Baby Starlet Mittens: Free Beginner Knitting Pattern
Soft wool keeps tiny fingers warm during cold morning stroller walks, and these mittens are specifically shaped to stay on wiggly hands. The small size makes this a quick project for any knitter, even if you are just starting out with circular needles. You will work with a simple stockinette stitch base and learn how to decrease for a rounded thumb-free shape. These pieces feel dense yet flexible against delicate skin. Finishing a pair requires very little yarn, so it serves as a reliable way to use up those extra remnants from larger sweater projects sitting in your stash.

Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This beginner-friendly crochet coaster set is designed to work up in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for using up leftover cotton yarn scraps. The pattern uses a repetitive circular technique that builds a dense, heat-resistant fabric capable of protecting your coffee table from moisture. Because the stitches are worked in the back loop only, you achieve a unique spiraled texture that looks professional without requiring advanced skills. These coasters make excellent last-minute gifts for housewarmings or birthdays due to their functional nature and modern aesthetic.
I managed to finish a set of four in one afternoon, and they lay perfectly flat without any curling at the edges, which has been a struggle for me with other circular patterns.
— Sarah, home hobbyist
Pattern Overview & Skill Level
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Approximate Time: 15 minutes per coaster
- Construction: Worked in continuous rounds from the center outward
- Finished Dimensions: 4 inches in diameter
Materials & Supplies Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn, approximately 15 yards per coaster. Cotton is chosen for its absorbency and heat resistance.
- Hook Size: 4.5 mm (US 7) crochet hook.
- Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a locking stitch marker to track the start of rounds, and scissors.
- Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic yarn may be substituted, but note that it is less absorbent than cotton and may melt if exposed to extremely hot mugs. Wool yarn provides a natural look but requires hand-washing to prevent felting.
Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- MR: Magic Ring. A method of starting rounds by working stitches into an adjustable loop.
- st/sts: Stitch/stitches.
- sc: Single crochet. Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops on hook.
- inc: Increase. Work 2 sc into the same stitch.
- BLO: Back loop only. Insert the hook only into the back loop of the stitch instead of both loops.
- sl st: Slip stitch. Insert hook, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on the hook.
Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions
Coaster Body
- Rnd 1: Start 6 sc into a MR. Pull the ring tight to close. (6 sts)
- Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
- Rnd 3: 1 sc in next st, inc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times. (18 sts)
- Rnd 4: 1 sc in each of next 2 sts, inc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times. (24 sts)
- Rnd 5: 1 sc in each of next 3 sts, inc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times. (30 sts)
- Rnd 6: Working in BLO, 1 sc in each st around. (30 sts)
- Rnd 7: 1 sc in each st around. Join with a sl st to the first st of the round. (30 sts)
Finishing
Fasten off your yarn, leaving a six-inch tail. Use your tapestry needle to weave the tail through the back of the final round to secure it. Trim the excess yarn close to the fabric. If the edges feel slightly rippled, give them a gentle tug to flatten the circle.
Care & Washing Instructions
- Machine wash in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle using cold water to preserve the yarn color.
- Reshape the coasters by pulling on the edges while they are damp and lay them flat on a towel to air dry.
- Avoid using high heat in a tumble dryer, as this can cause the cotton fibers to shrink or lose their shape over time.
Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintain consistent tension throughout the project to ensure the circle remains flat. If your coaster starts to cup like a bowl, your tension is likely too tight; if it ruffles like a skirt, your tension is too loose. Always place a stitch marker in the first stitch of every round to keep track of your count, as it is easy to miss the increase stitches in the later rounds. Weave your ends in by threading the needle through the back loops of the previous round to ensure the join is invisible and stays secure after repeated use. To make the coaster larger, simply add more increase rounds, ensuring you maintain the 6-stitch increment per round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different yarn weight for this pattern?
You can use thinner or thicker yarn, but your coaster size will change. Using a lighter weight yarn will require more increase rounds to reach the same 4-inch diameter, while a bulkier yarn will require fewer rounds.
Why does my coaster have a hole in the center?
A hole in the center usually means the magic ring was not pulled tight enough. Pull the tail of the yarn firmly after the first round is complete to close the center gap entirely before continuing.
Is this project suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, this project is ideal for beginners because it focuses on basic single crochet stitches and simple increases, allowing you to practice maintaining even tension in a small, manageable format.
Can I sell the coasters I make from this pattern?
You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern, provided you credit the design. Please do not redistribute or sell the written pattern itself as your own work.

These tiny accessories look great in almost any soft fiber, and they make a thoughtful gift for a new arrival in your life. You might try working with a variegated yarn to give the cuffs a unique pop of color without needing to switch skeins mid-row. Once you finish your set, upload a photo to social media so others can see your work. Feel free to browse the rest of the blog for more baby gear and seasonal knitting projects to fill your project list this winter season.





