November 12, 2026

Pop-Up Coaster Crochet Pattern: Free Base Pattern + 30 Animal Designs

Pop-Up Coaster Crochet Pattern: Free Base Pattern + 30 Animal Designs

Pop-up coasters are one of the most fun crochet projects right now: a flat round coaster with a little animal head or flower that "pops up" over the edge. They work up fast, use only a little yarn and make great gifts or craft-market items.

Below you'll find a free basic round coaster pattern, the base every pop-up coaster starts from, plus tips for adding the pop-up motif.

Materials

  • Cotton yarn, worsted weight (No. 4): cotton absorbs moisture and handles hot mugs
  • 4 mm crochet hook
  • Stitch marker, yarn needle and scissors

Abbreviations (US terms)

  • MR = magic ring
  • sc = single crochet
  • inc = 2 sc in the same stitch
  • sl st = slip stitch

Free basic pattern: round coaster (about 10 cm)

Work in continuous rounds and move your stitch marker up every round.

  1. Round 1: MR, 6 sc in the ring (6)
  2. Round 2: inc in every stitch (12)
  3. Round 3: *sc, inc* 6 times (18)
  4. Round 4: *2 sc, inc* 6 times (24)
  5. Round 5: *3 sc, inc* 6 times (30)
  6. Round 6: *4 sc, inc* 6 times (36)
  7. Round 7: *5 sc, inc* 6 times (42)

Finish with a sl st, cut the yarn and weave in the ends. Want a bigger coaster? Keep adding rounds with one more sc before each inc.

How the pop-up effect works

The pop-up look comes from a small motif, such as an animal head, ears or petals, that is crocheted separately and sewn onto the edge of the coaster so it stands up above the surface. Stuff the head lightly and sew it so it faces outward: the mug sits on the flat part while the animal peeks over the side.

Tips for a perfect coaster

  • If the coaster ruffles, you have too many stitches: try a smaller hook.
  • If it cups like a bowl, it needs more increases: add an extra increase round.
  • Steam-block it for a perfectly flat finish.

30 pop-up animal coaster patterns

Want ready-made designs? Our 30 in 1 Animal Pop Up Coasters Patterns bundle includes a squirrel, penguin, tiger, owl, koala, bunny, daisy and many more, each with step-by-step instructions and photos as an instant PDF download.

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