Free Crochet Cherry Blossom Coaster Pattern Using Double Crochet

This cherry blossom coaster is such a pretty little make! The five rounded petals have a lovely realistic shape, with a textured spike stitch that hugs each petal base, and the finished coaster looks beautiful in shades of pink, white, or soft pastels under your favourite mug.

We will work the coaster in four rounds, fastening off and joining a new colour at each round, which gives the floral design its neat, layered look. It is a wonderful project for practising double crochet and front post stitches, and the finished coaster is around 4 inches across.

With minor changes you can do so much with this pattern: use thicker yarn for a larger placemat, or make a bunch of blossoms and join them into a garland, a bag embellishment, or a unique wall hanging.

Materials

• 1 ball weight #3 DK / light worsted or #4 worsted cotton or cotton blend yarn in pink, for the petals, plus a contrasting colour for the centre if desired (cotton is recommended for absorbency and durability)
• 3.5 mm to 4 mm (E or G) crochet hook, to match your yarn for a firm fabric
• Scissors
• Yarn needle, for weaving in ends
• Optional: stitch marker

Abbreviations

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet
• fpdc/fpsc: front post double / single crochet
• sp: space
• st/sts: stitch / stitches
• rep: repeat

Special Stitches

• Spike front post treble (fptr): work a front post treble crochet around the post of the stitch one round below, drawing the stitch up tall so it hugs the base of the petal and adds dimensional texture. Spike stitches add effect, but beginners may skip them while learning.

Gauge & Size

• Finished size: around 4 inches across (you can make it bigger or smaller by changing your hook size or yarn thickness)
• Construction: four joined rounds, fastening off and joining a new colour each round, with 5 petals shaped in Rounds 3 and 4
• Skill level: Easy

A few notes before we start: each round is fastened off and the next round is joined with a new yarn or colour, which lends a neat look to the floral design. Chains at the start of a round count as a stitch only when specified. If your coaster curls, gently steam block it.

Coaster Pattern

Round 1 (centre ring): Make a magic ring. Ch 4 (counts as ch 3 for the first dc + ch 1). (Dc in ring, ch 1) repeated from the start eight more times, so you have 9 dc separated by ch-1 spaces. Pull the tail to close the ring tightly, then sl st to the third ch of the first ch-4 to join. Fasten off and cut the yarn. (9 dc with ch-1 spaces)

Round 2 (petal base): Start in any ch-1 sp with a new colour. Ch 3 (counts as first dc), 2 dc in same ch-1 sp, ch 3, 3 dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1. Repeat this for a total of 5 petal sets (3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc, ch 1) around. Sl st to the third ch of the beginning ch-3 to join. Fasten off and cut the yarn. (5 petal sets)

Round 3 (petal shaping, with spike stitch): Attach yarn in the first stitch. Ch 1, work a spike front post tr around the first stitch one round below. Work 4 dc into the first ch-3 sp, ch 3, then 4 more dc into the same ch-3 sp. Sl st to the first ch-1 sp of the petal base. This completes one petal. Repeat four more times. Join with sl st to the starting point and fasten off. (5 petals)

Round 4 (final petal detailing): Attach yarn in the first stitch between petals. Sl st in first st, ch 1, work a front post sc around the first stitch (adds height and definition). Skip 1 stitch. Work 2 dc in each of next 3 stitches (fills the petal curve). Work 3 dc in ch-3 space, ch 1, sc in next st (centre of petal tip), ch 1, 3 dc in same ch-3 space, then 2 dc in each of next 3 stitches. Skip 1 stitch. Repeat for each petal, 5 times total. Sl st to first st to finish, fasten off and cut the yarn. (5 petals)

Finishing & Assembly

Weave in all yarn ends on the back with your yarn needle, keeping them tight for a professional finish. Shape and block as needed: you will know your project is a success when the coaster lays flat, the petals are even, and the colours are bright and clean. Your cherry blossom coaster is ready!

Tips

To fix uneven petals, count stitches closely and keep the same tension throughout. If the coaster curls, try a larger hook or loosen your tension.

Keep your starting chains and stitches loose, especially when working the spike (front post) stitches.

Always double-check your joining points, and slip stitch into the correct starting chains or stitches. Also double-check that you have an odd number of petals (5), which gives the natural floral division.

Use cotton yarn for a more absorbent, heat-resistant coaster, and steam block or pin your finished coaster for extra flatness.