Introduction
This delightful crochet turkey coaster is the perfect addition to your fall and Thanksgiving table setting. Designed with rich autumnal hues – pumpkin orange for the body, deep chocolate brown for the wings and feathers, sunny gold, and rich burgundy for accent feather layers – this charming piece instantly evokes the warmth and festivity of the season. The design features a round, sturdy orange body, layered scalloped feathers fanning above, and a sweet, expressive turkey face with black eyes and a bright red wattle. Its whimsical yet practical look enhances the comfort of any holiday gathering.
Besides acting as a unique coaster to protect your table surfaces from hot drinks, this project doubles as adorable seasonal decor. Tuck one under each mug at Thanksgiving or use it as part of your autumn centerpiece to delight family and friends. Simple shaping and effective color changes make this pattern interesting to crochet, while the layered feathers and detailed turkey face provide just the right amount of creative challenge. Whether you’re making a set for your own home or gifting to a loved one, these turkey coasters will be a standout hit every time autumn arrives.
Project Overview
This turkey coaster is created by working the round body in continuous spirals, followed by separate crocheted feather motifs in multiple colors which are then layered and joined to the top section. The face, wings, and wattle are made individually and sewn in place. The pattern uses single, double, and shell stitches to create texture and shaping, while simple sewing assembles the final piece. Embroidery or small safety eyes are used for the facial details, resulting in a soft yet structured, multicolored coaster.
Skill Level
Advanced Beginner: This pattern combines basic rounds, shell stitches, shaping, and color changes. Some sewing and assembly are required, but all techniques are well within the reach of crocheters comfortable with joining motifs and switching colors.
Materials
- Worsted weight yarn (category 4), approx. 100% acrylic or cotton preferred for durability.
- Body: orange (approx. 30 g / 60 yd)
- Feathers: brown, gold, burgundy (10 g / 20 yd each)
- Wings: brown (5 g / 10 yd)
- Face: brown and cream/off-white (scraps)
- Wattle: red (scraps)
- Eyes: 6 mm black safety eyes or small black buttons, or black embroidery thread
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G-6) crochet hook
- Tapestry needle for sewing pieces and weaving in ends
- Scissors
- 2 stitch markers (helpful for rounds)
Finished Size
The finished coaster measures approximately 17 cm (6.75 in) wide and 18 cm (7 in) tall from feather tips to the bottom edge. To make a larger or smaller coaster, use a larger or smaller hook and thicker or thinner yarn, respectively, adjusting the stitch counts proportionally if needed. Always monitor proportions when resizing.
Gauge
Gauge is not essential for this project, but for reference: 14 single crochet (sc) x 16 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (4 in x 4 in) in worsted weight yarn with a 4.0 mm hook. Small variations in gauge are acceptable, but significant changes will alter the finished size and fit of components.
Stitches and Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr – treble crochet
- inc – increase (2 sc in same st)
- dec – decrease (sc 2 together)
- MR – magic ring
Pattern Notes
Unless otherwise noted, rounds begin with a chain (which does not count as a stitch unless specified). Work body and most pieces in continuous rounds, using a stitch marker to mark the start of each round for accuracy. Color changes are best achieved by completing the last yarn-over of the final stitch of the old color with the new color. Feathers are made in rows and joined as you go or sewn to the top of the body as a layer. Facial and wing pieces are sewn on after all crochet is complete. The coaster right side should face up throughout; mark RS if helpful.
Crochet Pattern Instructions
Body (Main Circle)
- With orange yarn and 4.0 mm hook, begin with MR (magic ring). Work 6 sc into ring. (6)
- Inc in each st around (2 sc in each) – (12)
- Sc in next st, inc in next; repeat around – (18)
- Sc in next 2 sts, inc in next; repeat around – (24)
- Sc in next 3 sts, inc in next; repeat around – (30)
- Sc in next 4 sts, inc in next; repeat around – (36)
- Sc in next 5 sts, inc in next; repeat around – (42)
- Sc in next 6 sts, inc in next; repeat around – (48)
- Sc in next 7 sts, inc in next; repeat around – (54)
- Sc in next 8 sts, inc in next; repeat around – (60)
- Sc around for 1 round for body firmness – (60)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Layered Feathers (Make 2 shell rows in each color: brown, gold, and burgundy)
Each feather arc is built as a joined row of shell stitches and then sewn to the upper part of the body. Make one arc in each color. Each row is approximately 10 shells wide.
Feather Row (Repeat for Each Color):
- With feather color (start with brown), ch 24. Turn.
