Crochet Thanksgiving Turkey-Inspired Coaster Pattern – Autumn Table Decor

Introduction

Welcome to an autumn-inspired crochet project that will bring cozy vibes and festive flair to your table! This pattern is inspired by charming, turkey-inspired coasters with thick spiral bodies, rounded scalloped edges, and whimsical white feet accents on the bottom of each piece. The coasters in this project are made in warm, earthy tones—deep red, olive green, and golden tan—perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. The coasters are visually striking with their spiral centers, radiating texture, and symmetrical scallop edges, beautifully echoing the spirit of the season.

These coasters serve both functional and decorative purposes: protect your table from warm drinks while adding a delightful, hand-crafted touch to your setting. With the playful suggestion of turkey shapes—rounded body and tiny, textured feet—they’re ideal for family gatherings, seasonal dinners, or thoughtful hostess gifts. The project is a true joy to make, especially if you love crocheting in the round and adding small, characterful details to your creations. Let’s dive in and create these adorable, festive coasters!

Project Overview

Each coaster is constructed in one main piece, crocheted in the round from the center outward using spiral (continuous) rounds. The scalloped edge is added directly to the last round. After the main circle and scallops are completed, the little turkey feet are crocheted separately and sewn onto the bottom edge of each coaster as a playful finishing touch. No sewing parts together other than attaching the feet, making this a smooth and satisfying project for confident beginners and up.

Skill Level

Advanced Beginner. This pattern uses basic stitches (single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet) with increases and simple shaping for scallops and feet. It’s a great practice for crocheting in the round and making small 3D elements, but simple enough for those who want to move beyond strict beginner projects.

Materials

Worsted weight (medium/4) 100% cotton yarn in three autumnal colors (A: deep red, B: olive green, C: warm tan), approx. 35 g/65 yds (60 m) per coaster.
Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn in white for feet accents, approx. 10 g/18 yds (16 m) per coaster.
5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook—adjust size for your tension if needed.
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing feet.
Sharp scissors.
2-3 stitch markers (helpful for marking start of round and foot placement).
Blocking pins and a damp towel (optional, for neatening the shape).

Finished Size

Each coaster measures approximately 15 cm (6 inches) in diameter, including the scallops. The little feet stick out below the edge by about 1.5 cm (0.5 inches). To make your coasters larger or smaller, simply add or subtract rounds to the central spiral, or adjust hook size for a looser/tighter fabric.

Gauge

Approximate gauge: 9 rounds of single crochet in the round = 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter. Gauge is not critical, but a similar gauge ensures your coasters are the right size for mugs and cups. Small variations are fine—tighter gauge results in a sturdier coaster, while looser gauge produces a more flexible piece. Adjust hook size if needed.

Stitches and Abbreviations

ch: chain
sc: single crochet
hdc: half double crochet
dc: double crochet
sl st: slip stitch
inc: increase (work 2 sts in the same stitch)
st(s): stitch(es)
MR: magic ring (adjustable ring)

Pattern Notes

This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds—the rounds are not joined at the end. Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and move it up as you go.
Chains at the beginning of scallop rounds do not count as stitches.
When changing colors (if you’re making multi-colored sets), fasten off and join the new yarn at the start of a new round for the neatest finish.
Right side (RS) faces up at all times; weave in ends on the wrong side (WS).
Feet accents are made separately and sewn securely to the bottom edge after blocking, if blocking is used.
Use a tapestry needle and matching yarn to sew feet securely in place.

Crochet Pattern Instructions

Center Spiral – Main Body

With main color (A, B, or C), make a magic ring (MR).
Round 1: 6 sc into MR. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (48 sts)
Round 9: (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (54 sts)
Round 10: (sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) repeat around. (60 sts)

Check your diameter; if you wish for a larger coaster, continue with similar increase pattern (adding an extra sc before each inc in each new round). Stop adding rounds when you reach 13-15 cm (5–6 inches) diameter.

Scalloped Edge

Keep working with the same color. *Sk next st, in the next st: (hdc, dc, hdc), sl st in next st.* Repeat from * to * around the entire edge, forming 10 scallops total (slip stitch between each scallop). If your stitch count varied, adjust spacing to ensure even scallops. (10 scallops)
Fasten off and weave in ends on WS.

Turkey Feet (Make 2 per Coaster)

With white yarn, ch 5.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in next 3 ch. (4 sts) Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: (Bobble – see below) in first st, sc in next 2 sts, (Bobble) in last st. (2 bobbles, 2 sc)
Fasten off, leaving a 15 cm (6 in) tail for sewing.

Bobble Stitch (for feet): Yarn over, insert hook in st, yo, pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yo, pull through 2, yo, insert hook in same st, yo, pull up loop, yo, pull through 2 (repeat 2 more times: 4 partially finished dc in same st), yo, pull through all 5 loops on hook. Bobble made.

Attaching the Feet

Lay the coaster flat with one ‘scallop’ at the top, so you can position the feet at the bottom.
Place the two feet just inside the bottom edge, a little apart, aimed outward. Use pins or stitch markers if desired.
With tapestry needle and yarn tail, sew each foot to the back of the coaster, making sure they are even and secure. Weave in any ends.

Assembly and Finishing

After attaching the feet, weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of your coaster. Gently block the coaster to help it lie flat and make the scallops crisp. You can pin the coaster to a blocking board or a towel, lightly shape the scallops with your fingers, and steam or lightly mist with water. Allow to dry completely before use. If needed, press with a warm (not hot) iron through a thin towel for additional neatness. This will set the stitches and give your coaster a polished look. Double-check that the little feet are firmly attached and tidy up any stray threads.

Customization Ideas

Try using different fall-inspired yarns such as mustard yellow, burnt orange, or chocolate brown to make a set of turkeys in various autumn colors.
Use sparkly or metallic yarn for the feet to add fun festive detail for holiday dinners.
Create a multicolor spiral by alternating two yarns every round for a barber pole effect.
Instead of feet, add a small beak or a wattle to enhance the turkey impression.
Adapt the size for hot pads (make larger) or mini decorations (use thinner yarn and a smaller hook).

Troubleshooting

Curling or Ruffling: If your coaster cups or curls, your tension may be too tight or there may be too many increases. Check that you’re increasing evenly. If it ruffles, you may have too many stitches—omit an increase or two on the next round to flatten. Block the coaster flat.
Edges Uneven: Ensure you space out the scallops evenly and slip stitch between them as described. Count stitches between scallops if needed.
Piece Too Large/Small: Adjust by going up or down a hook size, or by adding/subtracting rounds.
Loose Color Changes: Fasten off neatly after the last stitch and join new yarn with a tight slip knot. Weave in the ends on the WS securely and block afterwards to settle stitches.
Uneven Tension: Try consciously relaxing your hands and maintain a steady rhythm. Blocking helps even out small inconsistencies after finishing.

Care Instructions

Hand or machine wash your cotton coasters in cool water with gentle detergent. Lay flat to dry to maintain their shape and texture. Reshape and block briefly, if needed, after washing. Do not bleach or tumble dry, as this may shrink or distort the fabric.

Final Notes

Enjoy creating these festive coasters and make sure to double-check your stitch count at the end of each round for the best result. Adjust your tension and sizing as needed, and use the project photos as a reference for assembly and styling. Happy crocheting, and may your autumn table be cozy and bright!