Cotton Candy Filet Tile Coaster Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This Cotton Candy Filet Tile Coaster is a sweet little square that looks far more intricate than it really is. It's written for beginners who have just learned double crochet and want to try filet crochet for the first time, because the whole design is built from just two simple blocks: solid and open. The cotton candy pink stripes frame a baby blue panel where solid blocks outline a Moroccan tile diamond, so the finished coaster has a crisp graphic look with a soft, squishy feel from the bulky wool. Worked flat at 5 x 5 in (12.7 x 12.7 cm), it comes together in a single evening and makes a lovely quick gift or a cozy spot for your mug.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Bulky (weight 5) wool, approx 30 yd total — Color A cotton candy pink, 15 yd; Color B baby blue, 15 yd
• Hook: 5.5 mm (US I-9)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a few stitch markers (optional), rust-proof pins and a spray bottle or steamer for blocking
• Finished size: 5 x 5 in (12.7 x 12.7 cm)

Abbreviations

• ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
• dc — double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops twice
• sc — single crochet: insert hook in stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops
• sk — skip: leave the next stitch(es) unworked
• sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through everything on the hook
• st(s) — stitch(es)
• R — row

Gauge

4 dc x 2 rows = 1 in (2.5 cm), and each filet block measures 0.5 in (1.3 cm). Work a small swatch in dc and measure the middle of it; if your stitches are bigger than this, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up one.

Tips Before You Start

• Count blocks, not stitches. Each block is 3 stitches, so the 10-block row is always 31 stitches. If a row looks off, count blocks across before you rip anything out.
• Read the grid left to right. You turn at the end of every row, so the chart in the instructions is written in the direction you actually work.
• Keep your ch-2 meshes loose and even. Tugging them tight makes the holes disappear; a relaxed, consistent ch 2 gives the lacy grid its clean look.
• Don't cut Color A after Row 14. You'll use the same pink for the edging, so leave it attached until the border is done.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to read the filet rows: X = solid block (3 dc), . = open mesh (ch 2, sk 2, dc). The first block of every row begins with ch 3, which counts as the first dc. Every row has 10 blocks = 31 sts.

Foundation and Pink Stripe (Color A)

Foundation: With A, ch 31.

R1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across (31 sts).

R2: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (31 sts). Fasten off A.

Filet Panel (Color B)

Join B with a sl st in the first st of R2. Work the rows below, turning at the end of each row.

R3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next 2 sts (solid block), [ch 2, sk 2, dc] x8, 2 dc in last 2 sts (31 sts)

R4: Ch 3, 2 dc (solid), ch 2, sk 2, dc, ch 2, sk 2, 3 dc (solid), [ch 2, sk 2, dc] x4, 3 dc (solid), ch 2, sk 2, dc, ch 2, sk 2, 2 dc (31 sts)

R5: Ch 3, 2 dc (solid), [ch 2, sk 2, dc] x2, 3 dc (solid), ch 2, sk 2, dc, 3 dc (solid), [ch 2, sk 2, dc] x2, 2 dc (31 sts)

R6: Ch 3, 2 dc (solid), [ch 2, sk 2, dc] x3, 3 dc (solid), [ch 2, sk 2, dc] x3, 2 dc (31 sts)

R7: Repeat R5 (31 sts)

R8: Repeat R4 (31 sts)

R9: Repeat R3 (31 sts)

R10: Repeat R3 (31 sts)

R11: Repeat R3 (31 sts)

R12: Repeat R3 (31 sts). Fasten off B.

Pink Stripe (Color A)

Join A with a sl st in the first st of R12.

R13: Ch 3, dc in each st across (31 sts)

R14: Ch 3, turn, dc in each st across (31 sts). Do not fasten off.

Edging (Color A)

Edging round: Ch 1, turn, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 1 sc in each st along the sides and 2 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

Assembly and Finishing

There's no seaming — this coaster is worked in one piece from start to finish. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, threading each tail through a few stitches in its own color so it doesn't show through the open mesh. Block lightly to square: mist or steam the coaster, pin it to 5 x 5 in (12.7 x 12.7 cm) on a padded surface, and let it dry completely. Blocking opens the filet holes and sharpens the diamond outline.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make a set: Work four coasters in rotating color pairs — pink/blue, blue/pink, and two more — for a coordinated table set.
• Change the motif: Swap the interior solid blocks for a heart or a simple cross shape on the same 10 x 10 grid; the border blocks stay the same.
• Size it up: Add blocks in multiples of 3 stitches (plus 1) to make a matching mug rug or placemat, keeping the same stripe-and-panel layout.