This little granny square coaster is a perfect first project. It works up in three rounds, uses very little yarn and teaches you the basic building blocks of crochet. Make a set of four and you have a handmade gift.
What you need
- Worsted weight cotton yarn (small amount, about 10 g per coaster)
- 4 mm (G/6) crochet hook
- Scissors and a yarn needle
Finished size: about 4 to 4½ inches (10 to 11 cm) wide. Exact size depends on your yarn and tension.
Abbreviations (US terms)
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- dc: double crochet
- sp: space
Instructions
Round 1: Ch 4 and join with a sl st to the first chain to form a ring. Ch 3 (counts as your first dc). Work 2 dc into the ring, then ch 2. Work [3 dc into the ring, ch 2] 3 times. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3. You now have four groups of 3 dc and four ch-2 corners.
Round 2: Sl st across the next 2 dc and into the first ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, then work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same space for your first corner. *Ch 1, then work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 corner space.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Ch 1 and join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Round 3: Sl st across the next 2 dc and into the first ch-2 corner space. Ch 3, then work (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same space. *Ch 1, work 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1, then work (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next ch-2 corner space.* Repeat from * to * 2 more times. Ch 1, work 3 dc in the last ch-1 space, ch 1, and join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a 6 inch (15 cm) tail. Weave in your ends with a yarn needle. Block lightly with a damp cloth if you want crisp edges.
Tips
Cotton yarn holds its shape best for coasters. If your square curves or ruffles, try a hook one size smaller. Want a bigger project? Keep going with more rounds, repeating Round 3 to grow it into a washcloth or a baby blanket square.