5 Easy Crochet Coaster Ideas (+ How to Make Them!)

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Small projects = big satisfaction. Crochet coasters are one of my all-time favourite quick makes: perfect for practice, thoughtful as gifts, and incredibly useful around the home.

But basic coasters can get a little dull. This post covers five different coaster featuring texture, playful shapes, and modern patterns to keep your crochet journey fresh and exciting.

Each idea comes with simple instructions, so, get your hook, settle in, and let’s turn a ball of yarn into something beautiful.

crochet coaster ideas for crochet beginners

5 Crochet Coaster Ideas for Beginners

Crochet coasters are one of my favourite ways to experiment with new stitches, patterns, and colour combinations without committing to a large project. I often test new techniques on a coaster first — they’re quick to finish, use very little yarn, and there’s no stress if it doesn’t work out.

They also make thoughtful, practical gifts that people actually use. Perfect for your own home or a personalised housewarming gift, crochet coasters are satisfying to make and useful in everyday life.

Here are five of my favourite coaster patterns to get you started:

1. Basic Round Coaster

round crochet coaster for beginners

Simple, classic, and the perfect if you are a beginner. If you can single crochet in the round, you can make this coaster. It’s a staple in any crochet repertoire.

Why’s it great for beginners?

Because it teaches you how to crochet in the round without the headache of complicated stitches.

Plus, it works up fast. In less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a sturdy, reliable coaster ready for your favorite coffee mug.


ROUND COASTER PATTERN

Materials:

Finished size: Approximately 10-11cm (4-4.5") diameter

Stitches used: Magic Ring, Single Crochet, Slip Stitch

Crochet Terminology: US, with UK in brackets


PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS:

How It's Done

Foundation

Make a magic ring.
(Alternatively, chain 2 and work into the first chain.)

Round 1

Work 8 single crochets (UK: 8 double crochets) into the ring.
Pull the ring closed.
Slip stitch into the first stitch to join.
[8 stitches]

Round 2

Chain 1.
Work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into each stitch around.
Slip stitch to join.
[16 stitches]

Round 3

Chain 1.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into the next stitch, then work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the following stitch — repeat around.
Slip stitch to join.
[24 stitches]

Round 4

Chain 1.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each of the next 2 stitches, then work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the following stitch — repeat around.
Slip stitch to join.
[32 stitches]

Round 5

Chain 1.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each of the next 3 stitches, then work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the following stitch — repeat around.
Slip stitch to join.
[40 stitches]

Round 6

Chain 1.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each of the next 4 stitches, then work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the following stitch — repeat around.
Slip stitch to join.
[48 stitches]

Round 7 (optional, for a larger coaster)

Chain 1.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each stitch around.
Slip stitch to join.
[48 stitches]

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.

Optional: Block flat by lightly dampening and pressing under a book until dry.

SIZE GUIDE:

  • Through Round 4 (32 sts): ~8cm (3") - small coaster/drink mat

  • Through Round 5 (40 sts): ~10cm (4") - standard coaster

  • Through Round 6 (48 sts): ~11-12cm (4.5") - large coaster/mug mat

Recommendation: Stop at Round 5 or 6 depending on preference!


✯ Tips:

  • Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round

  • Cotton yarn is ideal for absorbent, heat-resistant coasters

  • Block your finished coaster by dampening it and laying flat to dry for a perfectly round shape


2. Striped Square Coaster

crochet coasters with stripes free pattern

Straight lines. Crisp edges. Bold stripes. This one’s got a modern, no-fuss look that pairs well with any decor.

Here’s the beauty of a square coaster: You’re just working back and forth in rows—no shaping, no stress. If counting stitches makes you nervous, this is your safe space.

But here’s where it gets interesting—color changes. Want sleek monochrome? Go for it. Want playful pastels? Do it. Stripes let you experiment without committing to a whole project. Just carry the unused yarn along the side and crochet over it. No endless weaving-in of ends.


SQUARE STRIPED COASTER PATTERN

Materials:

Finished size: Approximately 10cm (4") square

Stitches used: Chain Stitch, Single Crochet,

Crochet Terminology: US, with UK in brackets


PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS:

How It's Done

Foundation Chain

With your first colour, chain 15.

