Continue building your spooky Halloween decor collection with this free crochet tombstone pattern! If you loved making our crochet pumpkins, you will absolutely adore these creepy little gravestones. Worked in fine crochet cotton, this quick and easy pattern is perfect for creating custom Halloween coasters for your party drinks or stringing them together for a macabre bunting across your mantle.
Grab your crochet hook and let’s get stitching!
Materials and Supplies
To achieve a crisp and structured finish, this pattern uses fine crochet cotton. Here is what you will need:
- Crochet cotton ball – Size 7 to 10 (3 colours: main tombstone, edging, and writing)
- Crochet hook – Size 2.5
- Scissors
- Embroidery needle – rounded point
- Spray starch (optional, for stiffening)
NOTE: Crochet thread is labelled with a number, like a 3 or a 10, and this refers to the thickness of the thread. The smaller the number, the thicker the thread. For this project, a size 7 to 10 thread will give you the best results.
Abbreviations Used (US Version)
Before we begin, familiarize yourself with the standard US crochet abbreviations used in this pattern:
- Chain – ch
- Chain stitch – ch st
- Chain space – ch sp
- Single crochet – sc
- Double crochet – dc
- Treble/Triple – tr
- Slip stitch – sl st
Finished Measurement
- Approximately 12 cm x 6 cm
Crochet Tombstone Pattern Instructions
Base
Chain 26
Row 1: 1 sc into the 2 ch from hook. 1 sc into the next 24 ch st. Turn.
Row 2: 2 ch, 1 sc into the next 24 ch st. Turn.
Row 3 to Row 27: REPEAT ROW 2.
Row 28: 3 ch, 1 tr into next ch sp, 1 dc into the next 2 ch sp, 1 sc into the next 21 ch sp. Turn.
Row 29: 2 ch, 1 sc into the next 17 ch sp, 1 dc into the next 3 ch sp, 1 tr into the last 4 ch sp. Turn.
Row 30: 3 ch, 1 tr into the next 4 ch sp, 1 dc into the next 4 ch sp, 1 sc into the next 16 ch sp. Turn.
Row 31: 2 ch, 1 sc into the next 15 ch sp, 1 dc into the next 3 ch sp, 1 tr into the next 6 ch sp. Fasten off.
Edging
Starting at the bottom right-hand corner of your tombstone.
Step 1: Take your edging colour and sl st, 2 ch-2 dc into the same ch sp. 1 dc into the next 25 ch sp, 3 sc into the last ch st. (Note: The original pattern noted “3 sdsc” which is a common typo for 3 sc in vintage thread crochet patterns. Work 3 single crochets neatly into the corner to round it off).
Adding the Writing & Details
Using your third colour of crochet cotton and your rounded-point embroidery needle, stitch your favourite spooky phrases onto the tombstone. “RIP”, “Boo”, or even funny Halloween quotes look fantastic!
Finishing Touches & Decorating Ideas
Repeat the process for however many tombstones you would like to make. To give your tombstones a rigid, stone-like finish, spray starch onto the crochet piece to make it more stiff. This step is essential if you plan to use them as coasters, as the starch prevents curling and absorbs minor spills.
How to Use Your Crochet Tombstones
- Spooky Coasters: Protect your tables in haunting style during your Halloween movie marathon or monster mash.
- Halloween Bunting: String a dozen of these stiffened tombstones along a piece of twine or ribbon and drape them across your doorway or window.
Take Your Spooky Decor to the Next Level
Why stop at just tombstones? If you are building the ultimate Halloween bunting, you need to mix in some spooky eyes! Pair these tombstones with our Free Crochet Eyeball Pattern: Spooky Coasters & Bunting Decor to create a garland that looks like it came straight out of a haunted graveyard.
For an even creepier tablescape, combine your flat tombstone coasters with some interactive 3D decor. Our Free 3D Crochet Eyeball Pattern with Bobble Stitch Eyelids & Realistic Veins is the perfect companion project. Scattering these realistic 3D eyeballs around your new tombstone coasters will have your Halloween guests doing a double-take!
Happy Crocheting! We hope you enjoy making this crochet tombstone pattern. Don’t forget to share your finished spooky decor with us!
