Add a touch of handmade magic to your holiday table with these adorable crochet reindeer coasters! Whether you’re looking to protect your furniture or create a thoughtful, personalized gift, this project is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels. They work up quickly, making them an ideal “last-minute” gift that friends and family will cherish for seasons to come.
This project is highly customizable—feel free to play with yarn colors, add a bright red nose for a classic “Rudolph” look, or stick to earthy tones for a rustic woodland aesthetic. Let’s grab our hooks and get crafting!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (Size 4) cotton yarn in brown (main body), plus small amounts of white/black (eyes) and red or black (nose). Cotton is recommended for durability and heat resistance.
- Crochet Hook: 4.0mm (G) or size needed to obtain a tight gauge.
- Yarn Needle: For weaving in ends and assembly.
- Scissors: For trimming yarn.
- Stitch Marker: To keep track of your rounds.
- Optional: Small buttons for eyes if preferred over crocheted ones.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- ch: chain
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- Note: Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round to keep your place. Maintain tight tension to ensure the coaster stays flat and sturdy.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Base (The Face): Start with a magic ring.
- Round 1: 8 sc into ring, pull tight to close. (8 sts)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (16 sts)
- Round 3: *1 sc, inc* around. (24 sts)
- Round 4: *1 sc in next 2 sts, inc* around. (32 sts)
- Round 5: *1 sc in next 3 sts, inc* around. (40 sts). Fasten off and weave in ends.
- Ears (Make 2): Ch 5. Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc, hdc, hdc, sc in last ch. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
- Antlers (Make 2): Ch 6. Sl st into 2nd ch from hook, ch 3, sl st into same ch (creates a small branch), sl st down the remaining chain. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
- Eyes & Nose: Use a yarn needle to embroider small black circles for eyes, or crochet two small 6-sc circles and sew them onto the face. Embroider a small triangle or sew a button for the nose.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Assembly: Pin the ears and antlers to the top of your base before sewing. This ensures perfect symmetry before you secure them permanently with your yarn needle.
- Tight Stitches: If you find gaps between your stitches, try dropping down a hook size. Coasters need to be dense so they don’t stretch out when holding a heavy mug.
- Blocking: If your coaster feels slightly wavy, dampen it lightly with water, lay it flat on a towel, and shape it into a perfect circle. Let it air dry completely before using.
- Weaving Ends: To prevent unraveling, weave your ends in multiple directions on the reverse side of the coaster. This ensures your project stays secure even after frequent washing.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: