How to Crochet a Car Cup Holder Coaster

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Work the increasing rounds

Begin with a magic ring or a short foundation chain joined into a loop. Work 6 half double crochet (hdc) stitches into the ring to form the first round, then join with a slip stitch. In each subsequent round, work 2 hdc into every stitch that previously had a single hdc — this is the increase. The number of stitches between increases grows with each round: round two has no plain stitches between increases, round three has one, round four has two, and so on. Continue for six rounds in total, keeping your tension firm and even so the coaster lies flat. By the end of round six the coaster should be wide enough to fit snugly into a standard car cup holder. Check the fit against your cup holder as you go and add or reduce a round if needed.

Step 2 — Thicken the border

After completing the six increasing rounds, create the first layer of the border by working a tight chain 1, then a round of slip stitches (sl st) all the way around the outer edge of the coaster. Insert the hook into each stitch as you go and keep the slip stitches snug — this round should sit firmly against the last hdc round rather than sitting loosely on top of it. This slip stitch round adds thickness and body to the border, which is what creates the lip that holds the coaster in place inside the cup holder. A firm, even tension here is important for the coaster to sit correctly and not shift when a cup is placed on it.

Step 3 — Create the braided detail

The braided appearance is created by working slip stitches between — rather than into — the half double crochet stitches of the last main round. Insert your hook between every fourth stitch (for example between the 4th and 5th stitch, then between the 6th and 7th, and so on) and work a slip stitch at each point. This off-stitch placement creates the characteristic woven, rope-like look around the edge of the coaster. Work all the way around, keeping consistent spacing so the braided detail is evenly distributed. The effect is subtle on the first pass but becomes more defined as the next rounds are added.

Step 4 — Finalise the braided detail

Complete two more rounds of slip stitches using the same between-stitch method from Step 3, for a total of three slip stitch rounds forming the braided border. Each additional round builds depth and makes the braided texture more pronounced. By the end of the third round the border should feel noticeably thicker and more structured than the hdc body of the coaster. Check that the border sits upright rather than flopping outward — if it curls, tighten your slip stitch tension slightly on the next round.

Step 5 — Weave in ends

Once all crochet work is complete, cut the yarn leaving a tail of around 15cm. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle and weave it through the stitches of the border in at least two directions so it cannot pull free with use or washing. Trim close to the fabric once secure. If you joined a new yarn at any point — for example when switching colours for the border — weave in those ends separately, again working in two directions for security. Take particular care with the starting tail from the magic ring: pull it firmly to close any gap at the centre before weaving it in.

Step 6 — Finish and use

Your crochet car cup holder coaster is now complete. Drop it into your car's cup holder — the thickened braided border should create a snug fit that holds it in place. The coaster absorbs condensation from cold drinks and protects the cup holder from spills, keeping your car interior cleaner for longer. It also works as a regular table coaster at home. When it needs cleaning, hand wash it in cool water or machine wash on a gentle cycle if your yarn allows, then reshape and leave flat to dry.

Frequently asked questions

How does a crochet car cup holder coaster protect my car?
The coaster sits inside your car's cup holder and protects it from condensation and spills. The thickened braided border creates a snug lip that holds the coaster in place, while the crocheted body absorbs moisture before it reaches the cup holder itself.

Is the crochet car cup holder coaster washable?
Yes — the finished coaster is washable. Choose a yarn that can handle machine or hand washing if you want easy care. Cotton yarns are a practical choice for this project as they wash well and hold their shape after repeated use.

What yarn and hook size should I use?
A medium weight (worsted) cotton or acrylic yarn works well for this project as it produces a firm, stable fabric. Use a hook sized to match your yarn — typically a 5mm hook for worsted weight. A slightly smaller hook than recommended on the yarn label will give you a tighter, more stable coaster.

Enjoyed this tutorial?

Find 60+ free tutorials on YouTube. Grab a pattern from the Etsy shop, or go deeper with a community membership.

Free tutorials on YouTube →    Shop on Etsy →    Join the community →