Easy Crochet Coaster Pattern
This easy crochet coaster is a small square that helps you practice chain stitches, single crochet, turning, and a neat border. It is a good first project because the stitch count is simple and the finished piece is useful.
Finished size
About 4 inches square, depending on yarn, hook, and tension.
Materials
- Worsted cotton yarn
- 5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- st = stitch
Starting chain and count
Ch 17. Work Row 1 into the second chain from the hook. Each row has 16 single crochet stitches.
Pattern
- Row 1: Sc in the second ch from hook and in each ch across. Count 16 sc.
- Rows 2–16: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. Count 16 sc each row.
- Do not fasten off after Row 16. Continue to the border.
Border
Ch 1. Work sc evenly around the outside edge. Place 3 sc in each corner so the coaster can lie flat. Along the top and bottom, work one sc into each stitch. Along each side edge, place one sc into the end of each row. Join to the first border stitch with a slip stitch, then fasten off.
Finishing
Weave the beginning and ending tails into the back of the coaster. Tug the fabric gently into a square shape. Cotton can be lightly blocked by dampening the coaster, shaping it flat, and letting it dry completely.
Beginner notes
If your coaster leans inward, you may be skipping edge stitches. Count 16 stitches after every row. If the border ruffles, you may have placed too many stitches along the sides. If the corners curl, add the full 3 single crochet stitches into each corner. The project is small enough to repeat, so make a second coaster and compare your tension.
For a set, make four coasters in the same yarn. Change colors for the border only after you are comfortable with the stitch count.
Gauge is not critical for a coaster, but the fabric should feel firm enough to protect a table. If your coaster has large gaps, switch to a smaller hook. If it feels hard and stiff, use a slightly larger hook. Keep the shape simple while learning.