Mint Lavender Shell Coaster Set Free Crochet Pattern

Mint Lavender Shell Coaster Set Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

These sweet little coasters are the perfect quick project for anyone who wants a touch of seaside charm on their coffee table. Worked in joined single crochet rounds with alternating bands of lavender and mint, each coaster finishes with a delicate five-double-crochet shell border that looks like tiny scallop shells along the edge. They are beginner-friendly, use only basic stitches, and work up in under an hour each, making them a wonderful first circular project or a last-minute handmade gift. The finished coasters are flat, sturdy, and about 4.5 inches across, soft enough to protect your furniture but firm enough to hold a mug without wobbling.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn, approximately 50 yards each of lavender and mint (sample used Lily Sugar'n Cream in Lavender and Mint).
• Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6) crochet hook.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.
• Finished size: Approximately 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) in diameter.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: make a loop of yarn and pull it through the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops twice.
• inc – increase: work 2 single crochet stitches into the same stitch.
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• MR – magic ring: an adjustable loop used to begin a circle.
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• rnd(s) – round(s).
• A / B – Color A (lavender) and Color B (mint).

Gauge

16 single crochet stitches and 16 rounds = 4 inches (10 cm). Work a small swatch in single crochet rounds and measure across the middle to check that your circle matches this gauge before starting your coasters.

Tips Before You Start

• Keep your tension even and slightly firm so the coaster lies flat; loose tension makes the circle ripple.
• Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round so you always know where to join.
• Count your stitches at the end of every round — the counts are your best guide to a flat circle.
• Cotton yarn is ideal here because it holds its shape and washes well; avoid stretchy acrylic if you can.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Coaster (make 4 — 2 in each color sequence)

Rnd 1: With A (lavender), make a magic ring, 6 sc into the ring. Join with sl st to first sc. (6 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around. Join. (12 sts)

Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc, inc] around. Join. (18 sts)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, [2 sc, inc] around. Join. (24 sts)

Change to B (mint).

Rnd 5: Ch 1, [3 sc, inc] around. Join. (30 sts)

Rnd 6: Ch 1, [4 sc, inc] around. Join. (36 sts)

Change to A.

Rnd 7: Ch 1, [5 sc, inc] around. Join. (42 sts)

Rnd 8: Ch 1, [6 sc, inc] around. Join. (48 sts)

Change to B.

Rnd 9: Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join. (48 sts)

Rnd 10 (shell border): Ch 1, sc in same st, *skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, skip 2 sts, sc in next st; rep from * around, ending with sl st to first sc. (8 shells)

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Color Sequence 2 (make 2 coasters)

Work Rnds 1–4 in B, Rnds 5–6 in A, Rnds 7–8 in B, Rnd 9 in A, and Rnd 10 in B. All stitch counts and instructions are identical to the coaster above.

Assembly and Finishing

There is no seaming required — each coaster is worked in one piece. Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, threading each tail under several stitches before trimming. Lightly block each coaster by misting with water and pinning it flat into a perfect circle on a blocking mat; let it dry completely. This sets the shell border and ensures the coasters sit flat.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Swap the colors for a seasonal set — try cream and sage for a neutral look or coral and sand for a warmer coastal palette.
• Add a hanging loop by chaining 10 and joining to the border before fastening off, turning a coaster into a small ornament.
• Work the final round in a contrasting color to make the shell border pop, or use a 3.5 mm hook for a slightly denser, stiffer coaster.