Row 1

Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into the second chain from the hook and into each chain across.
[14 stitches]

Row 2

Chain 1, turn.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each stitch across.
[14 stitches]

Row 3

Change to your second colour.
Chain 1, turn.Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each stitch across.
[14 stitches]

Row 4

Chain 1, turn.
Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each stitch across.
[14 stitches]

Rows 5–14

Continue working 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each stitch across.
Change colour every two rows, keeping 14 stitches per row.

Border (optional)

With your main colour, work single crochets (UK: double crochets) evenly around the entire coaster.
Work 3 single crochets (UK: 3 double crochets) into each corner to keep the coaster flat.
Slip stitch to join.


NOTES:

  • 14 stitches × 14 rows creates a nice square shape

  • Each color stripe is 2 rows

  • Total of 7 stripes (alternating colors)

  • Border is optional but helps edges lay flat

To make it larger: Chain 17 for a 16-stitch square (11-12cm/4.5")

To make it smaller: Chain 13 for a 12-stitch square (9cm/3.5")


3. Hexagon Coaster

hexagon coaster pattern

Round is classic. Square is simple. But hexagons? They’re a little unexpected.

At first glance, they look tricky, but here’s the secret: They’re just rounds of single crochet with strategically placed increases.

Tip: Make a whole set, join them together, and suddenly you’ve got a trendy hexagon placemat. Who knew a tiny coaster could lead to something bigger?


HEXAGON COASTER PATTERN

Materials:

Finished size: Approximately 10-11cm (4-4.5") point to point

Stitches used: Magic Ring, Chain Stitch, Double Crochet, Slip Stitch

Crochet Terminology: US, with UK in brackets


PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS:

How It's Done

Foundation

Make a magic ring.

Round 1

Chain 5 (counts as 1 double crochet [UK: 1 treble crochet] and chain 2).

Work 3 double crochets (UK: 3 treble crochets) into the ring, then chain 2 — repeat 5 times total.

Work 2 double crochets (UK: 2 treble crochets) into the ring.
Slip stitch into the third chain of the beginning chain-5 to join.

Round 2

Slip stitch into the next stitch.
Chain 5 (counts as 1 double crochet [UK: 1 treble crochet] and chain 2).

Work 1 double crochet (UK: 1 treble crochet) into each stitch along the side to the corner, work 1 double crochet, chain 2, and 1 double crochet into the chain-2 corner space — repeat 5 times total.

Work 1 double crochet (UK: 1 treble crochet) into each of the next 2 stitches.

Work 1 double crochet (UK: 1 treble crochet) into the third chain of the beginning chain-5 from Round 1.
Slip stitch into the third chain of the beginning chain-5 to join.

Round 3

Slip stitch into the next chain.
Chain 5 (counts as 1 double crochet [UK: 1 treble crochet] and chain 2).

Work 1 double crochet (UK: 1 treble crochet) into each stitch along the side to the corner, work 1 double crochet, chain 2, and 1 double crochet into the chain-2 corner space — repeat 5 times total.

Work 1 double crochet (UK: 1 treble crochet) into each remaining stitch.
Work 1 double crochet (UK: 1 treble crochet) into the third chain of the beginning chain-5 from the previous round.
Slip stitch into the third chain of the beginning chain-5 to join.

Round 4 (optional, for a larger coaster)

Repeat the Round 3 pattern, working 1 double crochet (UK: 1 treble crochet) into each stitch along the sides and 1 double crochet, chain 2, 1 double crochet into each corner chain-2 space.

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.

Optional: Block flat by lightly dampening and pressing under a book until dry for crisp hexagon corners.


PATTERN NOTES:

  • Each round adds stitches between corners, creating 6 equal sides

  • The (dc, ch 2, dc) [UK: (tr, ch 2, tr)] in corner spaces creates sharp angles

  • Round 3 can be repeated for larger hexagons

  • Each side increases by 3 stitches per round


4. Shell Shape Coaster

shell shaped coaster instructions

SHELL COASTER PATTERN

Materials:

Finished size: Approximately 10-11cm (4-4.5") at widest point

Stitches used: Magic Ring, Single Half Double Crochet, Double Crochet, Treble Crochet, Back loop only.

