🌸 How to Crochet a Coaster (Supla) – Step-by-Step Tutorial Pattern

You’re looking for a “coaster supla”! This usually refers to a smaller version of a crochet placemat (often called a “sousplat” or “supla” in some regions), designed with more decorative edging or texture, but sized for a coaster. It’s a wonderful way to combine functionality with intricate beauty.

This pattern will create a beautiful, sturdy, and visually appealing coaster with a more elaborate border than a simple circle, giving it that “supla” feel. As always, cotton yarn is crucial for functionality.

Pattern: Beautiful Crochet Coaster Supla Tutorial

This tutorial will guide you through crocheting a decorative coaster that evokes the intricate look of a larger placemat or “supla.” It features a solid base and a lovely, detailed border.

Goal: To create a flat, dense, and decorative coaster (approx. 4.5 – 5.5 inches in diameter) with an eye-catching, “supla-style” border.

Materials You’ll Need:

• Yarn:
  • 100% Cotton Worsted Weight (Medium #4) Yarn: Absolutely essential for coasters due to its absorbency and heat resistance.
  • Choose your desired main color (e.g., natural, white, yellow, or a bright pop of color).
  • Optional: A small amount of a contrasting color for the final border round if you want a layered look.
• Crochet Hook:
  • Size H/5.0mm (or a size that yields a dense, flat fabric with your chosen cotton yarn. Adjust as needed to prevent curling or rippling).
• Yarn Needle (Tapestry Needle): For weaving in ends.
• Scissors
• Stitch Marker (Optional): Highly recommended for beginners to mark the beginning of rounds.

Abbreviations Used:

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• tr: treble crochet (or triple crochet)
• st(s): stitch(es)
• sp: space
• ch-sp: chain space
• MR: magic ring (or magic circle)
• FO: fasten off
• inc: increase (working 2 stitches into the same stitch)

Understanding the Coaster Supla Structure

This coaster is built in distinct stages to achieve its decorative look:

1. Solid Base: A sturdy, flat circle using half double crochet (hdc) for density.
2. Transition Round: A round of single crochet to create a solid edge for the decorative border.
3. Decorative Border – Round 1: Creating the first layer of the “supla” pattern using groups of stitches and chain spaces.
4. Decorative Border – Round 2: Building on the previous border round with taller stitches and more chain spaces to create the intricate edge.

Let’s Start Crocheting!

Part 1: The Solid Coaster Base

We’ll use hdc stitches for the main body to ensure a dense and flat coaster.

Option A: Chain Ring (Beginner-Friendly Start)

1. Ch 3.
2. Sl st into the first chain you made to form a ring.

Option B: Magic Ring (MR / Magic Circle – Recommended for a no-hole center)

1. Create a Magic Ring.
2. Ch 1 (does NOT count as a stitch; it just secures the ring).

Round 1 (Center Base):

1. Into the center ring (from Option A or B), ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
2. Work 8 hdc into the center ring.
3. Sl st into the first hdc to join the round. (8 hdc).
   • If using Magic Ring, gently pull the starting yarn tail to close the center hole tightly.

Round 2:

1. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
2. Work 2 hdc in each hdc around (hdc increase in every stitch). (16 hdc).
3. Sl st into the first hdc to join the round.

Round 3:

1. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
2. Work 1 hdc in the first st, then 2 hdc in the next st (inc). Repeat from * to * around. (24 hdc).
3. Sl st into the first hdc to join the round.

Round 4:

1. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
2. Work 1 hdc in each of the first 2 sts, then 2 hdc in the next st (inc). Repeat from * to * around. (32 hdc).
3. Sl st into the first hdc to join the round.

Round 5:

1. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
2. Work 1 hdc in each of the first 3 sts, then 2 hdc in the next st (inc). Repeat from * to * around. (40 hdc).
3. Sl st into the first hdc to join the round.
   • At this point, your coaster should be approximately 3.5 – 4 inches in diameter and laying perfectly flat.

Part 2: The Transition Round (Solid Edge for Border)

This round helps to define the edge before the more decorative border starts.

1. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
2. Work 1 sc into each hdc around. (40 sc).
3. Sl st into the first sc to join the round.
   • If you want to change colors for your border, FO here, weave in the end, and join your new color in any sc stitch.

Part 3: The Decorative “Supla” Border – Round 1

This round starts to create the openwork and clusters characteristic of many supla designs.

1. Ch 3 (counts as first dc).
2. Work 2 dc into the same stitch.
3. Ch 3.
4. Sk 3 sts.
5. In the next st, work 3 dc.
6. Ch 3.
7. Sk 3 sts.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 around. You should end with a Ch 3 space.
9. Sl st into the top of the beginning ch 3 to join the round. (10 groups of 3 dc, 10 ch-3 spaces).
   • This round will start to create a slightly scalloped or pointed edge with open spaces.

Part 4: The Decorative “Supla” Border – Round 2

This is the final, most decorative round, building on the previous clusters and spaces.

1. Sl st into the next dc, then sl st into the next dc. Now sl st into the first ch-3 space to position your hook. (This helps center you in the space).
2. Ch 1 (does not count as a stitch).
3. In the first ch-3 space, work (1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc).
4. Ch 3.
5. Sk the 3 dc cluster.
6. In the next ch-3 space, work (1 sc, ch 3, 1 sc).
7. Ch 3.
8. Sk the 3 dc cluster.
9. Repeat steps 6-8 around.
10. Sl st into the first sc of the round to join.
    • This round creates beautiful little “picot-like” points and more openwork, giving it a delicate, lace-like appearance common in suplas.

Finishing Your Coaster Supla

1. Weave in All Ends: This is essential for a clean, durable coaster.
   • Thread each yarn tail onto your yarn needle.
   • Carefully weave the tail through several stitches on the back of your coaster, going in different directions to secure it firmly.
   • Trim any excess yarn close to the fabric.
2. Blocking (Highly Recommended):
   • Gently wet your coaster (or spray it with water until damp).
   • Pin the coaster flat onto a foam blocking mat or a towel-covered surface, gently stretching the points and shaping it into a perfect circle.
   • Let it air dry completely. Blocking makes a huge difference in making your coaster lay flat, defines the stitches, and gives it a professional, finished look.

Tips for Beginners:

• Cotton Yarn is Non-Negotiable: For functionality, always use 100% cotton for coasters.
• Consistent Tension: This is key to a flat coaster and a neat-looking border.
• Counting Stitches and Spaces: Especially in the border rounds, ensure you’re skipping the correct number of stitches and working into the correct spaces.
• Visualizing Spaces: If you’re new to working into chain spaces, practice identifying them. They are the “holes” created by the chains.
• Use a Stitch Marker: Mark the first stitch of each round if you find yourself losing your place.
• Video Tutorials: If you’re unsure about specific stitches (like dc or tr) or how to join rounds seamlessly, quick YouTube tutorials can be very helpful.
• Experiment with Colors: Try a solid color for a minimalist look, or use a contrasting color for the last border round to make the pattern pop!

Enjoy your beautiful, functional, and decorative “coaster supla”!

Video Tutorial