Leprechaun's Loot Coaster Free Crochet Pattern – Textured Shamrock & Gold Coins

Bring a touch of Irish charm to your table with this whimsical coaster set, featuring a plush shamrock center surrounded by a ring of golden coins. Each coaster is a tiny treasure, perfect for St. Patrick's Day or year-round cozy vibes. This pattern is beginner-friendly and creates a stunning, textured piece that will impress your guests and protect your furniture in style.

Whether you're crafting for a holiday gathering or simply want to add a bit of handmade magic to your home, these coasters are quick to make and use just a few basic stitches. The combination of emerald green, warm gold, and crisp cream creates a visual feast that's both festive and elegant. Let's dive into this delightful project!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at your local craft store or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
  • Emerald green (for the shamrock center)
  • Gold (for the coin ring)
  • Cream (for the border)
  Recommended: Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton or any similar worsted weight cotton yarn for durability and stitch definition.
• Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook
• Stitch markers (to track rounds)
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together)
• Scissors

Gauge: 4 rounds of shamrock = 2 inches in diameter. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will help your coaster lay flat and look neat.

Finished Size & Abbreviations

Finished Size: Approximately 4 inches in diameter.

Abbreviations

• MR: magic ring
• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec: decrease (sc 2 together)

Important Notes

• Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise stated. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round.
• The coaster is made in three parts: the shamrock center, the gold coin ring, and the cream border.
• Take your time with the shamrock leaves – they create the signature textured look of this pattern.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Shamrock Center (Emerald Green)

We'll start with the heart of our coaster – the lush shamrock. This piece is worked in continuous rounds to create a flat circle, then we'll shape the three distinct leaves.

Round 1: Make a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to tighten the ring closed. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around (increase in every stitch). (12 sts)

Round 3: *Sc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Sc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)

Round 5: *Sc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (30 sts)

Round 6: *Sc in the next 4 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (36 sts)

Round 7: *Sc in the next 5 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (42 sts)

Round 8: *Sc in the next 6 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (48 sts)

Now we'll shape the three shamrock leaves. This is where the magic happens! The circle you've created will be divided into three sections of 16 stitches each.

Leaf 1: Starting at your stitch marker, work across the next 16 stitches as follows: (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc) – this creates one leaf. Then sl st to the next stitch to separate the leaves.

Leaf 2: Work the same sequence across the next 16 stitches: (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc). Sl st to separate.

Leaf 3: Work the final sequence across the last 16 stitches: (sc, hdc, dc, tr, dc, hdc, sc).

After completing all 3 leaves, sl st to the first stitch of Round 8 to close. Fasten off and weave in the ends securely.

Pro tip: The treble crochet in the center of each leaf creates that beautiful, raised point that makes the shamrock look dimensional and lush.

Part 2: Gold Coin Ring (Gold)

Now we'll create the ring of golden coins that surrounds our shamrock. This piece uses half double crochet stitches to create a dense, coin-like texture.

Round 1: With gold yarn, make a magic ring and work 8 hdc into the ring. Pull tight. (8 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 hdc in each stitch around (increase in every stitch). (16 sts)

Round 3: *Hdc in the next stitch, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (24 sts)

Round 4: *Hdc in the next 2 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (32 sts)

Round 5: *Hdc in the next 3 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (40 sts)

Round 6: *Hdc in the next 4 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (48 sts)

Round 7: Work even in hdc (no increases) – just hdc in each stitch around. (48 sts)

Round 8: *Hdc in the next 5 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (56 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 18 inches) for sewing the shamrock to the ring.

Pro tip: The even round (Round 7) creates a subtle ridge that mimics the edge of a coin, adding to the realistic gold coin effect.

Part 3: Assembly & Border (Cream)

Time to bring all the pieces together! This is where your coaster transforms from separate parts into a cohesive, beautiful piece.

Step 1: Attach the Shamrock
Place the shamrock center on top of the gold coin ring, aligning the centers. Using the gold tail you left, thread it through a yarn needle. Sew the shamrock to the ring using a whip stitch, catching the back loops of the shamrock and the front loops of the ring. Work your way around, ensuring the leaves are evenly spaced and lie flat. When you've sewn all the way around, secure the yarn and weave in the end.

Step 2: Join the Cream Yarn
With the cream yarn, join with a sl st to any stitch on the outer edge of the gold ring.

Round 1: Ch 1 (counts as first sc), sc in the same stitch, then sc in each stitch around the entire ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (56 sts)

Round 2: Ch 1, sc in the same stitch, *sc in the next 6 stitches, inc in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (64 sts)

Round 3 (Crab Stitch Border): Ch 1, work reverse single crochet (crab stitch) in each stitch around. To do a crab stitch: instead of working left to right, work right to left – insert your hook into the next stitch to the right, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook. This creates a beautiful, twisted rope-like edge. Join with a sl st to the first crab stitch.

Fasten off and weave in all ends carefully.

Finishing Touches

Your coaster is almost complete! A little blocking will make it lay perfectly flat and look professionally made.

1. Block the coaster: Lightly dampen the coaster with a spray bottle or by running it under cool water. Gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring!).
2. Shape and flatten: Place the coaster on a flat surface and shape it into a perfect circle. You can place a heavy book on top and let it air dry completely, or use a warm iron with a damp cloth over the coaster (check your yarn's care instructions first – cotton can handle low heat).
3. Repeat: Make a set of 4 coasters for a complete table setting – they make wonderful gifts too!

Tips for Perfect Results

• Consistent tension: Try to keep your tension even throughout. If your circle starts to ruffle, you may be crocheting too loosely; if it cups, you're too tight.
• Stitch markers are your friend: Always mark the beginning of your rounds – it's easy to lose track, especially in the continuous rounds of the shamrock.
• Weave as you go: Weave in ends as you complete each part to avoid a pile of loose threads at the end.
• Cotton is key: Cotton yarn is absorbent, durable, and shows stitch definition beautifully – perfect for coasters that will see daily use.

These Leprechaun's Loot Coasters are a joy to make and even more delightful to use. The textured shamrock center, the golden coin ring, and the crisp cream border come together to create a piece that's both functional and full of personality. Whether you're crafting for St. Patrick's Day or just want to add a bit of Irish luck to your home, this pattern is sure to become a favorite.

Happy crocheting, and may your stitches always be lucky! 🍀