☕️ Crochet Christmas Coasters & Knit Holiday Mug…

Updated July 2026 with refreshed pattern links, heat-safe yarn picks, and new FAQs.

This roundup gathers over 30 crochet and knit Christmas coaster and mug rug patterns — free designs and curated paid options — from peppermint swirls and gingerbread mug rugs to mosaic colorwork, Fair Isle designs, and gorgeous knit holiday mug rugs. Most work up in an evening from cotton yarn scraps, making them perfect quick holiday gifts and stocking stuffers.

Hey, bestie 💛 Day 15 of 25 Days of Christmas in July is all about cozy coasters and holiday mug rugs! You know I never say no to a cozy drink… and these quick crochet Christmas coaster patterns and knit mug rug designs keep all that cocoa, coffee, and cider from going rogue on your furniture. ☕🎄

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🤔 Coasters vs. Mug Rugs... What's the Difference?

Honestly, this comes up all the time! Coasters are smaller, usually 3.5" to 4.5" across, and designed to sit under a single mug, glass, or cup.

Mug rugs are bigger, typically 5" x 7" to 6" x 10"... basically a mini placemat for your drink AND a little snack. Cookie on the side? Yes please! Both are fast, use up yarn scraps beautifully, and look completely adorable in holiday colorwork. 😄

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🧵 Best Yarn for Holiday Coasters (Heat-Safe Picks)

So here's the thing about coasters... not all yarn is created equal when hot mugs are involved. 100% cotton is the gold standard: it's absorbent, heat-tolerant, and washes up like a dream. My go-to worsted cottons are Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton and KnitPicks Dishie, with Bernat Softee Cotton as a softer cotton-blend option and KnitPicks CotLin if you love a rustic cotton-linen look.

Avoid 100% acrylic for anything living under a very hot mug... acrylic can soften or melt under extreme heat. For a mug of coffee or tea it's usually fine, but for anything truly hot, stick with cotton. 🙌

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🧶 Crochet Christmas Coaster Patterns

Candy Swirl Coasters || FREE | Crochet

Peppermint swirls in classic red and white... these spiral coasters look exactly like the candy, minus the sticky fingers. They're one of the fastest makes on this list, which makes them perfect for whipping up a whole matching set in one sitting.

👉 Get the free Candy Swirl Coasters pattern at Hooked On Patterns

Christmas Coaster || FREE | Crochet

If you're brand new to crochet, start here. This classic festive coaster is simple, forgiving, and works up quickly... a great confidence-builder before you tackle colorwork designs.

👉 Get the free Christmas Coaster pattern at Golden Lucy Crafts

Noel Coasters, Set of 4 || FREE | Crochet

A coordinated set of four festive coasters... which just so happens to be the classic gift-set size. Make them in matching colors for a polished, ready-to-wrap present.

👉 Get the free Noel Coasters pattern at The Crochet Village... or grab the ad-free premium download on Etsy (PAID)

Peppermint Coasters || FREE | Crochet

Can’t have a Christmas coasters roundup without peppermint! These classic candy cane-striped coasters from The Purple Poncho are bold, festive, and quick to work up in cotton yarn. Make a set of four and your whole drink station goes full holiday mode. ☕🍬

👉 Get the free Peppermint Coasters pattern at The Purple Poncho

Christmas Tree Coaster || FREE | Crochet

Suzanne Carlson of Crafting Each Day is one of my favorite designers — her patterns are always clear, beginner-friendly, and genuinely pretty to look at. This Christmas tree coaster is clean, graphic, and gorgeous worked as a gift set. Pick your holiday colors and go! 🎄

👉 Get the free Christmas Tree Coaster pattern at Crafting Each Day

Mosaic Christmas Tree Coaster || FREE | Crochet

If you’ve been curious about overlay mosaic crochet, a coaster is literally the perfect place to start — low stakes, big reward. This gorgeous Christmas tree mosaic design walks you through the technique step by step, and the finished coaster looks like it took way more skill than it actually did.

