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Crochet Panda Coaster Pattern
By Looplader · Tested row by row · Updated
- Skill
- Easy
- Hook
- 4.0 mm (G/6)
- Yarn
- Worsted cotton (CYC 4)
- Time
- One relaxed evening
This crochet panda coaster is a flat 60-stitch cotton circle with two small ear disks and sewn oval eye patches, so a mug sits on a level, absorbent surface instead of on a stuffed toy face.
The base is worked in a continuous spiral from the center out. The round counts build a true circle, and the facial pieces are pinned in place before sewing, which makes it easy to check that the panda looks balanced before committing to the finish.
Why you’ll love this pattern
- The coaster is one flat layer, so the cup base has a stable place to sit.
- Worsted cotton handles everyday table use and uses only small amounts of black and white yarn.
- The face is made with embroidered details rather than plastic safety eyes, so there are no hard pieces under a cup.
- The 60-stitch final round gives you a count to check before you add the features.
Instructions
- 1
Gauge check: with white cotton and a 4.0 mm hook, work Rnds 1-4 below. The circle should measure about 1 3/4 in / 4.5 cm across and lie flat. If it cups, go up one hook size; if the edge ripples, go down one hook size. Gauge matters here because it keeps the finished circle broad enough for a mug.
- 2
Base: with white, make an MR. Rnd 1: 6 sc in the ring. (6 sts) Pull the tail firmly to close the center, then place the marker in the first stitch. Work the remaining rounds in a spiral without joining.
- 312 sts
Rnd 2: (inc) x6.
- 418 sts
Rnd 3: (sc, inc) x6.
- 524 sts
Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x6.
- 630 sts
Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x6.
- 736 sts
Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x6.
- 8
Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x6. (42 sts) Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x6. (48 sts) Rnd 9: (7 sc, inc) x6. (54 sts) Rnd 10: (8 sc, inc) x6. (60 sts). Sl st in the next stitch to settle the edge, fasten off, and weave the white tail through the back of the work. The finished disk should be about 4 1/4 in / 11 cm across at the stated gauge.
- 9
Ears (make 2): with black, make an MR. Rnd 1: 6 sc in the ring. (6 sts) Rnd 2: (inc) x6. (12 sts). Sl st in the next stitch, fasten off, and leave a 10 in / 25 cm sewing tail. Flatten each disk between your fingers; it becomes one rounded ear.
- 10
Eye patches (make 2): with black, ch 6. Sc in the second ch from hook, hdc in the next ch, dc in each of the next 2 ch, 5 dc in the last ch. Rotate to work along the underside of the foundation chain: dc in each of the next 2 ch, hdc in the next ch, sc in the last ch; sl st to the first sc. Fasten off, leaving a 10 in / 25 cm sewing tail. Each patch is a small oval.
- 11
Placement: lay the white disk with the spiral side facing up. Pin an ear at each upper edge, with the inner lower corner about 1/2 in / 1.25 cm in from the edge. Pin the eye patches below the ears, tilted slightly inward like gentle commas. Step back and check that both patches are the same height before sewing; this is the easiest point to correct a lopsided face.
- 12
Assembly and finish: sew the ears around their lower half only so they stay flat against the coaster. Sew each eye patch around its full edge with small whip stitches. With white yarn, add one short straight highlight stitch near the upper outer edge of each black patch. With black yarn, embroider a tiny vertical oval nose between the patches and one short line below it. Weave every tail through several back loops and trim. Lightly mist the coaster, pat it into a circle, and dry it flat.
Tips for success
- Keep the first six rounds snug, but do not pull the outer rounds tight. A coaster that starts cupping needs a larger hook, not extra increases.
- Pin all four face pieces before you sew even the first ear. The outer round gives you a simple visual frame, so use it to match the height and tilt of each patch.
- Use cotton rather than plush yarn. A smooth cotton stitch shows the panda face clearly and lies flat after it is dampened and dried.
- Follow the care instruction on your specific yarn label. If it is machine washable, wash a test swatch first so you know whether the coaster needs reshaping after laundering.
Pattern at a glance
- Time to make
- One relaxed evening
- Skill level
- Easy
- Hook
- 4.0 mm (G/6)
- Yarn weight
- Worsted cotton (CYC 4)CYC standard
- Yardage
- About 28 yd white and 12 yd black cotton
- Gauge
- 18 sc x 19 rnds = 4 in / 10 cm in single crochet, worked in the round
- Finished size
- About 4 1/4 in / 11 cm across after light blocking
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my panda coaster cupping?
Cupping means your stitches are too tight for the circle’s increase rate. Move up to a 4.5 mm hook and remake the base through Rnd 4; do not add extra increases, because that will make the edge ruffle instead.
Why is the edge of my coaster ruffling?
Ruffling means the fabric has more stitch width than it can lie flat at your gauge. Go down one hook size and keep the written six increases per round. The 60-stitch count is correct for the stated construction.
Can I use acrylic yarn for this panda coaster?
You can, but cotton is the better working surface for a coaster because it is more absorbent and less heat-sensitive. If you use acrylic, reserve the finished piece for a cool drink or display rather than a very hot mug.
How can I make a larger panda coaster?
Keep adding increase rounds with one more plain sc between increases on each round: after Rnd 10, work (9 sc, inc) x6 for 66 stitches. Each added round increases the diameter by roughly 1/2 in / 1.25 cm at this gauge.
