Wiggly Hot Pads & Coasters

Wiggly Hot Pads & Coasters by Susan Lowman

What Is Being Made

This downloadable crochet pattern collection features a set of wiggly-textured hot pads and coasters designed for table settings. The designs are created using a two-step crochet technique that produces a distinctive wiggly appearance, making them both functional and decorative pieces for protecting tables from hot dishes and beverages.

Craft and Technique Overview

The Wiggly Hot Pads & Coasters are constructed using crochet as the primary craft method. The pattern employs a specialized two-step construction process where the foundation mesh is created first, followed by additional shaping to achieve the characteristic wiggly texture. This intermediate-level technique requires understanding of mesh construction and the ability to work with decreases and special stitches to create the dimensional effect.

Stitches and Special Techniques Used

The pattern utilizes several fundamental and specialized crochet stitches:

• Chain stitches (ch) — used to establish the foundation and create mesh openings
• Double crochet (dc) — the primary structural stitch throughout the designs
• Slip stitch (sl st) — used for joining and finishing
• Yarn over (YO) — fundamental technique used in all stitch formations
• Beg dec (beginning decrease) — a special decrease worked at the start of rows by chaining 2, inserting the hook around the same double crochet post or chain-2 space, drawing up loops, and drawing through all loops on the hook
• Dec (decrease) — a standard decrease technique that involves multiple yarn overs and hook insertions, drawing through 2 loops at a time before completing the decrease by drawing through all remaining loops

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Wiggly Hot Pads & Coasters are designed to be worked with lace weight and thread weight yarns. These fine materials create delicate, intricate mesh patterns while maintaining the structural integrity needed for functional hot pads and coasters. The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 mesh and 12 mesh rows equaling a 3-inch square, which helps ensure proper sizing and drape of the finished pieces.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch combinations and shaping techniques. The two-step construction method and the use of specialized decreases require solid understanding of basic crochet fundamentals and the ability to follow detailed directional sequences.

Pattern Format and Designer

The Wiggly Hot Pads & Coasters pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, designed by independent designer Susan Lowman and published by The Crochet Architect. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations, special stitch definitions, and bracketed repeat instructions to guide crafters through creating multiple variations within the collection.