Chunky Plaid Circle Coaster Free Crochet Pattern
Chunky Plaid Circle Coaster – Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This chunky plaid circle coaster is a quick, satisfying project for anyone who wants a bold, textured accent for their table in under an hour. It is beginner-friendly because it is built from simple double crochet rounds and a few color changes, so you can practice working in the round without any complicated shaping. The finished coaster is a flat 5-inch circle with alternating cherry red and pink wedge stripes and two crossing surface-crochet lines that create a plaid effect. Made in bulky wool, it feels dense, squishy, and warm—perfect for autumn decor or a handmade gift.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Bulky weight (size 5) wool, approximately 20 yards each of cherry red and pink.
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I-9) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional).
- Finished size: Approximately 5 inches in diameter.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- Rnd – round
- rep – repeat
Gauge
12 stitches and 6 rounds = 4 inches in double crochet. To check your gauge, crochet a small swatch in double crochet and measure a 4-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension even so the coaster stays flat; bulky wool can stretch if you pull too tightly.
- Change colors on the last yarn-over of the previous stitch to keep the stripe edges neat.
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round if you tend to lose your place.
- Surface crochet lines are worked after the base is complete—keep them straight and centered for a clean plaid look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Coaster Base (cherry red)
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join. (24 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, [2 dc in next st, dc in next st] around, join. (36 dc)
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, [2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts] around, join. (48 dc)
Fasten off.
Wedge Stripes
Rnd 5: Join pink with sl st in any st of Rnd 4. Work 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, change to cherry red, work 1 dc in each of next 8 sts, change to pink, work 1 dc in each of next 8 sts, change to cherry red, work 1 dc in each of next 8 sts, change to pink, work 1 dc in each of next 8 sts, change to cherry red, work 1 dc in each of next 8 sts, join with sl st to first st. (48 dc)
Fasten off.
Surface Crochet Lines
Line 1 (cherry red): With cherry red, surface crochet a straight line across the center of the coaster from edge to edge, working sl st into the fabric.
Line 2 (pink): With pink, surface crochet another straight line perpendicular to the first, crossing at the center.
Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends securely on the wrong side of the coaster. Block lightly by misting with water and pinning flat to shape, then allow to dry completely. No seaming is required.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use a contrasting color for the surface lines to make the plaid cross stand out more.
- Try a cotton or cotton-blend bulky yarn for a coaster that is easier to wash.
- Make a set in different color pairs for a coordinated table setting or gift.
