Mossy Pebble Turtle Coaster Free Pattern – Crochet a Forest Floor Accent

Bring the Forest to Your Table: The Mossy Pebble Turtle Coaster

Imagine the quiet serenity of a woodland stream, the soft earth underfoot, and the gentle texture of moss-covered stones. Now, picture that calm translated into a charming, functional piece for your home. That's the magic of the Mossy Pebble Turtle Coaster—a delightful crochet project that combines the cozy appeal of amigurumi with the practicality of a textured coaster.

This pattern is a joy to make, featuring a flat, round body in deep moss green and a slightly domed shell in sage, adorned with a beautiful pattern of raised bobbles and smooth ridges. It's a perfect project for beginners looking to expand their skills and for seasoned crocheters seeking a quick, satisfying make. The earthy palette of moss, sage, and cream brings a touch of the forest floor to any table setting, making it a wonderful handmade gift or a lovely addition to your own home.

Let's gather our materials and embark on this relaxing crochet journey together.

Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's ensure you have everything you need. This project uses simple, readily available materials.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three shades:
  • Moss Green (MC): For the turtle's body, head, legs, and tail.
  • Sage (CC1): For the textured shell.
  • Cream (CC2): For embroidering the eyes.
• Crochet Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook.
• Other Notions: Stitch marker, yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends, and a small amount of fiberfill for stuffing the head and shell.

Note on Gauge: The pattern specifies 4 sc = 1 inch, but gauge is not critical for this project. The most important thing is to maintain consistent tension so your coaster lies flat and even.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This coaster is worked in continuous spirals unless otherwise noted. Use a stitch marker to track the beginning of each round—this is crucial for amigurumi-style projects.

Turtle Body (Make 1)

We'll start with the flat, round base of our turtle.

• R1: With MC, make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
• R2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• R3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
• R4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
• R5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (30)
• R6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (36)
• R7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (42)
• R8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (48)
• R9: (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (54)
• R10: (sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (60)
• R11-12: sc in each st around. (60)

Fasten off and weave in the end. Your flat, circular body is complete.

Shell (Make 1)

Now for the star of the show—the textured shell. This is where the bobbles create that lovely, pebbly effect.

• R1: With CC1, make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
• R2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• R3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
• R4: (sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (24)
• R5: (sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (30)
• R6: (sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (36)
• R7: (sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (42)
• R8: (sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (48)
• R9: (sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (54)
• R10: (sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (60)
• R11: (bobble in next st, sc in next 4 sts) around. (12 bobbles, 48 sc)
  • Bobble stitch: Work 4 dc in the same stitch, then pull the loop through all 4 dc on your hook to close the bobble.
• R12: sc in each st around. (60)
• R13: (sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (66)
• R14: (bobble in next st, sc in next 5 sts) around. (11 bobbles, 55 sc)
• R15: sc in each st around. (66)
• R16: (sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st) around. (72)
• R17: (bobble in next st, sc in next 6 sts) around. (10 bobbles, 62 sc)
• R18: sc in each st around. (72)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Notice how the increases in R13 and R16 create a gentle dome shape, perfect for the turtle's back.

Head (Make 1)

Let's create the turtle's cute, rounded head.

• R1: With MC, make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
• R2: 2 sc in each st around. (12)
• R3: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (18)
• R4-6: sc in each st around. (18)
• R7: (sc in next st, sc2tog) around. (12)
• R8: sc2tog around. (6)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Stuff lightly with fiberfill, then sew to the body at the front center.

Legs (Make 4)

These little stubs are quick and easy.

• R1: With MC, make a magic ring, 6 sc in ring. (6)
• R2: (sc in next st, 2 sc in next st) around. (9)
• R3-4: sc in each st around. (9)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Stuff lightly, then sew two legs on each side of the body, slightly forward.

Tail (Make 1)

A tiny tail completes the silhouette.

• R1: With MC, make a magic ring, 4 sc in ring. (4)
• R2: sc in each st around. (4)

Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew to the back center of the body.

Assembly

Now, let's bring all the pieces together to form our turtle.

1. Attach the Shell: Place the shell on top of the body, aligning the edges. Using the long tail from the shell, whip stitch the shell to the body around the entire circumference, leaving a small opening.
2. Stuff the Shell: Stuff the shell lightly with fiberfill to give it a gentle dome shape, then close the opening with your needle and thread.
3. Embroider the Eyes: With CC2, embroider two small French knots on the head for eyes, about 1 inch apart. This adds a sweet, expressive touch.
4. Weave in Ends: Carefully weave in all remaining yarn ends to ensure a clean, professional finish.

Finishing

To help your coaster lie perfectly flat, lightly steam block the piece (do not press hard). If you don't have a steamer, simply place it under a heavy book overnight for a perfectly flat finish. This step is key to ensuring your coaster functions beautifully on your table.

And there you have it—your very own Mossy Pebble Turtle Coaster! This project is a wonderful way to practice new stitches like the bobble, and the result is a charming, textured piece that brings a little bit of the forest into your daily life. Whether you're making a set for your own home or crafting a thoughtful gift, this turtle is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Happy crocheting!