Hello, fellow yarn lovers! Autumn is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the cozy season than with a fun, handmade crochet project? These adorable turkey-shaped coasters are practical for protecting your surfaces from heat and moisture, while adding a wonderfully playful touch to your home decor. Whether you are prepping your table for a holiday gathering or just love cheerful seasonal accessories, this project is sure to make you smile.
Working on shaped crochet items is also a fantastic way to sharpen your skills. You will practice mindful stitch placement, precise counting, and fun color changes—all while creating a sturdy, functional piece. Grab your hooks, and let’s dive right into making your very own flock of turkey coasters!
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: 100% Cotton yarn (Worsted weight / #4). Cotton is absorbent, durable, and handles moisture and heat best for coasters. You will need main body colors (brown), plus scraps for the feathers (red, orange, yellow), beak (yellow/orange), and snood (red).
- Crochet Hook: US Size G/6 (4.0 mm) or H/8 (5.0 mm) to keep stitches firm and even.
- Notions: Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and sewing parts), scissors, and stitch markers (optional, to keep track of rounds).
Abbreviations & Pattern Notes
- Ch: Chain
- Sl St: Slip Stitch
- Sc: Single Crochet
- Hdc: Half Double Crochet
- Dc: Double Crochet
- St(s): Stitch(es)
- Notes: All instructions use standard US crochet terminology. Work in joined rounds unless otherwise stated. Keep your tension moderately tight so the coaster stays nice and sturdy.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
- Turkey Body Base: Using brown yarn, start with a magic ring. Ch 1, work 8 Sc into the ring, and join with a Sl St to the first Sc. (8 sts)
- Round 2: Ch 1, work 2 Sc in each St around. Join with a Sl St. (16 sts)
- Round 3: Ch 1, *1 Sc in first St, 2 Sc in next St; repeat from * around. Join with a Sl St. (24 sts)
- Round 4: Ch 1, *1 Sc in next 2 Sts, 2 Sc in next St; repeat from * around. Join with a Sl St, fasten off brown yarn. (32 sts)
- Tail Feathers: Attach colorful scrap yarn (red, orange, or yellow) to the top back edge of the body. Ch 3 (counts as first Dc), work 2 Dc in the same St, skip 1 St, Sl St into the next St. Repeat this scallop pattern across the back edge to create 3 to 4 colorful feather bumps. Fasten off and weave in ends.
- Head & Beak: With a small amount of brown yarn, create a small circle (Magic ring, 5 Sc, join). Attach it just above the body base. Using yellow yarn, embroider a small triangle beak, and add a tiny red stitch right next to it for the snood.
Finishing & Helpful Tips
- Weave Securely: Because coasters get frequent use and washing, always weave your yarn ends back and forth multiple times to secure them completely.
- Block for Flatness: If your coaster curls slightly, lightly steam block it or press it under a damp cloth with an iron on a low, cotton-safe setting so it lies perfectly flat.
- Play with Color: Feel free to mix and match scrap yarns for the feathers to give each turkey in your coaster set a totally unique and vibrant personality.
- Consistent Tension: Keep your stitches snug. A denser coaster offers better protection for your wooden tables against hot mugs and sweating glasses.
Watch the Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer visual guidance? Follow along with the complete video tutorial below: