This is a free crochet pattern and tutorial to make Super Speedy Crocheted Car Coasters.
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In preparation for some upcoming markets, I have been brainstorming ways to make some great sellers that work up super quickly. After some experimenting, I have come up with the perfect way to make some quality products for craft fairs in very minimal time!
The secret for this pattern and several other upcoming patterns is the use of three strands at once. By working with three strands of worsted weight all at the same time, you get a very thick and chunky fiber that works up quickly because the stitches stand much higher. When creating crocheted items, this super bulky texture isn’t always ideal, but I have some amazing patterns for you that will work great with this thick material!
First up in my Super Speedy Crochet Patterns Series is the Super Speedy Car Coasters pattern!
What is a Car Coaster?
If you are currently reading this and thinking I lost my mind, I promise I have not! Car coasters are useful little coasters that you can put in the bottom of the cup holders in your car to protect your cup holder from the moisture, liquid, and dirt that can get into them.
The best part about car coasters is that they aren’t overly popular… yet! While a quick search shows this cute macrame set on Etsy and this cute ceramic set from Wal-Mart, there is still plenty of opportunities to introduce this cool idea to your customers! These are such nifty little things to have in your car that they would make perfect gifts for anyone who drives. Because you can easily wash them, you could even create a little gift set of three pairs of them, so they can wash one, use one, and have a back-up!
What Do You Need to Make Crocheted Car Coasters?
– Cotton Yarn: I used Dishie from WeCrochet in Azure and Swan and I Love This Cotton in Sage and Rosy.
– J10/6 mm Crochet Hook: I used a WeCrochet Dots hook for these coasters. I also highly recommend Clover Amour ergonomic hooks or Susan Bates Soft in-line hooks.
– Yarn Needle: I used a metal yarn needle. Since this is a very thick project, you will want to make sure you have a sturdy needle that won’t bend.
– Scissors: Any sharp scissors will work, but these Fiskars scissors are my absolute favorites!
Gauge
Gauge is not overly critical for this pattern, but if you want your finished crocheted car coaster to be the same as mine, here are some sizing tips:
A magic ring with 6 DC made with three strands of cotton yarn and a J10/6 mm crochet hook measures about 1.5 inches in diameter. After completing row 2 with 2 DC in each stitch, the round should measure about 2.5 inches in diameter.
Finished Size
These car coasters are the perfect size to fit inside a car cup holder. They measure just over 2.5 inches in diameter. The average car cup holder is about 3 inches in diameter, so these will fit just right inside!
Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
DC = Double Crochet
CH = Chain
SL ST = Slip Stitch
Special Stitches
Magic Circle: Here is a great tutorial for how to create a Magic Circle. If you are not familiar, or do not prefer this method, you could also chain two and work your first round into the second chain from the hook.
Tips and Tricks for Making Crocheted Car Coasters
Working with Three Strands of Yarn
To work with three strands of yarn for this pattern, you could pull from three separate skeins, or you could use this super cool trick to get three strands to crochet with while only pulling from one strand of yarn!
Creating a Straight Seam in the Round
Alexandra of the EyeLoveKnots blog introduced me to this awesome tip for keeping your seam straight while crocheting in the round with joined rounds! For the second round, after you chain 2, you will only put one DC in the first stitch. You then continue to DC 2 in each stitch around. This will give you 11 DC when you get back to your original chain. Then, you can DC 1 right where the CH 2 was and join your work.
I think this looks the best, so you will see this in the written pattern below as the recommended method for row 2. If you are not comfortable with this method, you could also just DC 2 in each stitch around.
Creating an Invisible Finish
I use an alternative method for finishing off at the end of the coaster. You can check out this method at the end of the video tutorial found below the pattern.
How Do You Make Crocheted Car Coasters?
Written Pattern
Using three strands of worsted weight yarn held together:
Create a Magic Circle and CH 2.
Row 1: DC 6 into a Magic Circle. Join with a SL ST into the first DC, CH 2. (6)
Row 2 (recommended): DC 1 in the first. Then DC 2 in each of the next five stitches. DC 1 in the last stitch stitch (where the CH 2 was). Join with a SL ST into the first DC. (12)
Row 2 (alternative): DC 2 in each stitch around. Join with a SL ST into the first DC. (12)
Fasten off and weave in ends. You’re all done!
Video Tutorial
Tips for Selling Your Crocheted Car Coasters
Packaging Your Crocheted Car Coasters
I have included an awesome freebie for you to package your crocheted car coasters! Simply download and print the file below of car coaster wrap labels, cut on the dotted lines, and wrap them around a set of two coasters. This will make them look super professional for selling or gifting!
Marketing Your Crocheted Car Coasters
Car coasters are still a relatively new item out on the market, so you can introduce these to your customers at your next craft show as an awesome little gift for friends and family! Since they are relatively inexpensive, they would also make guilt-free items for customers to buy for themselves!
If you want to really create an enticing gift-worthy set for your next market, you could put a set of these together with a cute little air freshener or essential oil car diffuser and a key chain! How cute would that gift set be for someone who just got a new car or passed their driver’s test?
Looking for More Quick Market Makes?
Be sure to check out some of my other free patterns right here on the T&C Crafters blog!
~ Super Speedy Crochet Scrunchie
What a brilliant idea! I usually end up stuffing a paper towel or napkin down into the car cup holder to absorb moisture. I hope your upcoming markets will be successful and profitable! Thank you for sharing this post in the Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 55.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
Thanks so much! I usually end up using the napkin method too, but these don’t disintegrate when they get wet like a napkin, so they help a lot with the mess!