These small plush figures feature a rounded body and a soft, textured finish that feels firm to the touch. Making a winter-themed friend offers a rewarding challenge for beginners because it uses basic increases and decreases to build 3D shapes. You will learn how to work in continuous rounds while maintaining even tension to prevent gaps between your stitches. Creating these dolls provides a way to practice color changes for the hat and scarf without dealing with overly complex construction. This project works well for anyone building their skills or making handmade gifts for the upcoming holiday season, as the pieces stay small enough to finish in an afternoon.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly crochet coaster set works up in under thirty minutes, making it an ideal choice for using up small amounts of leftover cotton yarn. The density of the single crochet stitches provides a sturdy surface that protects wooden tabletops from condensation and heat. Because the design uses a simple spiral construction, you do not have to worry about visible seam lines or complicated joining techniques at the end of each round. It is a functional home accessory that provides a sense of accomplishment in a single sitting.

I managed to make a set of four for my coffee table in one afternoon. The pattern is very easy to follow and the finished coasters are thick enough to stay flat without curling at the edges.

— Sarah, home crafter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 20-30 minutes per coaster
Construction: Continuous spiral rounds using single crochet stitches
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn, approximately 15 yards per coaster. Cotton is necessary for its absorbency and heat resistance.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook to achieve a tight, dense fabric.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, one stitch marker to track the start of rounds.
Safe yarn substitutions: You may use a bamboo-cotton blend for a softer feel, though this may result in a slightly more drape-heavy fabric. Avoid acrylic yarn, as it does not absorb moisture and can melt if exposed to very hot mugs.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR = Magic Ring
ch = Chain
st/sts = Stitch/Stitches
sc = Single crochet: Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on hook.
inc = Increase: Work 2 sc in the same stitch.
sl st = Slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Coaster Body

The coaster is worked in a continuous spiral. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to keep track of your progress.

Rnd 1: Work 6 sc into a magic ring (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [1 sc in next st, inc in next st] 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [1 sc in each of next 2 sts, inc in next st] 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [1 sc in each of next 3 sts, inc in next st] 6 times (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [1 sc in each of next 4 sts, inc in next st] 6 times (36 sts).
Rnd 7: [1 sc in each of next 5 sts, inc in next st] 6 times (42 sts).

Finishing

To finish the circle, perform one slip stitch into the next stitch to level off the edge. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the loop on your hook and tighten. Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it securely into the back of the work to prevent unraveling.

Care & Washing Instructions

Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle to preserve the fiber structure.
Lay flat on a towel to air dry, ensuring the coaster is shaped into a perfect circle while damp.
Avoid using fabric softener, as it reduces the absorbency of the cotton fibers.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension by holding the yarn taut; if your stitches are too loose, the coaster will lose its shape and allow moisture to seep through to the table.
Always move your stitch marker up to the first stitch of the new round immediately after completing the last stitch of the previous round to avoid losing your place.
Weave your yarn ends into the center of the magic ring or through the back loops of the final round to keep the finish looking professional and tidy.
To adjust the size, simply add or subtract increase rounds. Adding one more round will require approximately 5 extra yards of yarn and increase the diameter by roughly 0.5 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use acrylic yarn for these coasters?

It is not recommended. Acrylic yarn is synthetic and does not absorb spills or condensation. Additionally, it can melt if a very hot mug is placed directly on the coaster.

Why is my coaster curling at the edges?

Curling usually indicates your tension is too tight or your hook size is too small for the weight of the yarn. Try switching to a hook one size larger to allow the stitches more room to sit flat.

How do I make the coaster larger?

You can continue the increase pattern by following the progression of 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42. For every additional round, work [1 sc in each of the next X sts, inc in next st] 6 times, increasing the number of single stitches between increases by one for each round.

Are these coasters suitable for selling?

If you intend to sell the finished items, ensure you are comfortable with the quality of your stitching. Always check your local regulations regarding handmade goods and label your materials clearly for the buyer.

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A finished snowy character adds a charming touch to any mantelpiece or desk during the winter months. Try using a sparkling white yarn for the body or swapping the scarf colors to match your favorite winter sweater to give each doll a unique personality. Sharing a photo of your completed project on social media inspires other makers to start their own creations. Check out the rest of the blog for more free patterns to fill your collection with handmade items for friends and family.