If you’re looking for a fun, practical, and adorable crochet project, this crochet penguin coasters – step by step tutorial is perfect for you. Not only do these coasters add a playful touch to your home décor, but they also make thoughtful handmade gifts. Designed to be beginner-friendly, this guide will walk you through each stage of creating these charming penguin coasters with clear instructions and tips.
The appeal of making crochet penguin coasters lies in their versatility and cuteness. These little penguins can be customized with different color combinations, allowing you to create a set that matches your kitchen, living room, or even your holiday decorations. Whether you’re crafting for fun, for gifts, or even to sell at craft fairs, these coasters are sure to impress.
In this step by step tutorial, you’ll learn everything you need—from the materials to the final touches. We’ll explain each step using simple language and include helpful notes along the way. You’ll also find answers to common questions in the FAQ section, so you can complete your project with confidence.
Materials and Tools You Will Need
To begin your crochet penguin coasters – step by step tutorial, let’s start with gathering all necessary supplies. Having everything ready before you start will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.
You will need worsted weight cotton yarn in three main colors: black for the body, white for the belly, and orange or yellow for the beak and feet. Cotton yarn is preferred for coasters because it absorbs moisture and handles heat better than acrylic yarn. Choose soft yet durable yarn to ensure the longevity of your coasters.
Next, you’ll need a crochet hook in size 4.0 mm (G/6), which works well with medium weight yarn. Having a consistent tension will help your coaster maintain its shape and give a neat finish. If your tension is too tight or too loose, you can adjust by switching hook sizes.
You’ll also want to have a pair of sharp scissors, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and stitch markers if you need help keeping track of your rounds. A simple stitch counter or a pen and paper can also be useful to track rows and rounds during your project.
Optional materials include felt pieces or safety eyes for decorating the face, or a fabric backing to give the coaster more grip and structure. These aren’t essential, but they can enhance the look and function of the coaster depending on your preference.
Be sure to work in a clean, well-lit space with plenty of room to move your hands and view your stitches. It’s always a good idea to read through the whole pattern once before you begin, so you can anticipate the steps and have a smoother crochet experience.
Now that your supplies are ready, let’s dive into how to make your first penguin coaster, starting with the main body shape.
Step 1: Creating the Penguin Body
The body of the penguin will serve as the base of the coaster, so it’s important to begin with a solid circular shape. This will also help establish the penguin’s characteristic rounded appearance.
Start by making a magic ring with black yarn and crochet 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring. Pull the ring tight and slip stitch to the first stitch to close the round. This forms the foundation of your coaster. If you’re new to magic rings, you can chain 2 and make 6 sc into the second chain from the hook as an alternative.
In Round 2, increase in each stitch by making 2 sc in each. You should have 12 stitches at the end. Continue increasing in a standard circular pattern in the next few rounds—this usually involves alternating increases with single crochets.
By Round 5 or 6, your circle should measure approximately 4 inches in diameter. This is a good size for most mugs and cups. Make sure your stitches are tight enough to hold their shape but not too tight to warp the circle.
After reaching the desired size, you can continue for one or two more rounds without increasing, to give the body a slightly larger oval shape that resembles a penguin. Remember to keep track of your stitch count and finish the last round with a slip stitch.
Fasten off the black yarn and weave in the end using a yarn needle. You now have the main base of your crochet penguin coaster, and it’s time to add some character to it.
Step 2: Adding the Belly and Face Details
This section will guide you through creating the penguin’s white belly and the features that bring your crochet penguin coasters to life: the eyes, beak, and face.
To make the belly, use white yarn and start with a magic ring, working in single crochets to make a smaller circle. Usually, about 3–4 rounds is enough. Once finished, fasten off and leave a long tail for sewing.
Sew the belly onto the center of the black body using a yarn needle. Make sure it’s centered and shaped like an oval, not a perfect circle. This gives the penguin a more realistic and endearing look.