👉 Get the free Mosaic Christmas Tree Coaster pattern at Ravelry

Crochet Snowman Coasters || FREE | Crochet

Snowmen and hot cocoa? The ultimate holiday pairing. These adorable snowman coasters from Golden Lucy Crafts bring instant personality to your drink station — and they’re a completely different design from the classic Christmas Coaster elsewhere in this list. More options, more fun! ⛄

👉 Get the free Crochet Snowman Coasters pattern at Golden Lucy Crafts

Penguin Coaster || FREE | Crochet

Penguins might not be the first holiday image that comes to mind… until you see how completely irresistible these little guys are. At 5″ wide they work as coasters, appliques, OR string a bunch together for a garland. One pattern, three uses, all the charm.

👉 Get the free Penguin Coaster pattern at Ravelry

Vintage Crochet Flower Coaster || FREE | Crochet

For the maker whose holiday style leans a little retro and romantic — this vintage-style flower coaster from Jewels and Jones is stunning in holiday red and green. It’s the coaster equivalent of finding a beautiful antique ornament at a thrift store. Works year-round too, which I always love.

👉 Get the free Vintage Crochet Flower Coaster pattern at Jewels and Jones

Holiday Wreath Coasters || FREE | Crochet

Classic holiday wreath coasters worked in the round from the center out — this beautifully simple design from DROPS is worked in cotton at about 10cm across. Deep Christmasy greens and reds make these just as pretty as a tree decoration. 🎄

👉 Get the free Holiday Wreath Coasters pattern at Ravelry

Poinsettia Coasters || FREE | Crochet

The poinsettia is the most underused holiday motif in coaster-world — and Secret Yarnery is here to fix that. These flower coasters come together in about an hour and look like something you’d spot in a boutique holiday gift shop. Stunning in classic red.

👉 Get the free Poinsettia Coasters pattern at Secret Yarnery

Christmas Coasters Set || FREE | Crochet

Repeat Crafter Me just keeps delivering — and their 2021 Christmas coasters collection is a completely separate set from the holiday mug rugs also featured in this post. Multiple designs in one pattern download makes this a fantastic go-to for anyone who wants variety without hunting through multiple links.

👉 Get the free Christmas Coasters Set pattern at Repeat Crafter Me

Crochet Basket Weave Coaster || PAID | Crochet

That classic basket-weave texture is one of those looks that always photographs beautifully — rich, dimensional, and so cozy. This Etsy PDF gives you the complete pattern in a clean, ad-free format, perfect for gifting or keeping.

👉 Get the Crochet Basket Weave Coaster pattern on Etsy (PAID)

Crocheted Reindeer Coaster || PAID | Crochet

Reindeer on a coaster = maximum Christmas charm. This Etsy pattern delivers adorable holiday decor that’s also genuinely functional — festive, cozy, and packaged as a clean PDF you can print or keep on your device.

👉 Get the Crocheted Reindeer Coaster pattern on Etsy (PAID)

Bauble Christmas Coasters || PAID | Crochet

Baubles on a coaster — why didn’t we think of this sooner? This cheerful, graphic design is the kind of thing you’d see in a holiday boutique and immediately want to make a whole set. Grab the clean Etsy PDF and get stitching.

👉 Get the Bauble Christmas Coasters pattern on Etsy (PAID)

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☕ Crochet Holiday Mug Rug Patterns

Christmas Tree Mug Rugs || FREE | Crochet

Mini Christmas trees under your morning coffee? Yes, absolutely. These tree-shaped mug rugs bring instant holiday charm to your drink station and use barely any yarn.

👉 Get the free Christmas Tree Mug Rugs pattern at My Crochet Space

Rustic Mug Rugs || FREE | Crochet

For the farmhouse-cozy crowd... these rustic mug rugs lean neutral and natural, so they work all winter long, not just in December. A great pick if your giftee's decor is more "cabin chic" than "candy cane."

👉 Get the free Rustic Mug Rugs pattern at Blackstone Designs

Holiday Crochet Mug Rug (Striped) || FREE | Crochet

Simple festive stripes make this one a fantastic scrap-buster. Grab your leftover reds, greens, and whites and let the stripes do all the work.

