Whispering Pines Textured Square Coaster: A Free Crochet Pattern

Bring the serene beauty of a pine forest to your coffee table with this richly textured crochet coaster. The intricate stitch pattern creates a plush, dimensional square that adds warmth and handmade charm to any room. Whether you're an experienced crocheter looking for a quick weekend project or a confident beginner ready to learn a new stitch, this pattern offers a satisfying and beautiful result. The combination of front post and back post double crochet stitches creates a mesmerizing ridge effect that mimics the rings of a tree or the texture of pine bark, making each coaster a tiny work of art.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in two colors:
  • Forest Green (MC) - approximately 30 yards per coaster
  • Cream (CC) - approximately 30 yards per coaster
• Crochet Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook
• Other Tools: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors

Gauge: 16 sts x 18 rows = 4 inches in single crochet. Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is important for a uniform square. If your tension is tighter or looser, adjust your hook size accordingly to achieve a similar density.

Special Stitches

This pattern uses two special stitches that create the beautiful texture. If you're new to post stitches, don't worry—they're easier than they look! Here's how to work them:

FPdc (Front Post Double Crochet)

Yarn over, insert hook from front to back around the post of the stitch in the row below (instead of into the top loops), yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops. This creates a raised ridge on the front of your work.

BPdc (Back Post Double Crochet)

Yarn over, insert hook from back to front around the post of the stitch in the row below, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through two loops. This creates a recessed effect on the front of your work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This coaster is worked in joined rounds, starting from the center and working outward. The texture is created by alternating front post and back post double crochet stitches. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful textured square in no time.

Round 1

With MC, make a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 11 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (12 dc)

Round 2

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the same stitch, *FPdc around the next stitch, dc in the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with FPdc around the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (18 sts)

Round 3

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (24 sts)

Round 4

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (30 sts)

Round 5

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (36 sts)

Round 6

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (42 sts)

Round 7

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (48 sts)

Round 8

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (54 sts)

Round 9

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (60 sts)

Round 10

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (66 sts)

Round 11

Ch 3 (counts as first dc), FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, *dc in the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch, FPdc around the next stitch* repeat from * to * around, ending with dc in the last stitch. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. (72 sts)

Round 12

Ch 1, sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off MC.

Round 13

With CC, join with a sl st to any stitch. Ch 1, sc in each stitch around. Join with a sl st to the first sc. Fasten off CC.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using your yarn needle. Block the coaster lightly to shape if desired. To block, simply wet the coaster, gently press out excess water, and lay flat to dry, shaping the edges to be straight and square. This will help the coaster lay flat and look polished.

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches: After each round, take a moment to count your stitches to ensure you haven't accidentally added or skipped any. This will keep your coaster perfectly square.
• Keep tension consistent: Try to maintain an even tension throughout. Post stitches can be worked tighter than regular stitches, so be mindful to keep them loose enough to match the rest of your work.
• Use stitch markers: If you find it helpful, place a stitch marker at the beginning of each round to keep track of your place.
• Make a set: These coasters are quick to make and look wonderful in sets of four or six. They also make thoughtful, handmade gifts for housewarmings or holidays.

This Whispering Pines coaster is a delightful project that combines simplicity with stunning visual impact. The raised ridges and smooth valleys create a tactile experience that's as pleasing to touch as it is to look at. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening tea, these coasters will bring a touch of forest tranquility to your home. Happy crocheting!