A squishy snowman made from soft white yarn brings a touch of winter cheer to any shelf or mantelpiece. This charming figure has a firm texture that keeps its shape well, making it a great project for those who enjoy working with small, detailed items. Beginners will find the process satisfying because it builds confidence through simple increase and decrease rounds. You will learn to construct the round body and head, plus how to secure the tiny features that give your character personality. This cozy companion requires only basic supplies and a few hours of quiet focus on a cold afternoon.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly crochet coaster set works up in under an hour, making it an ideal weekend project for using up leftover cotton yarn from larger makes. The dense stitch construction ensures a heat-resistant and absorbent base that protects your wooden tables from moisture rings and hot mugs. Because the design utilizes a simple, repetitive stitch pattern, it is easy to pick up and put down, providing a relaxing experience for your hands. You can easily adjust the size by adding or subtracting rounds to suit different glassware or teapot sizes.

These coasters were the perfect introduction to working in the round. They are sturdy, hold their shape perfectly, and I finished a set of four in a single afternoon.

— Sarah, home crafter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 45 minutes for a set of four
Construction: Worked in continuous rounds using increases to create a flat circular base
Finished Dimensions: 4 inches in diameter

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn, approximately 20 yards per coaster. Cotton is necessary for its heat resistance and absorbency.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch marker to track the beginning of rounds
Safe Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic yarn is not recommended as it may melt when in contact with hot mugs. Linen or wool blends may be used, though they offer different absorption rates compared to 100% cotton.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR = magic ring
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
inc = 2 sc in the same stitch
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/stitches

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Coaster Base

Rnd 1: Create a MR. Work 6 sc into the ring. Place a stitch marker in the first st to keep track of the start. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: Work 1 sc in the next st, 2 sc in the following st. Repeat around. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st. Repeat around. (24 sts)
Rnd 5: Work 1 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st. Repeat around. (30 sts)
Rnd 6: Work 1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st. Repeat around. (36 sts)

Finishing

Once you reach the final stitch of Round 6, remove your stitch marker. Perform a sl st into the next stitch to create a smooth transition and level off the edge. Cut your yarn, leaving a six-inch tail. Pull the tail through the loop and tighten to secure. Use your tapestry needle to weave the remaining yarn end into the back of the coaster, moving through the stitches in multiple directions to ensure it does not come undone during use or washing.

Care & Washing Instructions

Machine wash your coasters on a gentle cycle in cold water.
Lay the coasters flat on a towel to air dry to prevent stretching.
If the coasters become misshapen during use, dampen them slightly and press them flat under a heavy book until completely dry.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout each round to ensure the coaster remains perfectly flat; if your stitches are too tight, the coaster will cup, and if they are too loose, the fabric will look wavy. Always use a stitch marker at the start of each round, as it is easy to lose count when working in a continuous spiral. Weave your ends in by catching the inner loops of the stitches on the backside to keep the front side clean and professional. To change the size, simply add more increase rounds following the same formula (adding one additional sc between increases each time), keeping in mind that a larger coaster will require more total yarn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger hook to make these faster?

Using a larger hook will make the stitches loose, resulting in a coaster with large holes that will not effectively protect your table from spills or heat. Stick to a 5.0 mm hook for a dense, durable fabric.

Is this pattern suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, this is an excellent starter project because it uses only basic single crochet stitches and introduces the concept of increasing in the round, which is the foundation for almost all 3D crochet work.

What is the best way to keep the circle flat?

The secret is accurate counting. Ensure you have the correct number of increases in each round as specified in the instructions. If the edges start to ruffle, you have too many stitches; if it starts to curl like a bowl, you have too few.

Can I sell the coasters I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern at local craft fairs or online shops. Please credit the design to this tutorial, but do not use these specific photographs or redistribute the written text as your own.

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These finished figures look lovely sitting on a bookshelf or hanging as festive ornaments on a tree branch. You might consider using a chunky weight yarn if you prefer a much larger size that makes a bigger impact in your holiday display. Please share a photo of your finished work on your favorite social media site so others can see your unique color choices. Feel free to browse through the rest of the blog for more free patterns that help you build your collection of seasonal handmade decor.