Solid Granny Square Coasters Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

These solid granny square coasters are a quick, satisfying project for anyone who has just learned double crochet and wants a real finished object to show for it. Instead of the open, holey granny square you may know, this version is worked closed, so it is dense enough to actually protect your table from a sweating glass. The two-color spiral of terracotta and mustard gives each coaster a warm, preppy look that suits a kitchen table, a desk, or a gift basket. Worked in worsted weight cotton, they feel sturdy and slightly crisp in the hand, and they soften with every wash.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) cotton yarn, approximately 30 yards each of terracotta (A) and mustard (B). Total of about 120 yards makes all four coasters.
• Hook: 3.75 mm (US F/5) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional) to mark the first stitch of each round.
• Finished size: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) square per coaster.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn on the hook.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops on the hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
• sp – space: the gap made by a chain or between stitches.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• rep – repeat.
• [ ] – work everything inside the brackets the number of times stated.

Gauge

4 rounds = 2 inches (5 cm) in pattern. To check, work Rounds 1–4 of one coaster and measure across the square; if it is larger than 2 inches, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up a hook size.

Tips Before You Start

• Cotton has very little stretch, so keep your tension relaxed and even. Tight, grippy stitches make the corners pull in and the coaster cup instead of lying flat.
• Each round begins with a ch 3 that counts as your first double crochet. Work your first real dc into the same stitch as the join, not the next one, or you will lose a stitch at the start of every round.
• Change colors on the final yarn over of the joining slip stitch so the new color is already in place when you begin the next round.
• Do not cut the old color at each change; carry it loosely up the back of the work and pick it up again on the round where it is needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Coaster (make 4)

With terracotta (A), ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, *dc in each dc to next ch-2 sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

Change to mustard (B).

Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each dc to next ch-2 sp, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in each dc to next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (44 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

Change to A.

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in each dc to next ch-2 sp, *(2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in ch-2 sp, dc in each dc to next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (60 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Edging

With right side facing, join B with sl st in any ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in same sp, sc in each dc around, working 3 sc in each corner ch-2 sp, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Assembly and Finishing

There is no seaming in this pattern; each coaster is worked in one continuous piece from the center ring outward. Weave in every tail on the wrong side, running the needle through several stitches in two directions so the ends will not work loose in the wash. Block each coaster by misting it lightly with water and pinning it to a 4.5 inch (11.5 cm) square on a blocking mat or towel. Let it dry completely, then remove the pins. Blocking is what gives the coasters their crisp, even edges and helps the corners sit flat.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make a matching set in any two colors you like, such as sage and cream or navy and oatmeal, to fit your room.
• Work the edging in the same color as Round 4 for a quieter, tone-on-tone look, or add a second sc round for a slightly larger coaster.
• Use a 4 mm (G/6) hook and a slightly thicker cotton for a sturdier coaster that stands up to hot mugs.