Your first single crochet coaster.

A small square coaster is a practical way to practice single crochet, turning, and counting. This pattern is worked back and forth in rows and has no shaping.

Materials

• Smooth medium-weight cotton yarn; a small amount from a ball is enough for one practice coaster.
• A hook in the size recommended on your yarn label; 4–5 mm is a useful starting range for many medium cotton yarns.
• Scissors, a yarn needle, and two stitch markers.

The final size depends on your yarn, hook, and tension. Aim for a square around 10–12 cm wide, or adjust the starting chain to suit your mug. Gauge is flexible for this project.

Abbreviations and notes

ch = chain; sc = single crochet; st = stitch. US terms are used throughout. The ch 1 at the start of a row does not count as a stitch. Work under both top loops of each stitch unless instructed otherwise.

Step 1: Make the foundation

Leave a yarn tail for weaving in and ch 21. Keep the chains relaxed so the lower edge is not tighter than the rest of your work.

Step 2: Work the first row

Row 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook, then sc in each remaining chain. You should have 20 sc. Turn your work.

Step 3: Build the square

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in the first st and each st across. 20 sc. Turn.

Repeat Row 2 until the height matches the width. Lay the fabric flat and measure; the number of rows will depend on your tension. Keep the stitch count at 20 on every row. A square does not necessarily have the same number of rows as stitches.

Step 4: Finish neatly

After the final row, cut the yarn leaving a tail of approximately 15 cm. Pull the tail through the loop on the hook and tighten gently. Use a yarn needle to weave both tails securely through several stitches on the back, changing direction before trimming.

Follow your yarn’s care instructions. If needed, dampen and lay the coaster flat to shape it. Let it dry fully before using.

Why are my edges slanting?

If the piece gets narrower, you may be skipping the first or last stitch. If it gets wider, check that you are not working into the turning chain. Mark the first and last sc, and count 20 stitches after each row.

Make it your own

Try stripes or a different cotton color. To change the width, start with any number of chains and work one fewer single crochet in Row 1. Continue until the height equals the width.

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