This tiny, floppy-eared puppy plushie fits right in the palm of your hand and brings a sense of calm to any desk or bedside table. Soft white yarn and a few simple felt details create the classic, friendly face that makes this little character so recognizable. You will find that working through the rounds is a meditative process, helping you practice consistent tension and tight stitch placement. Whether you are building your first collection of handmade toys or searching for a quick gift for a friend, this project provides a clear path to a professional-looking, cuddly result.

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly crochet coaster pattern provides a practical way to protect your surfaces while practicing essential shaping techniques. Because it uses a small amount of yarn, it is an excellent project for utilizing leftover scraps from previous blankets or garments. The design relies on a basic circular increase method, which builds a flat, stable shape that sits perfectly flush against any table or desk. Crocheting these in a set makes for a thoughtful, personalized gift that comes together in under an hour.

I managed to finish a set of four in one afternoon. The instructions were very easy to follow and the circles laid completely flat without any puckering.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 30 minutes per coaster
Construction: Working in joined rounds to ensure a flat, circular finish
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted #4 weight, 100% cotton yarn, approximately 15 yards per coaster. Cotton is preferred for coasters because it is absorbent and heat-resistant.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
Notions needed: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
Safe yarn substitutions: Acrylic yarn can be used for decorative purposes, though it is not heat-resistant and may be less absorbent. Using a thinner yarn like DK weight will result in a smaller coaster, while bulky yarn will create a larger one, potentially requiring a hook size adjustment to maintain a flat fabric.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
st = stitch
sc = single crochet: Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.
inc = increase: Work 2 sc into the same stitch.
sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
MR = magic ring: A method for starting rounds by crocheting into an adjustable loop.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

This coaster is worked in continuous joined rounds. At the end of each round, join to the first stitch with a slip stitch and chain 1 to begin the next round.

Rnd 1: Start with a MR, work 6 sc into the ring, join with a sl st to the first sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around, join with a sl st (12 sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times, join with a sl st (18 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 1, 1 sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times, join with a sl st (24 sts).
Rnd 5: Ch 1, 1 sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times, join with a sl st (30 sts).
Rnd 6: Ch 1, 1 sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times, join with a sl st (36 sts).
Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the yarn tail through the final loop to secure. Use a tapestry needle to weave the end into the back of the coaster, trimming any excess yarn.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cool water with mild detergent to preserve the shape and color.
Lay flat on a clean towel to air dry, ensuring the coaster is shaped into a perfect circle while damp.
Avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat may cause cotton fibers to shrink or distort.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout the rounds to ensure the coaster does not ruffle or cup. If the coaster begins to cup, your tension might be too tight, so consider moving up a half-hook size. If the edges ruffle, your tension is likely too loose. Always use a stitch marker at the start of your round to keep track of your increases accurately. To hide your starting tail, crochet over the initial magic ring yarn end for the first few stitches of Round 1, which secures it firmly without the need for additional weaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Yes, but changing the yarn weight will alter the size of your finished coaster. A finer yarn will create a smaller coaster, while a heavier yarn will result in a larger one. You may need to add or remove rounds to reach your desired diameter.

Why is my coaster curling up into a bowl shape?

Curling usually happens if your tension is too tight or if you are not increasing enough stitches. Ensure you are working two single crochets into every increase stitch as indicated in the pattern.

How do I make the coaster larger?

You can continue the increase pattern by adding rounds. For Round 7, you would work one single crochet into each of the next 5 stitches, followed by an increase in the next stitch, repeating this sequence around. Each subsequent round increases by 6 stitches.

Can I sell the finished coasters I make from this pattern?

Yes, you are welcome to sell items made from this pattern. Please credit the design to this tutorial and use your own original photographs when listing your items for sale.

Pin for later!

Seeing your finished plushie come to life with just a hook and some yarn is a rewarding experience. Try working this pattern in a bulky chenille yarn if you prefer a larger, squishier friend for your collection. Snap a photo of your character and post it on your favorite social media site to show off your hard work. You can find more free patterns and project ideas by browsing through the archives on my main blog page whenever you are ready for a new project.