Whimsical Crochet Turkey Coasters: Easy Free Thanksgiving Pattern

Bring a little handmade personality to your Thanksgiving table with these whimsical crochet turkey coasters. Their round brown faces, colorful scalloped tail feathers, tiny beaks, and cheerful red wattles make them a cozy fall project. You can crochet a matching set or give every turkey its own autumn palette.

Skill level: Confident beginner | Finished size: Approximately 4.5–5 inches (11.5–13 cm) across, depending on yarn and tension | Time: About 60–90 minutes per coaster after practicing the first one.

Pattern note: This is an original pattern inspired by the turkey-coaster design shown in the reference photo. It is not a transcription of another designer’s pattern. The sample image is a visual reference, so stitch counts and exact finished appearance may differ.

Why You’ll Love These Crochet Turkey Coasters

A festive finishing touch for Thanksgiving coffee, cider, or hot chocolate.
A practical scrap-yarn project with a warm farmhouse look.
Easy to customize with rust, mustard, olive, cream, and cranberry yarn.
A sweet handmade hostess gift when bundled with twine.

Materials and Supplies

Worsted-weight (medium #4) cotton yarn: dark brown (main circle), tan or another brown (optional edging), and 2–3 autumn colors for the tail.
Small amounts of mustard yellow for the beak and red for the wattle.
4.0 mm (G/6) crochet hook, or a size that gives you a firm, flat fabric.
Yarn needle, stitch marker, and scissors.
Two small black beads for eyes, or black embroidery thread for a washable, child-friendlier version.
Optional: blocking mat and rustproof pins.

Yarn tip: Cotton is absorbent and holds its shape well. Avoid putting crochet coasters underneath very hot pans or using acrylic yarn as a trivet, since this pattern is intended for drinkware, not cookware.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR = magic ring
ch = chain
sl st = slip stitch
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
inc = 2 single crochets in the same stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
BLO = back loop only

Work in joined rounds unless a step says otherwise. Join each round with a slip stitch to the first stitch; starting chains do not count as stitches.

Free Crochet Turkey Coaster Pattern

Part 1: Crochet the Brown Turkey Body

Using brown cotton yarn and a 4.0 mm hook, make a flat circle. If it begins to cup, loosen your tension or try a slightly larger hook.

Round 1: Work 6 sc in a magic ring. Join. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, inc in every st around. Join. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, *sc 1, inc* around. Join. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, *sc 2, inc* around. Join. (24 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1, *sc 3, inc* around. Join. (30 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1, *sc 4, inc* around. Join. (36 sts)
Round 7: Ch 1, *sc 5, inc* around. Join. (42 sts)
Round 8: Ch 1, *sc 6, inc* around. Join. (48 sts)
Round 9: Ch 1, *sc 7, inc* around. Join. (54 sts)
Round 10: Ch 1, *sc 8, inc* around. Join. (60 sts)

Fasten off and weave in the end. Keep this circle fairly dense so mugs sit on a smooth, stable surface.

Part 2: Make the Scalloped Tail

Make one contrasting back circle using the body instructions through Round 10 (60 sts). This second circle provides a sturdy base for the scallops and will sit behind the turkey’s face.

Tail edging, Round 11: Join your first feather color anywhere on the back circle. Repeat *skip 1 st, 5 dc in next st, skip 1 st, sl st in next st* around. You will have 15 scallops. Fasten off.

For a multicolored look, change yarn colors between groups of 3–5 scallops, weaving the ends securely into the back of the circle. If the feathers ripple excessively, use 4 dc instead of 5 dc in each shell. This variation may need gentle blocking.

Part 3: Crochet a Little Beak

With mustard yarn, ch 2. Work 3 sc in the second chain from hook, ch 1 and turn. Work 2 sc in the first st, sc in the next st, and 2 sc in the last st. Fasten off with a long sewing tail. Shape the piece into a small triangle.

Part 4: Add the Wattle and Eyes

For the wattle, use red yarn to ch 5, then sl st in the second chain from hook and sc in each of the next 3 chains. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew it beneath and slightly to one side of the beak.

Embroider two small black eyes above the beak with several secure stitches, or attach beads tightly if the coasters are decorative and intended for adults. Embroidered eyes are the better option for items that will be washed often.

Part 5: Assemble Your Turkey

Place the scalloped tail piece behind the brown face circle, right sides facing outward.
Shift the face slightly downward so the colorful scallops are clearly visible above and along the sides.
Using brown yarn, sew the face to the tail base around the outer edge of the face, keeping the stitches flat and neat.
Attach the beak near the center, with the wattle just below it.
Weave in every loose end securely. Gently wet-block the coaster flat, reshape the scallops, and allow it to dry completely.

Finishing check: Set an empty mug on the finished coaster. If the base rocks, adjust the stitches or blocking so the center sits flat.

Creative Color Combinations

Classic harvest: chocolate brown, pumpkin orange, mustard, and cranberry.
Neutral farmhouse: espresso brown, oatmeal, sage green, and ivory.
Woodland autumn: chestnut, moss green, terracotta, and warm gold.
Playful Thanksgiving: mix red, rust, green, and golden feathers across a set of four.

How to Care for Your Handmade Coasters

For best results, hand-wash gently in cool water with mild detergent, squeeze in a towel without twisting, and lay flat to dry. Always check your yarn label for its own care instructions. Avoid ironing the bead eyes or leaving damp coasters under mugs for long periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners make these crochet turkey coasters?

Yes. If you know single crochet, double crochet, slip stitches, and simple increases, this project is a manageable next step. The scalloped edging is the most decorative part, but the repeat is easy to learn.

What yarn works best for crochet coasters?

Worsted-weight cotton is a practical choice because it is absorbent and easy to wash. Choose a tight enough gauge for a stable surface.

Can I make the coasters bigger?

Yes. Add extra increase rounds to both circles, increasing by six stitches per round. For a larger scallop count, choose a stitch count divisible by four. Your final size will vary with yarn and hook choice.

Are these coasters the same as a turkey trivet?

No. A coaster supports cups and mugs, while a trivet must be designed for direct exposure to hot cookware. Do not use this turkey coaster pattern as a potholder or hot-pan trivet.

How many coasters make a nice gift set?

A set of four or six makes a lovely Thanksgiving hostess gift. Stack them neatly, tie with cotton ribbon or twine, and add a handwritten care label.

A Cozy Little Thanksgiving Project

These whimsical crochet turkey coasters are a fun way to bring handmade fall charm to your table. Make a few in complementary colors, enjoy a warm drink, and let each little turkey show off its own colorful tail. Happy crocheting!

Made a set? Share your favorite autumn color combination in the comments!