👉 Get the free striped Holiday Mug Rug pattern at Briana K Designs

Holiday Mug Rugs, Christmas Lights & Trees || FREE | Crochet

Two designs in one pattern... a string of Christmas lights and a row of little trees. Make one of each so your cocoa never gets bored.

👉 Get the free Holiday Mug Rugs pattern at Repeat Crafter Me

Gingerbread Mug Rugs || FREE | Crochet

Sweet little gingerbread mug rugs that pair perfectly with actual gingerbread cookies. Tuck one into a cocoa gift basket and watch someone's whole face light up.

👉 Get the free Gingerbread Mug Rugs pattern at Sew Crafty Crochet

Mosaic Christmas Mug Rugs || FREE | Crochet

Mosaic colorwork on a mug rug? So gorgeous. This is my pick for the maker who wants a tiny project that still feels like a showstopper... and mug rugs are the perfect low-stakes way to try mosaic crochet for the first time.

👉 Get the free Mosaic Christmas Mug Rugs pattern at Beba Blanket

Hexi Puff Trivet || FREE | Crochet

A trivet is basically a mug rug’s more substantial, heat-resistant cousin — and this hexie puff version from TLYC Blog is as satisfying to make as it looks. The puff stitch gives it fantastic texture and the hexagon shape looks interesting from every angle. Make these as a set with the round coasters for the most cohesive holiday gift ever.

👉 Get the free Hexi Puff Trivet pattern at TLYC Blog

🎄 Knit Christmas Coasters & Mug Rugs

Knitters, I hear you — you’ve been asking for more, and this section is all yours! 🧶 From quick beginner coasters to colorwork holiday mug rugs and curated paid Etsy patterns, there’s something here for every skill level and every needle size.

Christmas Tree Knit Coaster || FREE | Knit

Knitters, we see you! 🧶 This sweet Christmas tree coaster is a quick, satisfying knit... and a great excuse to practice a new stitch pattern on something tiny before committing to a bigger project.

👉 Get the free Christmas Tree Knit Coaster pattern at Start Knitting

Gnome Coaster || FREE | Knit

Gnomes are basically the mascots of cozy holiday season — obviously they belong on a coaster. This charming knitted gnome from Taffy Lass Knits works in DK yarn on 4mm needles and results in the most adorable holiday mug companion you’ve ever seen. One look and you’ll want to make a whole gnome family.

👉 Get the free Gnome Coaster pattern at Taffy Lass Knits

Christmas Tree Coaster (Intarsia) || FREE | Knit

This beautiful intarsia Christmas tree coaster is one of the most satisfying small knitting projects out there — 29 stitches, 44 rows, and the finished square measures about 9.5 × 9.5 cm. Garter stitch edges prevent curling and the colorwork center is just stunning.

👉 Get the free Christmas Tree Coaster (Intarsia) pattern at Ravelry

Deco Mug Rug || FREE | Knit

Originally created for a Learn to Knit course, this mug rug is an absolute beginner gem — it explores basic knit and purl combinations to create beautiful textured patterns on US 8 needles with worsted weight yarn. Simple to make, gorgeous to look at, and works year-round.

👉 Get the free Deco Mug Rug pattern at Ravelry

Knit Lollipop Coaster || FREE | Knit

Holiday lollipops on a coaster? Yes please! This fun knitted design from Crazy Hands is festive, quick, and just different enough from the usual tree-and-snowflake motifs to stand out in a gift basket. Perfect for the candy-loving maker in your life.

👉 Get the free Knit Lollipop Coaster pattern at Crazy Hands

Candy Stripe Mug Mat || FREE | Knit

A 20–30 minute knit on US 11 needles using two strands of Patons Classic Wool — and the optional felting process gives it incredible texture and heat resistance. (You can skip felting and knit it tighter on size 7–8 needles for a non-felted version.) Such a clever, quick holiday make from Long Tail and Short Tales.