Crochet Terminology: US, with UK in brackets


PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS:

Pattern Instructions

Foundation

Make a magic ring.

Round 1

Work 8 single crochets (UK: 8 double crochets) into the magic ring.
Pull the ring closed.
[8 stitches]

Round 2 (working in back loops only)

Work 2 half double crochets (UK: 2 half trebles) into the back loop of each of the next 5 stitches.
Work 2 double crochets (UK: 2 trebles) into the back loop of each of the next 3 stitches.

Round 3 (working in back loops only)

Work 2 double crochets (UK: 2 trebles) into the back loop of each of the next 13 stitches.
Work 1 treble crochet (UK: 1 double treble) into the back loop of the next stitch.
Work 2 treble crochets (UK: 2 double trebles) into the back loop of the next stitch.
Work 1 treble crochet (UK: 1 double treble) into the back loop of the next stitch.

Round 4 (working in back loops only)

Work 2 treble crochets (UK: 2 double trebles) into the back loop of the next stitch, then work 1 treble crochet (UK: 1 double treble) into the back loop of the next stitch — repeat 7 times total.

Fasten off and weave in all ends securely.


PATTERN NOTES:

  • Working in back loops only creates the ridged texture that mimics a shell

  • The increases are strategic to create the fan/shell shape

  • The pattern starts narrow and gradually widens

  • Each round uses taller stitches to help create the curved shell shape


5. Striped Spiral Coaster Pattern

striped crochet coasters

TAPESTRY STRIPED COASTER PATTERN

Materials:

Finished size: Approximately 10cm (4") diameter

Stitches used: Magic Ring, Single Crochet

Crochet Terminology: US, with UK in brackets


PATTERN INSTRUCTIONS:

How It's Done

Foundation

With Colour A, make a magic ring.

Round 1

Work 7 single crochets (UK: 7 double crochets) into the magic ring.
Pull the ring closed. Do not join; work in a continuous spiral.
Place a stitch marker in the first stitch.
[7 stitches]

Colour Pattern (Important)

  • Alternate Colours A and B at each increase.

  • Work all stitches between increases in the same colour.

  • Change colour only when you reach an increase.

Round 2

Work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the next stitch, then change colour — repeat around.
[14 stitches]

Round 3

Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each of the next 2 stitches, work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the next stitch, then change colour — repeat around.
[21 stitches]

Round 4

Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each of the next 3 stitches, work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the next stitch, then change colour — repeat around.
[28 stitches]

Round 5

Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each of the next 4 stitches, work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the next stitch, then change colour — repeat around.
[35 stitches]

Round 6

Work 1 single crochet (UK: 1 double crochet) into each of the next 5 stitches, work 2 single crochets (UK: 2 double crochets) into the next stitch, then change colour — repeat around.
[42 stitches]

Slip stitch into the next stitch.
Fasten off both colours and weave in all ends securely.


NOTES:

  • Tapestry crochet technique: Carry the unused color along inside your stitches as you work

  • Each round increases the stripe width by 1 stitch

  • The increase happens on the last stitch of each color block

  • Creates a spiral/pinwheel effect with growing wedges

Color carrying tip: Keep unused yarn inside your work, crocheting over it to hide it. This creates a thicker, reversible coaster.

Pattern repeat: Each round follows: sc in next X stitches (where X = round number), 2 sc in next stitch, change color


Stitch, Gift, Repeat: Your Coaster Journey Begins Now

You've got the patterns, you've seen the possibilities, and now it's time to pick up that hook and create something beautiful.

Each coaster you make builds your confidence and expands your skills—whether it's mastering that magic ring, perfecting color changes, or finally getting those zigzags just right.

What I love most about crocheting coasters is the freedom they offer.

Made a mistake?

No problem—it's just a small project and a little yarn.

Want to try something wild and experimental? Coasters are your perfect playground.

Get your yarn and create something beautiful and useful.

Happy crocheting!



What’s Next?

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