Count: 36 dc in twelve groups, plus 12 ch-1 spaces. Work each group around the entire red chain arch. Do not insert into the top of a red cluster or split the arch into separate chain stitches.
Round 4: white arches
Join white with a sl st in any gold ch-1 space. Ch 1, sc into that same space, then ch 3. In each remaining gold ch-1 space, work (sc, ch 3). Join with a sl st to the first sc. Keep white attached.
Count: 12 sc and 12 ch-3 arches. The starting ch 1 does not count as a stitch. Each white sc sits in a gold space between two groups, not in a gold dc.
Round 5: the ivory scallops
Ch 1 without counting it. Work 7 dc in the next ch-3 arch, then sl st in the following sc. Repeat this sequence eleven more times, moving around the motif. The last slip stitch goes into the starting sc of Round 4.
Count: 12 shells containing 84 dc, with 12 slip-stitch anchors. Do not make an extra joining stitch or another shell after reaching the starting sc. Fasten off white and weave in the end on the back.
Check the twelve-repeat rhythm
| Round | Color | Finished count | Work into |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | 12 dc + 12 ch-1 spaces | Magic ring |
| 2 | Red | 12 clusters + 12 ch-3 spaces | Round 1 ch-1 spaces |
| 3 | Gold | 36 dc + 12 ch-1 spaces | Round 2 ch-3 spaces |
| 4 | White | 12 sc + 12 ch-3 arches | Round 3 ch-1 spaces |
| 5 | White | 84 dc + 12 sl-st anchors | Round 4 arches and sc |
The motif keeps twelve sections from start to finish. Every red petal is followed by one chain space, every gold group is followed by one smaller space, and each white arch receives one shell. Use a marker on the first closed cluster or first sc when the beginning of a round is difficult to see.
The diagrams at the end show the whole color sequence and a single shell repeat. Read them with the written joins: they summarize the construction rather than replacing the round instructions.
Let the scallops settle before using the coaster
Weave the ends through the backs of matching-color stitches, changing direction once before trimming. Keep the gold tail behind the gold ring, where it is less likely to show through the white arches. Avoid tying bulky knots under the red center.
If your yarn labels allow damp blocking, lightly dampen the finished motif and arrange it on a flat surface. Open the twelve shells evenly without stretching their outer edges. Let it dry completely before lifting it. Treat metallic yarn according to its own care instructions; avoid applying heat unless the label permits it.
Set your chosen glass on the dry flower and check that it stands steadily. The center is textured and contains spaces, so it does not suit every cup base. If the glass rocks or catches a petal, use the motif for decoration instead. This crochet Christmas flower coaster is not intended as a tested heat-resistant trivet.
If the center cups
Check that Round 1 has twelve spaces and Round 2 has twelve clusters. A missing space makes the next round smaller. If the counts are correct, look at the red ch-3 arches: very tight chains can draw the petals inward. Remake that round with more relaxed chains before continuing.
If the white edge ruffles
Count seven dc in each shell and one shell per arch. Extra shells at the join can produce a noticeable wave. If the counts are right but the edging remains uneven after gentle blocking, the yarn thickness or tension needs adjustment. Try a slightly smaller hook for the white rounds on a new sample rather than stretching the center.
If the gold ring disappears
Keep the white sc in the gold ch-1 spaces, between the groups. Working white over the tops of the gold dc can hide the fan shape. A very thin gold yarn also produces a smaller ring; match its thickness to the red and white before starting a set.
Small changes for a coordinated Christmas table
Red, gold and ivory echo the reference. Burgundy with warm cream gives a quieter version, while red, forest green and white makes a more traditional palette. Change only the colors when following these counts; adding another round would require new spacing for the border.
For a set, finish and check the first motif before making the remaining coasters. Keep the same hook and yarn thickness throughout. A consistent chain tension matters as much as matching the number of petals.
Pair the flower with an eight point crochet star mat for a larger table accent. A shell stitch crochet bell repeats the scalloped texture in a hanging decoration.
Christmas flower coaster images and diagrams
These four vertical designs explore the flower in different settings. The two construction diagrams follow the twelve-repeat pattern above: one illustrates the colored construction, and the other explains the white arch and shell. The circular drawing is a visual overview; the written counts govern each round. Use the stitch counts for this interpretation rather than counting stitches from a styled image.