👉 Get the free Candy Stripe Mug Mat pattern at Long Tail and Short Tales

Holiday Mug Rugs || FREE | Knit

Briana K Designs made this list with their striped crochet mug rug — and now they’re back with the KNIT version! These festive colorwork holiday mug rugs use 5.5mm needles and feature holiday designs in classic Christmas colors. Perfect colorwork practice on a small, fast project.

👉 Get the free Holiday Mug Rugs pattern at Briana K Designs

Knitting Slate Coaster || PAID | Knit

The slate stitch gives this coaster incredible woven-fabric texture — worked entirely on knitting needles. This Etsy PDF is a beautiful technique study that results in a stunning, modern coaster. Perfect for the knitter who wants to try something new on a tiny canvas.

👉 Get the Knitting Slate Coaster pattern on Etsy (PAID)

Knitted Leaf Coaster || PAID | Knit

A beautiful leaf-shaped knit coaster that works year-round but looks especially gorgeous in autumn-to-holiday colors. This clean Etsy PDF is perfect for intermediate knitters who want a project with a little shaping.

👉 Get the Knitted Leaf Coaster pattern on Etsy (PAID)

Knit Coasters Home Décor Set || PAID | Knit

A versatile set of knit coasters designed with home décor in mind — clean, stylish, and functional. This Etsy PDF includes the full pattern for a beautiful set that would look gorgeous on any holiday table or tucked into a gift basket.

👉 Get the Knit Coasters Home Décor Set on Etsy (PAID)

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💖 More Christmas in July Patterns You'll Love

Keep the Christmas in July magic going! Check out Day 22: Holiday Mug Cozy Patterns... the perfect companion to today's coasters. Then deck your whole holiday table with Day 18: Festive Holiday Table Patterns, and find every single day of festive makes on the 25 Days of Christmas in July hub.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What yarn is heat-safe for coasters?

So here's the thing... 100% cotton is your safest bet for coasters. It handles heat well, absorbs moisture, and washes easily. Cotton blends also work great. If you're using acrylic, it's generally fine for a warm mug of coffee, but skip it for anything that gets very hot. When in doubt, go cotton!

How big should a crochet mug rug be?

Honestly, it depends on how you use it! A typical crochet mug rug is about 5" x 7" or 6" x 8"... big enough to hold your mug plus a cookie or small snack on the side. If you want it to work as a coaster only, aim for 3.5" to 4.5" round or square. Most free patterns list the recommended finished size right at the top.

Can I use cotton yarn for coasters?

Absolutely... it's actually the recommended choice! Cotton is absorbent, durable, and holds its shape beautifully wash after wash. Worsted weight cotton gives you a nice dense fabric that protects your furniture well. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton and KnitPicks Dishie are popular picks in the crafting community.

Can I make these patterns if I'm a beginner?

Yes! These are some of the friendliest beginner projects out there. Coasters are small, quick, and forgiving... if one doesn't come out perfectly, just try again with barely any yarn used. Most of the patterns in this list are beginner-friendly and many even include photo tutorials to walk you through it step by step.

How many coasters should I make for a gift set?

Great question! Four is the classic coaster set size... it's enough for a small family and feels like a complete, polished gift. If you have extra time (or extra yarn!), six is lovely too. You can mix and match patterns within the same color palette for a coordinated-but-not-matchy vibe that looks so intentional and sweet.

Are there knitted coaster and mug rug patterns too?

Yes - and I've added a whole Knit section with 10+ patterns just for you! You'll find free knit coasters and holiday mug rugs including a gnome coaster, an intarsia Christmas tree, a felted candy stripe mug mat, colorwork holiday mug rugs from Briana K Designs, and more. Plus three beautiful paid knit patterns from Etsy if you want a clean PDF download. Knitters, this roundup sees you! 🧶

💛 Final Thoughts

So grab your scraps of red, green, and peppermint white yarn... and stitch your way into merry and bright holiday sipping style! Whether you make one mug rug for yourself or a dozen coaster sets for the whole neighborhood, these little projects deliver a big dose of handmade holiday joy.

If you make any of these, please please please share your progress... tag me @marlybird on Instagram or Facebook and use #MMMDI (Marly Made Me Do It) or #MarlyBird so I can see it. 💛

❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird