10/19/22 • Crochet •

41 Free Knit and Crochet Coaster and Napkin Ring Patterns

Coasters and napkin rings are the finishing touches on a table! They show that you’ve thought about your home and planned carefully while being eminently practical. So we’ve gathered, just for you, a collection of knit and crochet coaster and napkin ring patterns to brighten up your table decor!

Don’t miss the placemat round-up or the table runner round-up!

41 Free Knit and Crochet Coaster and Napkin Ring Patterns

Table of Contents

Knit and Crochet Coaster Patterns

Protect your tables by using coasters! Use the stand-alone coaster patterns for your side tables or coffee tables, while the ones that match placemats are perfect to use on your dining table. Never be caught without a place to put your drink again.

Look at all these choices! From seasonal and holiday patterns to basics, to patterns just for fun. It’s all here! I’m sure you’ll find something to suit everyone.

Bright Side Macrame Coasters Free Crochet Pattern

Knit and Crochet Napkin Ring Patterns

Napkin rings elevate a meal from everyday to special. Matched sets add another layer of elegance to a formal meal. Or make a coordinating set with slight differences for daily use, so you can distinguish between family members’ napkins. When you make your own, you can have a set that fits the number you need.

Autumn Acorns Napkin Rings Free Crochet Pattern

We hope you’ve enjoyed these knit and crochet coaster and napkin ring patterns. Don’t forget, they’re great to make as gifts, or you can make them to bust your stash!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are crochet and knit napkin rings?

Napkin rings are small rings or bands that hold a rolled or folded napkin in place on a table setting. Crocheted or knitted napkin rings are usually simple tubes or rings in decorative stitches… they add a handmade, artisan touch to a table setting that can transform even casual dining into something special. They’re wonderful for holiday tables, dinner parties, and gifts for people who love entertaining. And they’re very quick to make… a single napkin ring takes 15-20 minutes and uses barely any yarn.

What yarn is best for coasters and napkin rings?

Cotton is ideal for coasters… it handles moisture well (drinks condensate on coasters), is machine washable, and holds its shape under the weight of glasses. Worsted weight cotton in 100% cotton is the most practical choice. For napkin rings, you have more latitude since they don’t get wet… you can use wool, linen, or even metallic yarn for decorative napkin rings. For a matching set of coasters and napkin rings, use the same cotton yarn for cohesion. Avoid acrylic for coasters… it doesn’t absorb moisture and glasses can still slip on a purely synthetic surface.

Do handmade coasters actually protect surfaces?

Yes! Knitted and crocheted coasters absorb condensation and prevent rings on surfaces. The key is using enough yarn thickness that the coaster has some absorbency… single crochet in cotton is ideal, not so loose that the glass wobbles but with enough texture to grip. Double-layered coasters (two pieces crocheted together) are even more effective. Working in cotton rather than synthetic fiber dramatically improves absorbency. And don’t forget to wash them… waterlogged coasters can still damage surfaces if they’re saturated.

Are these projects good for using up yarn scraps?

They’re perfect for scraps! A single coaster uses maybe 20-40 yards depending on size. A napkin ring uses even less. A matching set of 4-6 coasters can be made from a single leftover ball of cotton. This collection is specifically great for those beautiful cotton yarn scraps from kitchen projects, dishcloths, or other home goods projects. Coordinating but not perfectly matching colors can look intentionally collected and charming. Make a set in all the cotton yarn you have lying around and have beautiful coasters for years.

How do I make sure coasters are the right size?

Coasters should be at least 3.5 inches in diameter… ideally 4 to 4.5 inches. Most standard drink glasses have bases around 2.5-3 inches wide, and you want coaster coverage with some room around the edge. Round coasters in single crochet are typically worked to a specific stitch count in the round… the pattern will specify. For rectangular coasters, simple measurements work. Square coasters need to be at least 4×4 inches. When in doubt, hold your favorite drinking glass on the coaster and check that there’s at least half an inch of coaster visible around all sides.

Pro Tips for Making Coasters and Napkin Rings That Last

Okay bestie, here’s the thing about coasters and napkin rings… they’re going to get used! A lot. So let’s make sure yours hold up beautifully.

Material Matters

If you’re making coasters, choose a yarn that can handle moisture and regular washing. I’m talking worsted weight cotton or a sturdy acrylic blend… think Red Heart Super Saver or Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton. These fibers are naturally more absorbent and way easier to care for than delicate yarns. Your future self will thank you!

Block and Finish Strong

Don’t skip the blocking step! Coasters especially benefit from a light steam or wet blocking to even out your stitches and help them hold their shape. For napkin rings, blocking ensures a consistent circumference so they actually slide onto napkins smoothly.

Size It Right

Standard coasters should measure 4-4.5 inches square (or in diameter for rounds), and napkin rings need about a 1.5-2 inch diameter opening. Check your pattern’s finished measurements before you cast on!

Want even more table inspiration? Check out our placemat patterns and table runner roundup to create a completely coordinated table!

Categories: Crochet, Free Patterns, Knitting, Pattern, Round Ups

41 Free Knit and Crochet Coaster and Napkin Ring Patterns

Knit and Crochet Coaster Patterns

Knit and Crochet Napkin Ring Patterns

Also on the Blog