Soft wool against your skin turns a chilly morning walk into something cozy and comfortable. This garter stitch hood features a simple construction that results in a dense, warm fabric perfect for protecting your ears from biting wind. Beginners enjoy this project because it relies on basic knit rows rather than complicated cables or lace work. You gain confidence as you see the fabric grow quickly on your needles. We focus on consistent tension and clean edge work here to ensure the finished piece drapes naturally around your shoulders without pulling or bunching during daily wear.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly crochet coaster pattern uses simple single crochet stitches and a tight tension to create a sturdy, heat-resistant surface for your mugs. It is a quick project that allows you to finish a complete set of four in a single afternoon. Because each coaster requires less than 15 yards of yarn, it serves as an excellent way to use up leftover bits from larger projects. The finished circular shape sits perfectly flat on tabletops without curling, provided your tension remains consistent throughout.

I managed to whip up a set of six of these for a housewarming gift in one evening. They are sturdy, wash well in a garment bag, and look very professional.

— Sarah, casual crafter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 30 minutes per coaster
Construction: Working in continuous rounds from a magic ring
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: 4 inches in diameter

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn. Cotton is preferred for coasters because it absorbs moisture and handles heat better than acrylic. You will need approximately 15 yards per coaster.
Hook Size: 4.5 mm (US size 7) hook. This size creates a tight stitch structure to prevent spills from leaking through the fabric.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a stitch marker to keep track of the start of each round, and scissors.
Safe yarn substitutions: You may use a blend of cotton and linen, which will result in a slightly stiffer, more rustic texture. Avoid using 100% acrylic yarn for coasters, as it can melt if a very hot mug is placed directly on it.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR = Magic ring: A method to start a circle by wrapping yarn around your fingers and working stitches into the loop.
ch = Chain: Draw the yarn through the loop on your hook.
sc = Single crochet: Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook.
inc = Increase: Work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch to increase the round count.
st(s) = Stitch(es).
sl st = Slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through the stitch and the loop on your hook to join rounds.
BLO = Back loop only: Work into the back loop of the stitch to create a ribbed effect or join.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Coaster Body

Rnd 1: Start with a MR. Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the center hole. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each sc around. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of the round. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: Work 1 sc, 1 inc around. Repeat from * to * six times. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: Work 1 sc, 1 inc, 1 sc around. Repeat from * to * six times. (24 sts)
Rnd 5: Work 3 sc, 1 inc around. Repeat from * to * six times. (30 sts)
Rnd 6: Work 2 sc, 1 inc, 2 sc around. Repeat from * to * six times. (36 sts)
Rnd 7: Work 5 sc, 1 inc around. Repeat from * to * six times. (42 sts)
Rnd 8: Sl st in each stitch around to create a smooth, clean edge. (42 sts)

Finishing

Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Use your tapestry needle to join the last slip stitch to the first slip stitch of the final round invisibly. Pull the yarn tail to the back of the coaster and weave it securely through the base of the stitches. Trim any excess yarn flush with the fabric.

Care & Washing Instructions

Machine wash your cotton coasters on a gentle cycle in cold water using a mesh laundry bag.
Reshape the coasters by pulling them gently into a circle while they are damp.
Lay flat on a towel to air dry completely before placing them on furniture.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain tight tension by keeping your working yarn snug; loose stitches allow water to seep through to the table surface.
Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to avoid losing your place, as continuous rounds do not have a clear joining seam.
Weave your ends in by traveling through the underside of the stitches in two different directions, which prevents the ends from popping out after repeated use.
Adjust the size by adding or omitting rounds; however, be aware that changing the size will alter the amount of yarn required and may require a different hook size if you want the fabric to stay firm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger hook to make this faster?

Using a larger hook will result in larger gaps between your stitches. This is not recommended for coasters because the fabric needs to be dense to protect your surfaces from moisture and heat.

How do I adjust the size of the coaster?

To make the coaster larger, continue the increase pattern by adding one additional stitch between your increases for each subsequent round. Ensure you maintain an even count to keep the circle flat.

Is it okay to sell coasters made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern, provided you credit the designer. Please do not sell or redistribute the written instructions themselves.

Why does my coaster ripple instead of laying flat?

If your coaster ripples, your stitch count is too high, meaning you added too many increases. If it cups like a bowl, your stitch count is too low and you need to add more increases in your next round.

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Finishing this warm headpiece feels satisfying, especially when you wrap it around your neck for the first time. You might consider using a variegated wool blend if you prefer a modern, speckled appearance instead of a solid color. Sharing a photo of your finished work helps others see how your unique color choice changes the overall look of the garment. Feel free to browse our collection of other knitting patterns on the blog for your next quiet afternoon project, as we add new designs every week.