Doughnut Coasters and Holder

Keep your tables safe from water rings with this adorable set of crochet doughnut coasters complete with their own matching storage cup.

Have you ever looked at your coffee table and felt it was missing a bit of joy? I certainly have, especially on those rainy afternoons when a hot mug is my only companion.

Standard cork coasters get the job done. But let's be honest, they are incredibly boring to look at.

That is why I designed this delightful set of pastry-inspired mug rugs. They bring an instant smile to anyone who sits down for a drink, and they double as a fantastic conversation starter when guests visit.

Plus, they keep your yarn stash happy.

This project is a wonderful way to use up those colorful cotton scraps leftover from larger blankets. You will create a set of realistic-looking treats and a sturdy little cup to tuck them into when they are not in use.

If you want to expand your kitchen collection later, you might also enjoy making a matching Urban Kitchen Potholder to complete the look.

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Stash Buster: It uses tiny amounts of worsted weight cotton, making it perfect for clearing out your scrap basket.
• Staggered Increases: The circle math is designed to prevent that dreaded hexagonal shape, giving you perfectly round pastries.
• Built-in Storage: The matching holder keeps your living room tidy and displays your hard work beautifully.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Medium weight cotton yarn (Category 4). Sable Sugar 'n Cream is highly recommended for its durability. You will need colors like Hot Blue, Ecru, and Yellow, alongside Vanna's Choice Baby in Pink Poodle and Loops and Threads Impeccable in Soft Taupe. The holder is made entirely in Ecru.
• Hook: Size H/8 (5.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and embroidering sprinkles, scissors.
• Yardage: Small amounts of each color (less than 50 yards per coaster).

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: 15 single crochet stitches = 4 inches using the H hook.
• Sizes included: One size.
• Finished measurements: Each completed doughnut measures approximately 4.5 inches in diameter.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain. The foundation of your work.
• sc: Single Crochet. A basic stitch that creates a tight, dense fabric.
• hdc: Half Double Crochet. A stitch that is taller than a single crochet but shorter than a double crochet.
• dc: Double Crochet. A tall, classic stitch used here to create the wavy edge of the icing.
• sl st: Slip Stitch. Used to join rounds and finish edges.
• reverse sc: Reverse Single Crochet (Crab Stitch). Worked from left to right to create a sturdy, decorative corded border.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round without turning.
• Keep your slip stitches loose on the final rounds so your edges do not curl upward.
• If you struggle with seamless transitions, check out my guide on How to Seamlessly Change Colors When Crocheting in The Round to make your icing look flawless.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crocheting the Doughnut Coaster

Round 1: Start with your chosen icing color. Chain 16, then slip stitch into the very first chain to create a ring. Chain 1, work 21 single crochet stitches directly into the center of the ring, and slip stitch to your first single crochet to join. (21 sc)

Round 2: Chain 1. Work 2 single crochets in the first stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. Repeat this pattern all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (28 sc)

Round 3: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in each of the first 2 stitches. Next, repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches) until you have only 2 stitches remaining. Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in the final stitch. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (35 sc)

Round 4 (Icing Edge): This round is worked only into the front loops. Chain 1. Repeat the pattern of (1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, 1 double crochet in the next, 1 half double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches, then slip stitch in each of the next 2 stitches) all the way around. Finish with a slip stitch in the same stitch as your starting chain-1. Cut your yarn, leaving a generous 25-inch tail for sewing later.

Round 5 (Doughnut Base): Fold the wavy icing edge of Round 4 upward to expose the unworked back loops from Round 3. Attach your doughnut base color (brown or tan) with a slip stitch into any back loop directly beneath a half double or double crochet. Work 1 single crochet in that same loop. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next loop, then 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 loops) until you have 4 loops left. Work 2 single crochets in the next loop, then 1 single crochet in each of the final 3 loops. Join with a slip stitch to your first single crochet. (42 sc)

Round 6: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in each of the first 3 stitches. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches) until 3 stitches remain. Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the last 2 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (49 sc)

Round 7: Chain 1. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the next 6 stitches) all the way to the end of the round. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (56 sc)

Round 8: Chain 1 (this counts as your first slip stitch). Work a slip stitch into every stitch around the entire edge. Join with a slip stitch to your starting chain-1. Fasten off your yarn.

Assembly and Sprinkles

First, weave in any loose yarn tails from the outer brown section. Take the long 25-inch tail you left on the icing section and thread it onto a tapestry needle. Fold the icing flat against the brown base and secure it down using a simple running stitch along the inner edge. Weave in the remaining tail. Finally, use scrap yarn in contrasting colors to stitch small straight lines across the icing to look like sprinkles.

