Such a practical and satisfying little project. Let’s get you started with a pattern for easy crochet coasters. I’ll make sure it’s detailed enough for beginners but still enjoyable for those with a bit more experience.
Pattern: Simple Single Crochet Coaster
This pattern uses only single crochet (sc), making it perfect for beginners. We’ll work in continuous rounds to create a flat, circular coaster.
Materials:
- Medium-weight cotton yarn (worsted weight). Cotton is preferred for coasters as it’s absorbent and can withstand heat. You won’t need much – scraps are perfect for this!
- Crochet hook size H/8 (5.0 mm) or the size recommended on your yarn label.
- Scissors
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rnd(s): round(s)
- inc: increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
Instructions:
Round 1: Make a magic ring. (Alternatively, you can ch 2 and work 6 sc in the second chain from the hook.)
- If using a magic ring: Yarn over, insert your hook into the loop, yarn over, and pull through a loop (2 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through both loops to make your first sc.
- Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the tail of the magic ring tightly to close the center hole. Do NOT join with a slip stitch; we will be working in continuous rounds.
Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
- Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of this round (and move it up at the beginning of each new round) to help you keep track of your rounds.
- Work 2 sc in the first sc of the previous round. Then work 2 sc in the next sc, and continue this around the entire round. You should have 12 stitches at the end of this round.
Round 3: *sc in the next stitch, inc in the following stitch; repeat from * around. (18 stitches)
- Work 1 sc in the first stitch.
- Work 2 sc (an increase) in the next stitch.
- Repeat this sequence (*sc, inc*) all the way around the round. You should have 18 stitches at the end.
Round 4: *sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the following stitch; repeat from * around. (24 stitches)
- Work 1 sc in each of the next two stitches.
- Work 2 sc (an increase) in the following stitch.
- Repeat this sequence (*sc in the next 2 sts, inc*) all the way around the round. You should have 24 stitches at the end.
Round 5: *sc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the following stitch; repeat from * around. (30 stitches)
- Work 1 sc in each of the next three stitches.
- Work 2 sc (an increase) in the following stitch.
- Repeat this sequence (*sc in the next 3 sts, inc*) all the way around the round. You should have 30 stitches at the end.
Round 6 (Optional – for a slightly larger coaster): *sc in the next 4 stitches, inc in the following stitch; repeat from * around. (36 stitches)
- Work 1 sc in each of the next four stitches.
- Work 2 sc (an increase) in the following stitch.
- Repeat this sequence (*sc in the next 4 sts, inc*) all the way around the round. You should have 36 stitches at the end.
Finishing:
- Once your coaster reaches the desired size (you can stop at any round depending on how big you want it), work a slip stitch into the next stitch to join the round.
- Cut your yarn, leaving a tail of about 6-8 inches.
- Pull the yarn tail through the slip stitch to secure it.
- Thread the yarn tail onto your yarn needle.
- Weave the yarn tail through the stitches on the back of your coaster to hide it securely. You can weave it in different directions to ensure it won’t come undone.
- Once the tail is woven in, trim any excess yarn.
Video tutorial
Tips and Variations:
- Color Changes: Get creative with colors! You can change colors at the beginning of any round. Just join the new color with a slip stitch and continue with the pattern.
- Texture: For a slightly different texture, you can try using half double crochet (hdc) or double crochet (dc) instead of single crochet. You’ll likely need fewer rounds to achieve a similar size.
- Edging: To add a decorative edge, after completing the main rounds, you can work a round of slip stitches, reverse single crochet (crab stitch), or picots around the outer edge.
- Size Adjustment: To make a smaller coaster, stop at an earlier round. To make a larger coaster, continue the increase pattern (increasing the number of single crochet stitches between increases by one in each round). For example, Round 7 would be *sc in the next 5 stitches, inc*, and so on.
- Gauge: Gauge isn’t critical for this project, but if you want a specific size, you can make a small swatch to check your gauge.