- Sk first ch, sc in next 2 ch, (Feather shell pattern): *Skip 1 ch, 5 dc in next ch, skip 1 ch, sc in next ch*; repeat * to * across. End with sc in last 2 ch. (You should have approx. 5 shells with sc on both ends.) (27: 10 shells + 7 sc)
- For gold feather layer, repeat above, work in gold yarn, shifting where you start to let scallops be staggered when layered over brown. Repeat in burgundy for top feather layer.
Block all three feather arcs lightly for shape. Place and pin arcs stacked above the body, each layered over the next, and overlap slightly for fullness.
Head and Face
- With brown, MR, 6 sc in ring. (6)
- Inc in each st (12)
- Sc next st, inc in next; repeat (18)
- Sc next 5 sts, inc in next; repeat (21)
Fasten off, leaving long tail for sewing. With cream/off-white, embroider or add a small round (MR, 6 sc, sl st join) for the beak patch and sew to head slightly lower center. Attach eyes above.
Beak
- With cream, ch 3. Turn, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next (2)
- Ch 1, turn, sc2tog.
Fasten off, stitch to center of face over the beak patch.
Wattle
- With red, ch 7. Sl st in 2nd ch, sc in next, hdc in next 2, sc, sl st in last. Fasten off, shape into curve, and sew next to beak.
Wings (Make 2)
- With brown, ch 7, turn.
- Sc in each ch (6)
- Ch 1, turn, sc2tog, sc in next 2, sc2tog (4)
- Ch 1, turn, sc2tog twice (2)
- Ch 1, turn, sc2tog (1)
Fasten off, shape into oval, sew to sides of body.
Assembly
- Lay body flat with RS up. Layer and pin feathers to top third of body, letting bottom edges overlap for fullness. Sew each arc down, stitching neatly along bottom edge of each feather layer.
- Sew head over the center top of the body, slightly overlapping the top of the feather arcs. Attach eyes (sew buttons/safety eyes or embroider), then sew on beak patch, then beak, and finally the wattle.
- Sew wings symmetrically to either side of the body (about round 6-8), using image for reference.
- Weave in all yarn ends neatly on the WS.
Assembly and Finishing
After completing all crochet pieces, lay the body flat and arrange the feather arcs in a stacked, slightly fanned shape. Pin securely before sewing, spacing each arc evenly for a tiered look. Use a matching yarn and invisible stitches to sew each feather layer to the back of the body at the top edge only, leaving the scalloped edges free for texture. Attach the head overlapping the body and top feather arc, making sure to align it centered and straight. Secure the beak patch, beak, and sew or glue the safety eyes in place. Shape and sew on the wattle, then attach both wings at the lower side edges of the circle. Weave in all yarn tails and trim any excess. For a smooth finish, lightly block the finished piece under a damp cloth or with a touch of steam, shaping gently to preserve the texture and keep the body flat. Allow to dry before use.
Customization Ideas
Change up the feather row colors for a more neutral or whimsical look: use earthy greens, creams, or even a rainbow palette for a playful twist. Add a metallic or glitter yarn accent to a feather row for extra sparkle. Try self-striping or gradient yarn for each feather layer for a faded effect. For a larger hot pad or trivet, increase the body’s starting chains and add additional feather rows, adjusting stitch counts proportionally. Alternatively, embroider a monogram or little autumn leaves on the body for a personalized touch. Consider using felt pieces for the face and beak for a softer look if preferred.
Troubleshooting
- If your coaster body curls: try reducing your stitch count on increases, or block more firmly.
- Uneven feather arcs: block lightly, and always thread the feather joins neatly with even tension.
- Loose or splitting yarn at color joins: complete the last pull-through of the final stitch with the new color for a cleaner edge, and weave in ends securely.
- If the piece is too small/large: change hook size or yarn weight, repeating body or feather rows as needed to balance the proportions.
- If feather layers won’t sit flat: ensure each arc is slightly longer than the previous, and sew only along the straight bottom edge.
- Tension issues: focus on keeping consistent tension, especially on color changes and small parts like the beak and wings.
Care Instructions
To maintain your coaster’s appearance, hand wash in cold water with mild soap or machine wash on a gentle cycle in a mesh bag. Lay flat to dry and gently reshape while damp. Avoid ironing directly; lightly steam block if necessary to restore shape. Store flat to prevent creasing or distortion of the feather arcs.
Final Notes
Always check stitch counts at the end of each round or row to ensure accuracy and symmetry. Adjust tension as needed for each yarn and hook combination. Use the image as a helpful visual reference, especially when assembling and positioning pieces. Handmade details and small variations make each turkey coaster unique—enjoy the process and delight in your festive results!
