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# Acorn Coasters
## A Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern

These charming acorn-shaped coasters feature a round base representing the acorn nut and a textured cap section for an adorable autumn accent to your home. Perfect for fall decorating or as handmade gifts!

**Finished Measurements**: Approximately 4" (10 cm) in diameter

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: Worsted weight (Category 4) yarn
- **Main Color (MC)**: Tan, beige, or cream for acorn body - approximately 35 yards per coaster
- **Contrast Color (CC)**: Brown or rust for acorn cap - approximately 20 yards per coaster
- **Sample shown in**: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice (100% acrylic, 170 yds/156 m per 3.5 oz/100 g)

**Hook**: US G/6 (4.0 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions**:
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch marker (optional but helpful)

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## GAUGE

16 sc and 18 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in single crochet worked in the round

**Gauge is important** for this project to ensure coasters are the correct size. Take time to check your gauge and adjust hook size if necessary.

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- dc = double crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- MC = main color
- CC = contrast color
- BLO = back loop only
- RS = right side
- ( ) = work instructions within parentheses in stitch indicated
- [ ] = repeat instructions within brackets as directed

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Coaster is worked in joined rounds from center outward.
- Ch 1 at beginning of rounds does NOT count as a stitch.
- Join each round with sl st to first sc unless otherwise instructed.
- Stitch count is provided at end of each round in parentheses.
- For a flatter finish, block coasters lightly with steam or spray starch.
- If you prefer one solid color, work entire pattern in MC.

**Magic Ring Alternative**: If you're not comfortable with a magic ring, ch 2 and work Round 1 stitches into the second chain from hook, then pull starting tail tight to close center hole.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### COASTER BASE (Acorn Nut)

With MC and G/6 hook, make a magic ring.

**Round 1**: Ch 1 (does not count as st), work 6 sc in ring, join with sl st to first sc. Pull tail to tighten ring. **(6 sts)**

**Round 2**: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. **(12 sts)**
*Math check: 6 sts × 2 = 12 sts ✓*

**Round 3**: Ch 1, [sc in next st, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, join with sl st to first sc. **(18 sts)**
*Math check: 6 increases + 6 sc = 12 sts worked, 12 + 6 increases = 18 sts ✓*

**Round 4**: Ch 1, [sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, join with sl st to first sc. **(24 sts)**
*Math check: (2 + 1) × 6 = 18 sts worked, 18 + 6 increases = 24 sts ✓*

**Round 5**: Ch 1, [sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, join with sl st to first sc. **(30 sts)**
*Math check: (3 + 1) × 6 = 24 sts worked, 24 + 6 increases = 30 sts ✓*

**Round 6**: Ch 1, [sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, join with sl st to first sc. **(36 sts)**
*Math check: (4 + 1) × 6 = 30 sts worked, 30 + 6 increases = 36 sts ✓*

**Round 7**: Ch 1, [sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, join with sl st to first sc. **(42 sts)**
*Math check: (5 + 1) × 6 = 36 sts worked, 36 + 6 increases = 42 sts ✓*

**Round 8**: Ch 1, [sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times, join with sl st to first sc. **(48 sts)**
*Math check: (6 + 1) × 6 = 42 sts worked, 42 + 6 increases = 48 sts ✓*

Fasten off MC, leaving a 6" tail for weaving in. Your coaster base should measure approximately 4" (10 cm) in diameter.

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### ACORN CAP

The cap is worked over approximately the top third of the coaster to create the signature acorn shape.

**Joining CC**: With RS facing, join CC with sl st to any st in Round 8. The cap is worked back and forth in rows, then a border is added.

**Row 1 (RS)**: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 23 sts, leave remaining sts unworked, turn. **(24 sts)**

**Row 2**: Ch 1, sc BLO in each st across, turn. **(24 sts)**
*Working in BLO creates a ridge texture that mimics the acorn cap.*

**Row 3**: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. **(24 sts)**

**Row 4**: Ch 1, sc BLO in each st across, turn. **(24 sts)**

**Row 5**: Ch 1, sc in each st across, turn. **(24 sts)**

**Row 6**: Ch 1, sc BLO in each st across, turn. **(24 sts)**

**Row 7**: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Do not turn. **(24 sts)**

**Cap Edging**: Ch 1, work sc evenly down left side edge of cap (approximately 6-7 sc), sl st into base of coaster to connect cap edge, work sc evenly up right side edge of cap (approximately 6-7 sc), sl st to first sc of Row 7. 
*This edging connects the cap to the coaster base and creates a smooth transition.*

Fasten off, leaving a 6" tail for weaving in.

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### STEM

With CC and G/6 hook, ch 4.

**Row 1**: Starting in 2nd ch from hook, sl st in each of next 3 ch. **(3 sl sts)**

Fasten off, leaving an 8" tail for sewing.

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## FINISHING

1. **Attach Stem**: Thread the long tail from the stem onto yarn needle. Position stem at center top of cap and sew in place using the tail, stitching through the base of the stem into the coaster. Weave in end securely.

2. **Weave in Ends**: Thread all remaining yarn tails onto yarn needle and weave through several stitches on wrong side of work. Trim excess yarn.

3. **Blocking (Optional)**: For flatter coasters, lightly steam block or spray with water and pat flat. Allow to dry completely. Alternatively, spray with fabric starch for added stiffness.

4. **Shape Cap**: If desired, gently curve the cap section to create dimensional shaping. The BLO rows create natural texture and flexibility.

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## DESIGN TIPS & VARIATIONS

- **Color Options**: Try natural tones (tans, browns, grays) for realistic acorns, or use bright colors for a whimsical look
- **Size Adjustment**: For larger coasters, continue base rounds following the pattern (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) and increase cap accordingly
- **Set of Four**: Make a set using different shades of brown for the caps
- **Embellishments**: Add French knots or seed stitch texture to cap for extra detail
- **Stiffening**: For very firm coasters, work a final round with 2 strands of yarn held together

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## YARN REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTIPLE COASTERS

- **Set of 4 coasters**: Approximately 140 yards MC, 80 yards CC
- **Set of 6 coasters**: Approximately 210 yards MC, 120 yards CC

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**Pattern designed for beginners** | Requires knowledge of: chain, single crochet, double crochet, working in the round, slip stitch, and basic increasing

**©2024 - This pattern is for personal use. Finished items may be sold in small quantities with credit to designer. Please do not reproduce or distribute this pattern.**