For the eyes, you can crochet small circles with white yarn or use felt pieces or safety eyes. If you crochet them, a simple pattern of starting with a magic ring and making 6 sc in the ring works well. Use black yarn or felt to add the pupils.
The beak can be made with a small triangle shape using orange or yellow yarn. Chain 2, work one row of 2 sc, then decrease to one stitch in the next row. Fasten off and sew it just below the eyes.
Arrange all the facial features before sewing to ensure they look balanced. You may also add rosy cheeks using a touch of pink yarn or embroidery thread if desired. This step is where your penguin really comes to life!
Once everything is sewn into place, weave in any remaining ends and check your stitches for any gaps or loose threads.
Step 3: Creating the Feet and Flippers
The feet and flippers give your crochet penguin coasters that extra personality and structure. They can also help balance the coaster on a flat surface.
Start with orange or yellow yarn for the feet. Chain 4, then sc back across the chain. Work another row of single crochets, and finish with a small scallop edge (for example: [sl st, ch 2, sl st] in the last three stitches). Make two of these and sew them to the bottom of the penguin body.
The flippers can be made with black yarn to match the body. Chain 5, and work a row of half double crochets. In the second row, taper the flipper by decreasing at each end. Sew the flippers to the sides of the body, just above the belly.
Position the feet symmetrically and secure them well, especially if you plan to use the coaster regularly. The flatter the feet, the more stable the coaster will be on the table.
You can customize the shape of the flippers to be round or pointed depending on the look you want. Adding a slight curve can give a more playful appearance.
As always, weave in all your yarn ends and trim any excess thread. Check that all pieces are securely attached and lay the coaster flat to inspect the balance.
Step 4: Final Assembly and Finishing Touches
Now that all the elements are ready, it’s time to complete your crochet penguin coasters with final adjustments and detailing.
Take a moment to inspect the symmetry of your penguin. Make sure the face is centered, the belly is aligned, and the feet and flippers match in placement. This gives your finished piece a polished and professional look.
Optionally, you can add a border around the entire penguin coaster for extra strength and to tie the design together. Use black yarn to slip stitch around the edge or create a decorative border using reverse single crochet.
To give your coaster extra durability, consider blocking it. Gently wet it, shape it by hand, and pin it down to dry flat. This will help it keep its shape and look more finished.
You can also attach a non-slip fabric or felt backing to the reverse side if you want extra grip on smooth surfaces like wood or glass.
Once finished, admire your work and consider making a set with varied expressions or accessory details like hats or scarves for festive themes.
These crochet penguin coasters make wonderful gifts and can even be sold at craft fairs or online. Handmade with love, each coaster will bring a smile to anyone’s face.
FAQ: Crochet Penguin Coasters – Step by Step Tutorial
1. What type of yarn should I use for crochet penguin coasters?
Cotton yarn is recommended because it absorbs moisture well and handles heat, making it perfect for coasters.
2. Can beginners make this pattern?
Yes! This tutorial is beginner-friendly and includes simple stitches like single crochet and basic shaping.
3. How long does it take to complete one penguin coaster?
On average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your skill level and speed.
4. Can I machine wash these coasters?
Yes, if you use cotton yarn and sew all parts securely, they can be gently washed and laid flat to dry.
5. Are there size variations for these coasters?
Absolutely! You can adjust the hook size or number of rounds in the body to create larger or smaller coasters.
6. Can I sell these penguin coasters?
Yes, you can sell finished items made from this pattern. Just make sure to credit the design if required by the pattern creator.
Conclusion
This crochet penguin coasters – step by step tutorial has guided you through every stage of creating a fun and practical project. From the base to the face, and from the feet to final detailing, each step is crafted to help even beginners succeed. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you can create a delightful penguin coaster that is as functional as it is adorable.
We hope you enjoyed this tutorial and feel inspired to start your own penguin coaster collection. If you tried the pattern, please share your honest feedback and let us know if you have any suggestions. Your thoughts help us improve and inspire future projects for fellow crochet enthusiasts.
