Design and review note: These original written instructions have been reviewed for stitch arithmetic and construction logic, but have not been physically crocheted or sample-tested. Measurements are planning estimates, not verified finished sizes. Existing images are illustrative, not a photographic record of this exact design. Make a sample and check the relevant fit, shape and attachments before use.
These original apple-slice coasters use a flat cream center, a colored peel edge and an embroidered seed cluster. A separate leaf and narrow stem complete the fruit motif. Make one first to check flatness and cup stability before producing a matching set.
Pattern status: The numbered rounds and stitch counts are mathematically reviewed drafts, not physically tested crochet. Gauge, exact diameter, yardage and image correspondence have not been verified with a worked sample.
Materials and gauge planning
- Smooth worsted 100% cotton in cream, red or green, leaf green and brown.
- 4 mm hook as a starting size; adjust for a dense but flexible swatch.
- Marker, scissors and yarn needle.
Use washable cotton for an absorbent coaster. No fixed finished diameter is promised. Make the center and compare it with the base of the intended mug; it should provide a stable, flat surface. This is not a potholder, trivet or heat-protection product.
US terms
Ch = chain; sc = single crochet; hdc = half double crochet; dc = double crochet; sl st = slip stitch; inc = 2 sc in one stitch. Work joined rounds. Beginning ch 1 and the joining slip stitch never count as stitches. After joining, make the first sc of the next round in the same stitch as the join. Count only the sc tops.
Cream apple-slice center
- Round 1: with cream, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, work 6 sc in the ring; join to the first sc. (6)
- Round 2: ch 1, inc in every stitch; join. (12)
- Round 3: ch 1, [sc, inc] 6 times; join. (18)
- Round 4: ch 1, [2 sc, inc] 6 times; join. (24)
- Round 5: ch 1, [3 sc, inc] 6 times; join. (30)
- Round 6: ch 1, [4 sc, inc] 6 times; join. (36)
- Round 7: ch 1, [5 sc, inc] 6 times; join. (42)
Fasten off cream and weave in its ends. Lay the piece flat now; correct any count mistake before adding the peel.
Colored peel
Join red or green in any stitch. Round 8: ch 1, [6 sc, inc] 6 times, join to the first sc. (48) Fasten off. This is a circular apple slice, not a sculpted whole-apple outline; the leaf, stem and seeds provide the apple identity without a dip shaping the cup surface.
Small leaf
With green, ch 7. On the first side, work sc in the second chain, hdc in the next chain, dc in each of the next 2 chains, hdc in the next chain and 3 sc in the last chain. Rotate to the unused underside: hdc in the next chain, dc in each of the next 2 chains, hdc in the next chain and 2 sc in the final chain. Join to the first sc without counting the join. There are 14 stitches: 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2. Fasten off with a sewing tail.
Stem and seeds
For the stem, ch 6 with brown. Starting in the second chain, sl st in all 5 chains. Fasten off with a sewing tail. Sew the stem to the outside edge of the peel and secure the leaf beside it, using several small stitches into the outer two coaster rounds. Keep these pieces outside the mug's contact area.
Embroider three tiny brown seed marks near the center using short straight stitches. Hide the knots on the back and avoid raised knots or bulky clusters beneath the mug. Weave ends in more than one direction before trimming.
Finishing and checking
Dampen and dry flat according to the cotton label. Put an empty mug on the dry coaster and check for rocking. Do not use it if the base is uneven. For a matching set, keep the same cotton, hook and eight-round structure, and compare each dry coaster before gifting.
Troubleshooting
The circle cups: first check round counts 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48. If counts are correct, tension or yarn may need a different hook and another sample. It ruffles: make sure an increase contains two sc, not three. The back is lumpy: spread woven tails through different areas and replace bulky seed knots with flat embroidery.
Questions about apple coasters
Can I make a solid red apple instead?
Yes. Work rounds 1–8 in red, omit the seeds and keep the leaf and stem. The circular construction remains unchanged.
Can I leave off the separate leaf?
Yes. It is decorative and not part of the coaster's load-bearing surface. Secure all its tails if you include it.
How do I make a larger coaster?
After the 48-stitch round, add [7 sc, inc] six times for 54, then [8 sc, inc] six times for 60 if needed. Each additional round needs its own flatness and cup-stability check.
Safety and care
Use only as a coaster for ordinary drinkware, not directly under hot pans or flames. Keep loose decorative pieces away from children and pets. Follow the yarn's laundering instructions and dry flat.
Final Thoughts
A restrained peel color and flat seed embroidery keep this motif practical. Measure your own finished sample rather than treating a planning gauge as a tested size.
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