Fallen Oak Leaf Crochet Coaster Set Free Thanksgiving Pattern
Bring the cozy warmth of autumn right to your coffee table with this charming set of handmade coasters. Worked flat in rich seasonal shades of cotton, these leaves curve naturally and stay completely flat under your favorite mug without any curling.
Fallen Oak Leaf Crochet Coaster Set Free Thanksgiving Pattern
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Finished size: Approximately 12 cm (4.7 inches) across and 14 cm (5.5 inches) long
- Yarn: Sport weight 100% cotton yarn (approx. 125 meters / 137 yards per 50g ball) in Rust, Amber, Chestnut, and Olive
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook
- Stitches used: Chain, slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, treble crochet
- Time to make: About 1 to 2 hours per coaster
Size customization tips and gauge details are included further down in the article.
What Makes This Oak Leaf Coaster Special
Unlike traditional round coasters that can feel stiff or plain, these leaves are constructed with an intelligent central chain spine that acts as the structural midrib. The lobes are built symmetrically on either side using a deliberate sequence of increases and decreases to mimic real red oak foliage. Finishing with a surface slip stitch vein locks the shape in place and adds crisp textural definition down the center, while 100% cotton yarn ensures they are absorbent, durable, and fully machine washable.
Skill Level
- Familiarity with working on both sides of a foundation chain
- Comfort with increasing and decreasing across shaped rows
- Basic knowledge of surface slip stitching
💡 Designer Tip: Don’t skip the surface slip stitch vein at the end! It provides essential structure down the middle spine that helps the entire leaf lie completely flat.
Finished Measurements
| Measurement | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Width (widest span) | 4.7 in | 12.0 cm |
| Length (tip to stem) | 5.5 in | 14.0 cm |
Materials You Will Need
| Color Name | Yarn Weight | Yards / Meters Per Ball | Quantity Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rust | Sport (12 wpi) | 137 yds / 125 m | 1 ball (approx. 35 yds used) |
| Amber | Sport (12 wpi) | 137 yds / 125 m | 1 ball (approx. 35 yds used) |
| Chestnut | Sport (12 wpi) | 137 yds / 125 m | 1 ball (approx. 35 yds used) |
| Olive | Sport (12 wpi) | 137 yds / 125 m | 1 ball (approx. 35 yds used) |
- Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, sharp scissors, removable stitch markers
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schachenmayr Catania | Sport | Excellent stitch definition, extensive color range |
| Drops Safran | Sport | 100% combed cotton, soft with a matte finish |
| Hobbii Friends Cotton 8/6 | Sport | Durable, highly absorbent, perfect for home decor |
⚠️ Note: Avoid using wool or acrylic yarns for these coasters. Acrylic lacks heat resistance and can melt under hot mugs, while wool does not absorb condensation well and cannot withstand frequent washing in the same way cotton does.
Gauge
| Measure | Stitches & Rows |
|---|---|
| Main Stitch (sc/hdc) | 22 sts x 24 rows = 4 in / 10 cm using a 3.5 mm hook |
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Full Term |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| sc | single crochet |
| hdc | half double crochet |
| dc | double crochet |
| tr | treble crochet |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| sk | skip |
| inc | increase (work 2 sts into the same st) |
| dec | decrease (work 2 sts together) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
UK terminology note: In UK terms, sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr. This pattern uses standard US terminology.
Special Stitches Explained
- Surface Slip Stitch: Insert hook from top to bottom through the fabric along the designated line, yarn over, pull loop through the fabric and straight through the loop on your hook.
Pattern Instructions
Pattern Notes
- The leaf is worked outward from a central foundation chain spine, shaping lobes on one side, then working back along the opposite side of the foundation chain.
- Turning chains do not count as stitches unless explicitly stated.
Section 1: Oak Leaf (Make 4: 1 Rust, 1 Amber, 1 Chestnut, 1 Olive)
Foundation: With chosen yarn color, ch 23.
Row 1 (First Lobe & Side Shaping): Working in the back bumps of the foundation chain, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, (tr, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, tr) all in next ch to form first lobe tip, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in next 3 ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, (tr, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, tr) in next ch for second lobe tip, dc in next ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch, ch 1, rotate to work along the opposite side of the foundation chain. (28 sts, excluding ch-2 loops)
✅ Checkpoint: At the end of Row 1, you should have established the foundation spine with two distinct shaped lobe tips along the first outer edge.
Row 2 (Stem and Second Side Shaping): Working down the second side of the chain foundation matching the symmetry of the first side, sc in first ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next ch, (tr, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, tr) in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next ch, sl st in next 3 ch, sc in next ch, hdc in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, (tr, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, tr) in next ch, dc in next 2 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in next 2 ch, sl st down the remaining 3 ch to form the stem base. Fasten off yarn, leaving a 15 cm (6 in) tail. (28 sts)
Assembly
- No multi-piece assembly is required as each coaster is worked entirely as one solid piece.
Finishing
- Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle.
- Create the central surface vein: Starting at the base near the stem, work surface slip stitches straight up the center of the leaf along the foundation chain spine all the way to the top tip. Fasten off securely on the wrong side.
- Weave in all remaining loose ends securely.
- Block lightly with a warm iron and a damp pressing cloth if desired to ensure a perfectly flat finish.
Size Customization Tips
If you wish to make a larger trivet rather than a coaster, start with a longer foundation chain (e.g., ch 31) and add one extra set of lobe shaping stitches (extra dc and tr groups) along each side, maintaining symmetrical increases. Using a 4.0 mm hook with worsted weight cotton will also increase the overall finished size by about 25 percent.
Care Instructions
Machine wash gentle in cold water with similar colors. Reshape while damp and lay flat to dry on a towel. Do not tumble dry. Cotton softens naturally with every wash while maintaining its structural integrity.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
While you can, it is not recommended. Acrylic yarn does not absorb moisture from cold drinks as well as cotton and can melt or deform if a hot mug is placed directly on it.
How do I make the leaf lie completely flat?
Working the surface slip stitch vein down the central spine after finishing the outer edges provides the necessary structural tension to keep the coaster completely flat.
Are these coasters beginner-friendly?
Yes! If you are comfortable with basic stitches like single and double crochet and can follow foundation chain instructions carefully, you will find this an enjoyable, quick project.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you enjoy making this charming set of fall coasters to warm up your home decor this season. Be sure to save this pin on Pinterest and leave a comment below letting me know which autumn shade is your favorite!
