Emberwing Dragon Coasters Free Pattern – Fire-Breathing Crochet Drink Protectors
Bring Mythic Warmth to Your Table: The Emberwing Dragon Coaster Crochet Pattern
Are you ready to add a spark of fantasy to your home decor? Meet the Emberwing Dragon Coasters – a delightful crochet project that transforms simple drink coasters into tiny, fire-breathing guardians for your furniture. These textured, circular coasters feature a fiery gradient from ember orange to deep crimson, topped with a raised scalloped scale texture and an adorable miniature dragon head peeking out from the center. Whether you're a seasoned crocheter or a brave beginner looking for a fun challenge, this pattern is perfect for creating a conversation-starting set of handmade tableware. Let's dive into this magical crochet adventure!
Materials Needed
Before you begin your dragon-coaster quest, gather these simple supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors – ember orange, deep crimson, and charcoal black (approximately 20g of each color). Cotton is ideal for coasters because it's absorbent, durable, and holds its shape beautifully.
- Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook – the perfect size for worsted weight yarn to create a dense, sturdy fabric.
- Fiberfill: A small amount for stuffing the dragon head accents.
- Yarn needle: For weaving in ends and sewing pieces together.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
Gauge: 4 sc = 1 inch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension will ensure your coasters come out evenly sized and lie flat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern creates a circular coaster with a dragon scale texture and a small dragon head accent. Work in continuous rounds unless stated otherwise. The entire project is worked in single crochet (sc) with increases, making it beginner-friendly while still producing impressive results.
Coaster Body (Make 2)
Start with your ember orange yarn. This will create the fiery center of your coaster.
Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 single crochet (sc) into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the circle. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat from * to * around. (18 stitches)
Round 4: *Sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (24 stitches)
Round 5: *Sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (30 stitches)
Round 6: *Sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (36 stitches)
Round 7: *Sc in next 5 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (42 stitches)
Round 8: *Sc in next 6 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (48 stitches)
Round 9: *Sc in next 7 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (54 stitches)
Round 10: *Sc in next 8 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (60 stitches)
Round 11: *Sc in next 9 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (66 stitches)
Round 12: *Sc in next 10 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (72 stitches)
Round 13: *Sc in next 11 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (78 stitches)
Round 14: *Sc in next 12 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (84 stitches)
Round 15: *Sc in next 13 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (90 stitches)
Round 16: *Sc in next 14 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (96 stitches)
Round 17: *Sc in next 15 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (102 stitches)
Round 18: *Sc in next 16 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (108 stitches)
Round 19: *Sc in next 17 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (114 stitches)
Round 20: *Sc in next 18 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (120 stitches)
Fasten off and weave in the ends securely. Your coaster base should be a flat, circular disc about 6 inches in diameter. Repeat this entire section to make the second coaster body.
Scale Texture (Worked on Top of Coaster)
Now we'll add the signature dragon scale border that gives these coasters their reptilian charm.
With your deep crimson yarn, join the yarn with a slip stitch to any stitch on the outer edge of your coaster. *Chain 3, skip 2 stitches, single crochet in the next stitch* – repeat from * to * around the entire circumference of the coaster. This creates a beautiful scalloped border that resembles overlapping dragon scales. When you reach the starting point, fasten off and weave in the ends. The crimson scallops will beautifully frame the ember orange center, creating that fiery gradient effect.
Dragon Head Accent (Make 2)
Time to create the adorable dragon heads that will sit in the center of each coaster. Work in continuous rounds with your charcoal black yarn.
Round 1: Make a magic ring, chain 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight. (6 stitches)
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 stitches)
Round 3: *Sc in next stitch, 2 sc in next stitch* – repeat around. (18 stitches)
Rounds 4-5: Sc in each stitch around. (18 stitches) – these rounds create the height of the dragon's head.
Round 6: *Sc in next stitch, sc2tog (single crochet 2 together)* – repeat around. (12 stitches) – this begins the shaping of the top of the head.
Round 7: Sc2tog around. (6 stitches) – continue decreasing to close the top.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Lightly stuff the head with fiberfill – you want it to be soft and slightly squishy, not overstuffed. The head should be about 1 inch in diameter, perfectly proportioned for your coaster.
Eyes
With your ember orange yarn, embroider two small French knots on the front of the dragon head for eyes. Position them about 2-3 rows down from the top of the head and about 3 stitches apart. The orange eyes will pop beautifully against the charcoal black head, giving your dragon a fiery gaze. If you're new to French knots, simply wrap the yarn around your needle 2-3 times before inserting it back into the fabric – this creates a small, raised dot.
Wings (Optional, Make 2 Per Coaster)
These little wings add an extra touch of whimsy to your dragon heads. With charcoal black yarn:
Chain 6, single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook, half double crochet (hdc) in the next chain, double crochet (dc) in the next chain, treble crochet (tr) in the next chain, chain 2, slip stitch in the last chain. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing. This creates a small, wing-shaped piece that curves slightly. Sew the wings to the sides of the dragon head, positioning them so they angle outward and slightly upward for a dynamic, ready-to-fly look.
Assembly and Finishing
Now it's time to bring your dragon coasters to life:
- Position the stuffed dragon head in the center of the coaster, with the eyes facing outward so it looks like a dragon peeking out from the scales.
- Sew the head securely to the coaster using the long tail you left when fastening off. Use small, invisible stitches around the base of the head.
- If you made wings, sew them to the sides of the head at this point, making sure they're secure.
- Weave in all remaining ends carefully, making sure no loose threads are visible on either side of the coaster.
- Block the coasters lightly to flatten them – simply mist with water and press with a cool iron or lay flat under a heavy book until dry. This will ensure they lie perfectly flat on your table.
And there you have it – your very own Emberwing Dragon Coasters! Make a set of four or six to protect your table in style. These coasters make wonderful handmade gifts for fantasy lovers, dragon enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates unique, handcrafted home decor. The combination of practical functionality and whimsical design makes them perfect for everyday use or special occasions. So grab your hook, channel your inner dragon tamer, and let these little fire-breathers guard your furniture with mythic charm!