Hello, fellow makers! There is nothing quite like a quick, functional project to brighten up your home. These apple-shaped coasters are a charming way to bring a touch of handmade warmth and a playful aesthetic to your kitchen or coffee nook. Whether you are prepping for autumn decor, crafting a thoughtful teacher’s gift, or simply want to protect your surfaces from moisture and heat, this project is a delightful choice.
In this guide, I have distilled the essentials of creating a beautiful apple-shaped coaster into a clear, step-by-step process. We will focus on using durable cotton yarn to ensure your coasters are both absorbent and long-lasting. Grab your hooks, and let’s get started on this beginner-friendly pattern!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: Medium weight (4) 100% cotton yarn. Recommended colors: Red, Green, or Yellow for the apple body; Brown for the stem; and Leaf Green for the leaf.
- Hook: 4.0mm (G/6) crochet hook.
- Scissors: For trimming ends.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and assembly.
- Measuring Tape: To ensure consistent sizing across a set.
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- hdc: half double crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- inc: increase (2 stitches in the same space)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- Magic Ring: A starting loop that pulls tight to close the center hole.
- Notes: This pattern is worked in joined rounds. The “ch 2” at the start of rounds does not count as a stitch unless otherwise noted. Cotton yarn is highly recommended because it handles heat and absorbs condensation better than acrylic.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
The Apple Body
- Round 1: Using your main color (Red, Green, or Yellow), create a magic ring. Ch 2, work 12 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (12 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 2, work 2 dc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (24 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 2, *1 dc in the first st, 2 dc in the next st; repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to the first dc. (36 sts)
- Round 4 (Shaping): This round creates the “apple” indentations. Ch 1. Sc in the first st. Hdc in the next st. 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts. Dc in the next 4 sts. Hdc in next 2 sts. Sc in next st. In the next st, work (sc, ch 1, sc) to create the bottom point. Sc in next st. Hdc in next 2 sts. Dc in next 4 sts. 2 dc in each of the next 4 sts. Hdc in the next st. Sl st in the last st. Fasten off.
The Stem
- Join Brown yarn in the top center slip stitch of Round 4.
- Ch 6. Sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each of the remaining 4 chains.
- Sl st back into the same space where you joined the yarn. Fasten off, leaving a tail for weaving.
The Leaf
- Using Leaf Green yarn, ch 7.
- Sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in next, hdc in next, dc in next, hdc in next.
- In the last ch, work (sc, ch 2, sl st in the 2nd ch from hook, sc).
- Now, working along the opposite side of the chain: hdc in next, dc in next, hdc in next, sc in next. Sl st to the first st to finish.
- Fasten off, leaving a tail to sew the leaf to the base of the stem.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Weaving Ends: Use your tapestry needle to weave in all yarn tails on the back of the coaster. Ensure they are secure so the coaster can withstand washing.
- Tension Matters: Try to keep your tension consistent. If your coaster is curling, your stitches may be too tight; if it is wavy, they may be too loose.
- Blocking: To get a perfectly flat, professional look, “steam block” your cotton coasters. Pin them into the desired apple shape on a foam board and lightly steam them with an iron (do not touch the iron to the yarn).
- Customization: Experiment with different shades like “Granny Smith” green or “Honeycrisp” variegated yarn. You can also embroider tiny black seeds in the center for added realism!
- Care: Since these are made of cotton, you can machine wash them on a gentle cycle, but air drying is best to maintain the apple shape.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: