it around the working yarn every 3-4 stitches. This prevents holes and keeps the back tidy.
• Use a lifeline: If you're new to colorwork, thread a contrasting scrap yarn through the stitches after Row 4 of the chart. If you make a mistake, you can rip back to this point without losing your place.
• Check your gauge: Cotton can stretch, so measure your swatch before starting. If your placemat is too wide, go down a needle size; if too narrow, go up.
• Make it your own: Swap the star for a stripe pattern, or use a different color palette (e.g., pastel for Easter).

Show Off Your Work!

We'd love to see your finished Old Glory set! Tag us on social media with #OldGloryKnits. This pattern makes a wonderful gift for veterans, hostesses, or anyone who loves Americana.

Happy knitting, and enjoy your beautifully crafted, patriotic table!