Welcome to your new favorite quick-make project! This adorable kitten coaster is the perfect blend of practicality and charm. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your own coffee table or searching for a heartfelt, handmade gift, this beginner-friendly pattern is sure to delight.
This project uses basic crochet stitches and simple shaping, making it a fantastic way to practice working in the round. With just a little bit of yarn and some creative embroidery for the face, you’ll have a cute, functional kitten coaster ready to hold your favorite mug in no time.
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (cotton is absorbent and durable for coasters). You will need a main color for the face and small amounts of accent colors for the ears, nose, and whiskers.
- Hook: 3.5mm or 4mm crochet hook.
- Needle: Yarn needle for weaving in ends and embroidering facial details.
- Extras: Scissors, a stitch marker, and optionally, a small piece of felt for a non-slip backing.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- sc: single crochet
- inc: increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Magic Ring: The foundation for your work.
- Notes: Use a stitch marker to keep track of the start of your rounds. If your coaster starts to curl, check your tension; you may need to loosen your stitches slightly.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
The Kitten Face
- Round 1: Start with a magic ring and make 6 sc into the ring. Join with a sl st. (6 sts)
- Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
- Round 3: [1 sc, inc] repeat around. (18 sts)
- Round 4: [1 sc in next 2 sts, inc] repeat around. (24 sts)
- Rounds 5–8: Continue the increase pattern (adding 6 stitches per round) until you reach 48 stitches. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Kitten Ears (Make 2)
- Round 1: Magic ring, 4 sc into ring.
- Round 2: 2 sc in each st (8 sts).
- Round 3: [1 sc, inc] repeat around (12 sts). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Assembly: Sew the ears onto the top edge of your coaster. Use black yarn to embroider simple sleepy or alert eyes, and pink yarn for a small, inverted triangle nose. Add 2–3 straight stitches on either side for whiskers.
- Blocking: To ensure your coaster lies perfectly flat, lightly dampen the piece, pin it into a circle on a towel, and let it air dry completely. This “sets” the stitches and gives the coaster a professional, finished look.
- Backing: For extra durability and to protect your furniture, cut a circle of felt slightly smaller than your coaster and whip-stitch it to the back. This also hides any unsightly embroidery knots!
- Customization: Don’t be afraid to add personality! Try adding a small yarn bow near one ear or using different colors for the ear tips to make a calico-style kitten.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: