Fred the Sea Turtle is a charming companion that sits comfortably in your palm with his soft, squishy shell and friendly face. This project is a wonderful starting point for anyone new to amigurumi because it focuses on basic shaping and simple circular increases. You will find that his rounded body comes together quickly using a standard worsted weight yarn, which keeps the stitches tight and prevents the stuffing from poking through. This little guy makes an excellent desk buddy or a small gift for a child, offering a fun way to practice sewing small parts together cleanly.

Pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly crochet coaster set is designed to work up in less than thirty minutes per piece, making it an ideal project for using up leftover cotton yarn scraps. The textured moss stitch provides a sturdy, thick base that protects wooden surfaces from condensation while maintaining a flat, professional shape. Because these coasters are worked in simple back-and-forth rows with basic abbreviations, they offer a relaxing, repetitive rhythm suitable for multi-tasking during an evening of television. You can easily whip up a full set of four in a single afternoon to create a personalized, handmade gift for housewarmings or holiday exchanges.

I managed to finish a set of six coasters in just one weekend. The instructions were very clear and the moss stitch texture looks much more complicated than it actually is.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 20-30 minutes per coaster
Construction: Flat square worked in rows
Finished Dimensions & Sizing: 4 inches by 4 inches

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight #4, 100% cotton, approximately 15 yards per coaster. Cotton is essential for heat resistance and absorbency.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8)
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a measuring tape.
Safe yarn substitutions: Acrylic yarn is a common substitute, but keep in mind it does not absorb moisture as well as cotton and can melt if used for hot mugs. Wool yarn provides a natural, rustic feel but may require hand washing to prevent felting.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st/sts = stitch/stitches
sk = skip
sp = space
Moss Stitch: A pattern sequence of [sc, ch 1, skip 1] across the row.

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Coaster Body

The coaster is worked in a square shape, starting with an even number of chains to ensure the moss stitch pattern aligns correctly.

Row 1: Ch 16. Sc in the 4th ch from the hook. *Ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc in the next ch. Repeat from * across. Turn. (8 sts)
Row 2: Ch 2 (counts as ch 1 + skip 1). Sc in the first ch-1 space. *Ch 1, sk 1 sc, sc in the next ch-1 space. Repeat from * across, ending with a sc in the turning chain space. Turn. (8 sts)
Rows 3-18: Repeat Row 2 until the piece forms a square measuring 4 inches.
Finishing: Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch yarn tail. Use your tapestry needle to weave the end securely back into the stitches on the wrong side of the coaster to ensure it stays flat.

Care & Washing Instructions

Machine wash in cold water on a delicate cycle using mild detergent to maintain the integrity of the cotton fibers.
Lay the coasters completely flat on a towel to air dry, reshaping them with your hands while damp to ensure the square edges remain crisp.
Avoid using chlorine bleach, as this can degrade the fiber and cause the color to fade or streak over time.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintaining consistent tension is the most important factor in keeping your coaster square. If your edges are curling, you are likely pulling the turning chain too tightly; try to keep the ch-2 spaces relaxed to match the height of your single crochet stitches. Use a stitch marker on the first stitch of every row to ensure you do not accidentally skip the final stitch, which often causes the coaster to shrink into a trapezoid shape. If you wish to make the coaster larger, simply add chains in multiples of two, but remember that this will require additional yardage. Finally, when weaving in your ends, run the needle through the center of the stitches rather than along the surface to keep the underside looking clean and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?

Yes, you can use a lighter or heavier yarn, but it will significantly change the finished size. If you use a sport weight yarn, you should increase the starting chain count and the number of rows to achieve a 4-inch square.

Why do my edges look uneven after a few rows?

Uneven edges usually result from missing the final stitch in a row. Always count your stitches at the end of each row to ensure you have the same number of single crochets as you started with.

Are these coasters safe for hot coffee mugs?

Yes, provided you use 100% cotton yarn. Cotton is heat-resistant and will not melt when in contact with hot ceramic mugs, unlike synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester.

Can I sell the finished coasters I make from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern, but please provide a link back to this tutorial if you are listing them online for sale.

Pin for later!

Watching Fred come to life after you attach his final flipper is truly satisfying, especially when you see how much character a simple stitch placement can add. You could swap his green body for a variegated blue yarn to give him a unique, ocean-inspired look or add a tiny hat to his head for extra personality. Please share your finished creation on social media to show off your hard work. Browse the rest of my site for more free patterns that follow this same straightforward style.