Heart Coaster

Heart Coaster by Victoria Gottschalk

Project Overview

The Heart Coaster is an intermediate-level crochet design created by Victoria Gottschalk for Crochet Sunnshyne. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a finished 5-inch square coaster featuring a heart motif worked in contrasting colors. The project is ideal for crafters looking to develop their color-work and multi-strand crochet techniques while creating a functional home décor item suitable for table settings.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a single coaster measuring 5 inches square. The design incorporates a heart motif worked using intarsia crochet techniques with two colors: Monkey Red and White. The finished piece serves as a practical table accessory while showcasing decorative colorwork.

Crochet Techniques Used

The Heart Coaster employs intarsia crochet, a color-work technique that involves carrying multiple yarn colors throughout the project and switching between them to create a pattern. The designer specifically recommends using yarn bobbins to manage the multiple yarn sources, as the pattern requires working with up to 5 different bobbins simultaneously during certain rows. This technique prevents yarn tangling and keeps the work organized when juggling multiple color strands.

The pattern notes that most rows utilize 3 yarn sources—two white and one red—though some rows require up to 5 bobbins. The designer suggests wrapping smaller bobbins with only a few yards for sections requiring minimal yardage, while the main white portion can be worked directly from the skein.

Stitches Used

• Chain (Ch): Used to create the foundation of the coaster
• Single Crochet (Sc): The primary stitch throughout the project, providing a tight, dense fabric suitable for a coaster
• Slip Stitch (Sl st): Used for joining and finishing techniques

Materials and Tools

The Heart Coaster pattern calls for Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton yarn in two colors: one skein each of Monkey Red and White. This cotton yarn is classified as worsted weight (also compatible with aran weight), making it ideal for creating a durable, absorbent coaster suitable for protecting furniture from moisture.

The project requires a US G (4mm) crochet hook and maintains a gauge of 17 single crochet stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches. Additional supplies include 4 to 5 yarn bobbins for managing the multiple color strands, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and scissors.

Difficulty Level and Gauge

Rated as an intermediate difficulty project, the Heart Coaster is suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle color-work techniques. The specified gauge of 17 sc and 20 rows per 4 inches is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements and ensuring the coaster functions properly.