Heart-Shaped Crochet Coaster

Materials

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (beige or light cream) - approx. 100 yards
• Size H (5 mm) crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends

Gauge

4 clusters of double crochet = 4 inches in diameter

Abbreviations

• ch - chain
• dc - double crochet
• sl st - slip stitch
• sp - space
• rep - repeat

Instructions

1. Start with a magic ring: Create a magic ring (or ch 4 and join with a sl st to form a ring).
2. Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), make 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (12 dc)
3. Round 2: Ch 2, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc; rep from * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (18 dc)
4. Round 3: Ch 2, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 2 dc; rep from * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (24 dc)
5. Round 4: Ch 2, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 3 dc; rep from * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (30 dc)
6. Round 5: Ch 2, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 4 dc; rep from * around. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. (36 dc)
7. Round 6: Ch 2, *2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next 5 dc; rep from * around. Join with a sl st. (42 dc)
8. Creating the Heart Shape:
9. Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 5 dc (this forms the top left curve of the heart).
10. In the next dc, make 3 dc (this forms the peak of the heart)
11. Sc in next 5 dc (this forms the top right curve of the heart).
12. Continue to the next round, creating 2 dc in the next 2 stitches to give it more definition at the sides.
13. Complete to the bottom point of the heart with 1 sc in each of the next 3 dc.
14. Now continue working in rounds by creating a round of sc around the edges for a finished look.
15. Fringe: Cut pieces of yarn about 6 inches long. Fold them in half and use the tapestry needle to attach them along the straight edge of the heart, spacing them about half an inch apart. For a more playful look, vary the lengths of the fringe.
16. Trim the fringe if necessary to keep it even. Make sure to weave in any loose ends using your tapestry needle.

Finishing Touches

Once you have completed the coaster, feel free to personalize it by choosing different colors for the yarn. This coaster is perfect for a casual coffee date or for protecting your furniture at home.