Vinyl Record Crochet Coasters with Raised Black Grooves

Vinyl record crochet coasters turn a bright circular center into a miniature record with a black, ridged outer section. Teri Hamilton’s source includes separate UK and US versions of the same design, so it is important to follow just one terminology section. The six-page PDF gives a small center opening, a front-post ridge and an 88-stitch outer edge. This guide uses the US section on pages four to six and highlights a count ambiguity in the center increase round.

Materials and approximate dimensions

The original lists Hayfield Bonus yarn: approximately 15 g of black (0965) and 2 g of a contrast color, plus a 3 mm hook and wool needle. The center label is described as 6 cm across and the complete coaster as 13 cm. The corresponding inch values are approximate and do not convert exactly, so use the metric dimensions consistently.

The source yarn is suitable for the photographed decorative coaster fabric, but this design is not an oven mitt or a tested heat barrier. If you change the fiber, make a sample and check the final diameter, stitch definition and care instructions. The bright center and black edge should have comparable thickness.

Choose the correct terminology

In the US section, dc means double crochet and hdc means half double crochet. FP(hdc) is a front-post half double crochet worked around the earlier stitch. The UK section uses tr and htr for the corresponding operations. Mixing them changes stitch height and can distort the circular increases.

Although a general note mentions continuous rounds, the actual coaster instructions repeatedly say to join the rounds. Follow those specific joins, and count the beginning chain as directed for each round. Do not add a spiral transition solely because of the general note.

Read the center and groove sequence

1. In the contrast color, make the chain-eight center ring. The next round uses a counted ch 2 plus 21 dc for 22 stitches.
2. The following increase round is labeled 44 stitches. Its opening wording mentions both the counted chain and a double increase at the same base, which can produce an extra stitch if read literally.
3. Before proceeding, check that the center actually has 44 positions, with each incoming position doubled once overall. This is an arithmetic reading note rather than a tested designer revision.
4. Join black and work 44 front-post hdc around the label edge. This creates the visible raised groove.
5. The next dc rounds increase to 66 and then 88 counted stitches. The final hdc round holds the count at 88.

The PDF specifically notes that the fabric may look slightly wavy before the final round. That does not mean a large counting error should be ignored. Count the center and each increase round first; only then judge whether the final edge smooths the temporary waviness described by the designer.

Keep the center opening neat

Leave enough yarn to secure the chain ring and color changes on the wrong side. Do not pull the starting ring completely closed if you want the small record-label opening shown in the photos. Weave through neighboring stitch backs without forming a bulky knot under the coaster.

When adding the front-post round, insert around the post rather than into the top loops. Keep those post stitches relaxed enough to reach their anchor without dragging the contrast center outward. A bright marker helps with the otherwise hard-to-see black stitches.

Finish and make a set

Secure the ends as the source directs and shape the coaster flat using the yarn’s care instructions. Make one complete sample before repeating the design in several label colors. Keep the same hook and black yarn for every coaster so the finished discs stack evenly.

The original photographs and both language-convention sections remain available in the linked file. This article explains the construction and the written count issue; it does not claim that the coaster has been independently made or tested.

Frequently asked questions

Which part of the PDF uses US terms?

Pages four to six. The first three pages describe the same design using UK terminology.

How many stitches should the label have before black yarn?

The stated target is 44, following the earlier 22-stitch round. The opening increase wording needs care because the chain is counted.

Are the rounds continuous?

Use the explicit joined-round instructions for this coaster, despite the general continuous-round note.

Original source and more crochet projects

Design credit: Teri Hamilton / Crochet at Teri’s, Vinyl Record Coasters (2021). This article explains the supplied source and its construction; it does not claim an independently tested sample. The photographs are from that source, and the checklist is an editorial reading aid.

Open the original pattern in Drive. Source location: Whole PDF. Keep the original instructions and diagrams beside you when working the project.

For another project, explore Anima Floris crochet coasters, or Strand Basket pattern.