This pattern will teach you how to crochet a beautiful square coaster or motif with a unique, spiraling pinwheel design. This piece is perfect for adding a touch of handmade elegance to your home decor. The pattern is broken down into simple steps, making it perfect for an ambitious beginner or an intermediate crocheter.
Materials You’ll Need
The right materials are crucial for a great result.
- Yarn: A fine cotton thread is best for this project. The piece in the photo uses a size 10 crochet thread in a light peach or blush color. Using this size of thread will create a delicate, lacy effect. A thicker yarn will work, but the final piece will be much larger and less delicate.
- Crochet Hook: You’ll need a small steel crochet hook to work with the fine thread. A 1.5mm to 1.75mm hook is a great choice. The hook should feel comfortable in your hand and allow you to work the stitches without difficulty.
- Scissors
- Tapestry Needle: This is a blunt-tipped needle used for weaving in the yarn ends for a clean finish.
- Blocking Supplies: Blocking is an essential final step that shapes your work and makes the lace pattern stand out. You’ll need a blocking mat, rust-proof pins, and a spray bottle with water.
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms)
- ch: chain
- sl st: slip stitch
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- tr: treble crochet
- ch-sp: chain space
- st(s): stitch(es)
- yo: yarn over
- [ ]: repeat instructions in brackets as directed
Pattern for One Square Motif
We’ll start with a circular center and gradually work our way out to create the pinwheel and the square lace border.
Round 1: The Center Begin with a magic ring. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), work 15 dc into the ring. Join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3. (16 dc total)
Round 2: Creating the Spokes Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc in the same st. Ch 3, skip 1 dc, sc in the next dc. Ch 3, skip 1 dc, sc in the next dc. Repeat from * to * 6 more times. Ch 3, join with a sl st to the first sc. (8 ch-3 loops)
Round 3: The First Spirals Sl st into the first ch-3 loop. [Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in the same ch-3 sp. Ch 1, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in the next ch-3 sp. Repeat from * to * 6 more times. Ch 1, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
Round 4: Expanding the Pinwheel Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the ch-1 sp. [Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in the same ch-1 sp. Ch 2, skip the ch-1 sp and the 6 dc, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in the next ch-1 sp. Repeat from * to * 6 more times. Ch 2, join with a sl st to the top of the beginning ch-3.
Round 5: Shaping the Square This round begins to define the square shape. We’ll alternate between making points and sides. Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the ch-1 sp. [Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in the same ch-1 sp. This forms a corner. [Ch 3, sc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 3, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in the next ch-1 sp.] Ch 3, sc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 3, sc in the next ch-2 sp, ch 3, [3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in the next ch-1 sp. Repeat from * to * two more times, adjusting the number of sc and ch spaces to form the straight sides. You should have four corners and four sides. Join with a sl st to the beginning ch-3.
Round 6: The Final Lace Border This is the final round, where you’ll create the decorative outer edge. Sl st into the next 2 dc and into the ch-1 sp. [Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in the same ch-1 sp. (This is a corner.) Ch 4, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 4, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 4, sc in the next ch-3 sp, ch 4. [3 dc, ch 3, 3 dc] in the next ch-1 sp. Repeat from * to * around the doily. Join with a sl st to the beginning ch-3.
Fasten off and weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle.
Blocking is a Must!
Blocking is the final, crucial step to make your coaster look professional. Without it, the piece will curl and the lacy pattern won’t be as visible.
- Dampen: Gently soak your finished doily in lukewarm water for about 15 minutes.
- Remove Water: Gently squeeze the water out, but do not wring or twist. You can roll it in a clean towel and press to absorb moisture.
- Pin: Lay the damp doily on a foam blocking mat. Using rust-proof pins, carefully stretch the doily into a perfect square, pinning each of the four corners and along the edges to open up the lace design.
- Dry: Let the doily air dry completely, which may take up to 24 hours. Do not use heat.
- Unpin: Once dry, unpin the doily and enjoy your beautifully finished piece!
I hope you enjoy creating this elegant crochet coaster. Let me know if you have any questions about a specific stitch or step!
