The Ember Glow Coaster Set: A Free Tunisian Crochet Pattern for Textured, Heat-Reactive Coasters

Ignite Your Table: The Ember Glow Coaster Set

Imagine coasters that not only protect your surfaces but also put on a show. The Ember Glow Coaster Set is a free Tunisian crochet pattern that combines texture, color, and a touch of magic. Using a heat-reactive yarn for the 'Ember' color, these coasters subtly shift and brighten when a hot mug is placed upon them, mimicking the organic flow of embers and smoke. This project is perfect for adventurous beginners looking to master Tunisian crochet techniques while creating a stunning, functional home decor piece. Each of the four coasters features a unique stitch pattern, making this set a delightful sampler of Tunisian crochet stitches.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. The gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency will ensure your coasters are evenly sized.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in two colors:
  • 'Ash' (light grey) – approximately 50g
  • 'Ember' (deep orange/red) – approximately 50g. For the temperature-sensitive effect, use a heat-reactive yarn like Lion Brand 'Color Change' or a similar brand.
• Hook: Tunisian crochet hook size 5.0mm (US H-8) with a cable, or a standard crochet hook of the same size for the foundation row.
• Gauge: 16 stitches and 12 rows in Tunisian Simple Stitch = 4 inches (10 cm).
• Other: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a steamer or spray bottle for blocking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Each coaster is worked flat in rows. The foundation row is the same for all coasters. All return passes are worked the same way unless otherwise noted.

General Return Pass (for all coasters)

After completing the forward pass of any row, work the return pass as follows: Yarn over, pull through one loop (this closes the first stitch). *Yarn over, pull through two loops* repeat across until one loop remains on your hook. This is your working loop for the next row.

Coaster 1: The Ember Core (Tunisian Simple Stitch with Color Change)

This coaster creates a solid gradient from Ash to Ember.

• Foundation Row: With 'Ash' yarn, chain 21. Insert hook into the second chain from the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat across (21 loops on hook). Work the return pass.
• Row 1 (Forward Pass): Insert hook under the front vertical bar of the second stitch (skip the first edge stitch). Yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat across all stitches (21 loops on hook). Work the return pass.
• Rows 2-5: Repeat Row 1.
• Row 6 (Color Change): Switch to 'Ember' yarn. Work the forward pass as Row 1 with 'Ember'. On the return pass, work the first 10 stitches with 'Ember', then switch back to 'Ash' for the remaining 11 stitches. This creates a gradient effect.
• Rows 7-10: Continue in Tunisian Simple Stitch, alternating colors every 2 rows to create a layered 'ember' look. On the final row, bind off by slip stitching through each vertical bar.

Coaster 2: The Smoke Swirl (Tunisian Knit Stitch)

This coaster uses the Tunisian Knit Stitch to create a swirling, spiral pattern.

• Foundation Row: With 'Ash', chain 21. Pull up loops as before. Work the return pass.
• Row 1 (Forward Pass): Insert hook from front to back between the front and back vertical bars of the next stitch (this is the Tunisian Knit Stitch). Yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat across. Work the return pass.
• Rows 2-4: Repeat Row 1.
• Row 5: Switch to 'Ember'. Work Tunisian Knit Stitch for 5 stitches, then switch to 'Ash' for the next 11 stitches, then back to 'Ember' for the last 5 stitches. Work the return pass.
• Rows 6-10: Continue in Tunisian Knit Stitch, shifting the color blocks by 2 stitches each row to create a spiral effect. For example, in Row 6, work 3 stitches in 'Ember', 15 in 'Ash', 3 in 'Ember'. Bind off.

Coaster 3: The Ashen Embers (Tunisian Purl Stitch)

This coaster features subtle vertical stripes created by the purl stitch and color changes.

• Foundation Row: With 'Ash', chain 21. Work the return pass.
• Row 1 (Forward Pass): Insert hook under the front vertical bar, but yarn over from behind the hook (this creates a purl bump). Pull up a loop. Repeat across. Work the return pass.
• Rows 2-4: Repeat Row 1.
• Row 5: Switch to 'Ember'. Work Tunisian Purl Stitch for 10 stitches, then switch to 'Ash' for the remaining 11 stitches. Work the return pass.
• Rows 6-10: Continue alternating colors every 2 rows. On the return pass, carry the unused yarn loosely along the edge to create a subtle stripe. Bind off.

Coaster 4: The Glowing Edge (Tunisian Full Stitch with Border)

This coaster creates a dense, textured fabric that changes color dramatically when a hot mug is placed on it.

• Foundation Row: With 'Ash', chain 21. Work the return pass.
• Row 1 (Forward Pass): Insert hook under both the front and back vertical bars (this is the Tunisian Full Stitch). Yarn over, pull up a loop. Repeat across. Work the return pass.
• Rows 2-4: Repeat Row 1.
• Row 5: Switch to 'Ember'. Work Tunisian Full Stitch for the entire row. Work the return pass.
• Rows 6-10: Continue in Tunisian Full Stitch, alternating colors every row. This creates a bold, all-over color-blocked design. Bind off.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a yarn needle. Block each coaster by lightly steaming or wet blocking to ensure they lie flat. Optionally, add a simple single crochet border in 'Ash' around each coaster for a polished look. To do this, work a single crochet stitch evenly around the entire edge of the coaster, working 3 single crochet stitches into each corner. Join with a slip stitch and fasten off.

Your Ember Glow Coaster Set is now ready to use! Place a steaming mug on one and watch the 'Ember' sections glow brighter near the heat source. These make wonderful handmade gifts or a beautiful addition to your own home.