When my yarning friend Dawn told me she was going to use my Mandala Place Mat pattern to crochet a festive version for holiday card stuffers this year, I was so inspired I had to make some myself!

The original pattern specifies #4 cotton (perfect for 14" place mats); however subbing a finer (#2 weight) cotton using this pattern makes smaller, lighter weight version perfect for card stuffing.

I hit my stash of Hobbii "Rainbow Cotton 8/4" and using the suggest 3mm hook for the yarn, this simple substitution worked a 11" diameter doily weighing 2oz. when stuffed in a 5 x 7" greeting card. Any fingering or sock yarn should do if you have some on hand; and if you use a #2 acrylic yarn, it might be a bit lighter as well.

The colorway I used clashes with the card I had on hand to share Dawns idea; but I’ve plenty of time to find holiday cards with muted colors to shock the heck out of friends/family that haven’t gotten seen a snail mail card from me in YEARS!

I hope you enjoy this free pattern! Just hit this link to the: pattern, sub a #2 yarn and corresponding hook and have some holiday crochet fun! Happy yarning.

This year, I’m stuffing my holiday cards with ornament coasters. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s fun to get back to a bit of mindless relaxing crochet while making my holiday cards at bit more fun.

I used Hobby Lobby’s "I Love This Cotton" #4 medium weight 100% cotton  which works well when you want a tighter weave coaster. I immediately ignored the (recommended) hook size and drastically (?) downsized to a 3.5mm hook to work a denser fabric and it was smooth hooking.

Then, I tried some (rough) "Sugar and Cream" cotton. It was stiff stitching and needed the bigger hook! Use what works best for you; but try to use cotton any time you make a coaster.

​The ornament top/loop are added with HL’s "Soft & Sleek,  Silver Sparkle/224" for a little bling. If you're a beginner, you this pattern may help.