Someone just contacted me via the watermark on this photo, saying she saw the project on Pinterest, and the photo took her somewhere that did not link to my original post. She then couldn't find this project in my archives. Since she took the time to write to me, I figured I'd have a look in the archives! So I dug way way down and dusted off this sweet crochet project that is perfect for summer, and a great project for beginners with fantastic results. Enjoy, and make a bunch while you are at it, as it's always great to have some homemade gifts on hand, right?
Super simple crocheted coasters with rows of color applied on the surface, also with a crochet hook, are so fun to make! I haven't actually crocheted coasters in the past, as I don't have much use for them, but I realized that they would be a useful gift for a certain loved one who does have an antique wooden breakfast table. So these simple coasters were born, and sent off and I've already made another set for myself, which I'll share with you soon.
And you know what? I've realized that sometimes making simple acts of drinking a hot drink for example into something a little special with the addition of a coaster, is a wonderful way to transform simple moments into special ones. So I'm now sold on the whole crocheted coaster thing! And how is that for more excuses to crochet?
While guage is certainly not important when crocheting coasters, I do think that the resulting size is— either too big or too little makes the whole thing just a bit awkward, so do get the size right! My coasters measure 4 !/2" in diameter, which I find to be a nice size— big enough to enjoy looking at the coaster when the mug is resting on it, but not too big that it starts to look like a doily.
Crocheted Coasters With Striped Top Stitching Pattern:
For the base I used a 5.5 mm hook and worsted weight acrylic yarn, that is vintage from my mother's basement and really a bit heavier than standard worsted weight.
For the top stitching I used a 5mm hook and a variety of scraps mostly worsted weight.
Round 1: Start with a magic circle (wasn't too keen on them myself, but have grown to love them, so be patient!)
Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch) and then dc 12 stitches into the magic circle. Pull circle tight and join to first dc with a slip stitch
Round 2: Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch), dc 2 into each stitch from the previous row
Round 3: Ch2 (does not count as a stitch), *dc into first stitch, 2dc into second stitch, and repeat from * around. Join to first dc with a slip stitch, end off.
Note: That initial ch2 in each row is to make rows with no gaps. Many would make a ch3 here instead, but I found that a ch2 works well too, so choose either. If you decide to ch3, you can use that as your first stitch of the row, which sometimes works and sometimes causes a visible gap which is not desirable. Experiment and see what works for you!
Surface Details:
You now have a plain disc which is the perfect base to add striped of your favorite colors! And this part, which looks like embroidery, but is actually crochething, is so much fun I'm already dreaming of using this technique for larger projects! You'll basically be making a row of slip stitches on the surface of your work, ready?
Using the color of your choice, make a loop, and hold it on the back side of your work. Insert your hook in between one of the double crochet stitches from the round you'll be decorating, and pull up the loop to the top side. Insert your hook in between the next two double crochet stitches and pull up your yarn and through the loop, as you would with a slip stitch. Continue around until you reach the first stitch and join off. When weaving in the end pull the final end through the first stitch to neatly join the first and last stitches.
Make another row of top stitches on top of row 2, and voila, a fabulous coaster is born. No go and make a bunch for gift giving or for enhancing simple moments in your own day!
If you are interested in some more sustainable gift ideas, there are so many ways to go, so have fun with it!