Crocheting the Coaster Holder

Round 1: Using your main holder color, chain 4. Slip stitch to the first chain to form a ring. Chain 1, work 7 single crochets into the ring, and join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (7 sc)

Round 2: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch here or throughout). Work 2 single crochets into every stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (14 sc)

Round 3: Chain 1. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 1 single crochet in the next) all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (21 sc)

Round 4: Chain 1. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 1 single crochet in each of the next 2 stitches) all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (28 sc)

Round 5: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in each of the first 2 stitches. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 1 single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches) until 2 stitches remain. Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in the last stitch. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (35 sc)

Round 6: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in the first stitch. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 1 single crochet in each of the next 4 stitches) until 4 stitches remain. Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the last 3 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (42 sc)

Round 7: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in each of the first 3 stitches. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 1 single crochet in each of the next 5 stitches) until 3 stitches remain. Work 2 single crochets in the next stitch, then 1 single crochet in each of the last 2 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (49 sc)

Round 8: Chain 1. Repeat the pattern of (2 single crochets in the next stitch, 1 single crochet in each of the next 7 stitches) all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (56 sc)

Round 9: Chain 1. Repeat the pattern of (1 single crochet in each of the next 13 stitches, then 2 single crochets in the next stitch) all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (60 sc)

Round 10: Chain 1 (counts as your first slip stitch). Work a slip stitch into every stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to your first slip stitch. (60 sts)

Round 11: Chain 1. Inserting your hook only into the slip stitches from the previous round, work 1 single crochet in each stitch across. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (60 sc)

Round 12: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (60 sc)

Round 13: Chain 1 (counts as a slip stitch). Work 1 slip stitch in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first slip stitch. (60 sts)

Round 14: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each of the single crochet stitches from Round 12 (one round below), enclosing the slip stitches from Round 13 inside your new stitches as you work. This technique creates a thick, sturdy wall. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (60 sc)

Rounds 15-16: Repeat Round 13 and Round 14 once more.

Round 17: Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet in each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (60 sts)

Round 18: Repeat Round 17 once more.

Round 19: Chain 1. Work a round of reverse single crochet (crab stitch) all the way around the top edge. Join with a slip stitch to your first reverse single crochet. Fasten off and weave in all remaining ends.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Holiday Themes: Swap the icing colors for red and green with white sprinkles for Christmas, or pastel shades for Easter.
• Chocolate Glaze: Use a rich dark brown yarn for the icing to mimic a classic chocolate-dipped treat.
• Sturdy Storage Basket: If you enjoy making containers, you can apply similar structural techniques to my Round Nesting Basket Pattern to hold larger kitchen items.
• Bead Sprinkles: Instead of embroidering yarn sprinkles, sew on small glass seed beads for a realistic, shiny sugar look.
• Practice Circles: If you want to practice your flat circle increases before tackling this project, try making a Crochet Round Dishcloth Pattern first.
• Colour ideas: Try a cream base with pink icing and rainbow sprinkles, or a chocolate base with white icing.
• Yarn substitutions: Any sturdy 100% cotton worsted weight yarn will work, such as Dishie or Peaches & Creme.

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My coaster is curling up like a bowl instead of lying flat.
  Fix: Your tension might be too tight, especially on the final slip stitch round. Try using a larger hook size for the final round or consciously loosen your grip.
• Problem: The holder walls are too floppy and won't stand up.
  Fix: Make sure you are fully enclosing the slip stitches in Round 14. This double-layer technique is what gives the walls their stiffness. If it is still soft, try switching to a smaller hook for the holder.
• Problem: I can see gaps where I joined my rounds.
  Fix: Pull your joining slip stitches very tight. This minimizes the seam and keeps your circles looking seamless.
• Problem: My icing waves look uneven or distorted.
  Fix: Double-check your stitch counts on Round 4. Missing a single slip stitch or half double crochet will throw off the wave repeat.

Care Instructions

Since these coasters are made of cotton, they are highly absorbent and easy to clean. Simply pop them into a mesh laundry bag and machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle. Lay them flat to dry on a clean towel to help them retain their circular shape. Avoid tumble drying, as this can cause the cotton fibers to shrink unevenly.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like adding a touch of handmade whimsy to your daily routine. These doughnut coasters are quick to make, incredibly practical, and make wonderful housewarming gifts. I hope you have as much fun stitching them as your guests will have admiring them. Happy crocheting, my friends!