Looking for a thoughtful handmade gift that’s quick, easy and festive? These yarn coasters are perfect! With just some cardboard, yarn and a few simple tools, you can craft a set of cozy coasters that friends and family will actually use — and love. Plus, this project is beginner-friendly and customizable with your favorite colors.
Materials:
Cardboard, yarn, scissors, ruler, fork, tape, glue (optional)
Directions:
- Make a 4-inch by 4-inch square in the center of your cardboard. You can trace a square coaster or another object that size. If you don’t have one, just measure carefully. Draw the square on both sides of the cardboard so you can make two coasters at once!
- On one side of the cardboard, mark every half centimeter across the top and bottom edges.
- Cut along each marked line. The depth of the cuts doesn’t matter—you’ll be cutting the yarn strings to the same length later anyway.
- Now it’s time to add the yarn, called the “warp” in loom terms. Cut a generous length of yarn—you’ll be wrapping it around the cardboard multiple times, so don’t skimp. Attach the yarn’s end to one of the bottom cuts near your square outline, leaving a 3-4 inch tail on the back. The working yarn will hang on the front. Wrap the yarn up to the top cut aligned with the bottom one, then bring it behind the cardboard and insert it into the slot next to the tail. Continue wrapping this way along the whole square outline. This warping method lets you weave two coasters simultaneously—one on the front and one on the back!
- Time to start weaving! Weave the yarn in an over-under pattern through the warp strands. Use a small ruler (like the one in the picture) to separate the warp yarns so you don’t get mixed up. For your first row, go under the first warp yarn; the next row will start over, then alternate. Weave across the loom, leaving about a 2-inch tail at the starting side. The ruler helps keep your weaving aligned with your square outline and maintains even spacing. If you accidentally go the same way twice, don’t worry—this craft is forgiving. After each row (except the first), push the yarn down tightly with a fork or your fingers. Keep your tension consistent—not too tight or too loose—to help keep straight edges. It’s tricky, so don’t stress if your edges come out a bit wonky—both of my coasters did!
- To switch colors, leave a 2-inch tail of the old yarn, then start the new color with its own 2-inch tail.
- Keep weaving until your work reaches the outline you drew. Once the first coaster is done, start weaving the second one on the back.
- When both coasters are complete, it’s time to remove them from the loom! Cut pairs of warp yarns on the same side so you don’t lose tension. Tie each pair together twice to secure it. Since you made two coasters, you’ll tie yarn on both sides of the cardboard. Depending on your loom’s width, you might need to tie three strands together. Continue this along the entire edge. Don’t worry if the tied yarns aren’t the same length—you’ll trim them later.
- Next, weave in the loose ends for a cleaner, longer-lasting coaster. This step isn’t required, but I highly recommend it. Weave the tails back into the coaster by following the over-under pattern you used earlier. Do this for all loose ends.
- Trim all yarn ends to the same length. Use a piece of tape along the knots to guide you—place the tape where the knots are and cut along the tape’s edge for a clean, even finish.
Optional:
To secure the yarn tails even more, brush a thin layer of watered-down Mod Podge or Elmer’s glue on the back with a cheap foam or old paintbrush. Use only a small amount so the glue doesn’t seep through and make the front scratchy. If you do this, consider adding a backing—felt or any fabric that grips the surface—to keep the coaster from sliding around.
Bonus:
Because your loom is made from cardboard, you can reuse it to make more coasters anytime. You can even create different shapes by following the same process. Happy crafting!