
Easy Crochet Monstera Leaf Pattern (Free Coaster Pattern)
If you’ve been looking for a quick, satisfying crochet project that doubles as functional home décor, you’ve just found your new favorite pattern. This free crochet monstera leaf coaster pattern is beginner-friendly, works up in under an hour, and looks absolutely stunning displayed on a coffee table, bookshelf, or plant stand. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or someone who just learned their first chain stitch, this pattern is designed to be approachable, clear, and genuinely fun to make.
Monstera deliciosa — the Swiss cheese plant — has become one of the most beloved houseplants of the past decade, and its iconic split leaves have taken over everything from throw pillows to wallpaper to tote bags. Now you can bring that tropical charm into your handmade home with a crocheted version that’s both decorative and practical. These coasters make excellent gifts, craft fair bestsellers, and a great stash-busting project when you’ve got leftover cotton yarn sitting in your basket.
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
Before we get into the stitches, let’s talk about why this particular pattern has so much going for it.
First, it’s genuinely easy. This pattern uses only basic crochet stitches — chain, single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. There are no complicated stitch combinations, no special techniques that require watching a tutorial three times, and no counting nightmares. If you can make a granny square, you can absolutely make this monstera coaster.
Second, it’s fast. Each coaster takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace. That means you can make a full set of four in a single weekend, or knock one out while watching your favorite show on a weeknight. Few things feel as rewarding as a finished object that actually comes together quickly.
Third, the finished result is impressive out of proportion to the effort involved. Monstera leaves have a distinctive shape that people immediately recognize and love. When you set one of these coasters on a table, people will ask if you bought it. When you tell them you made it, they’ll ask if you can make them one too.
Finally, cotton yarn — which is ideal for coasters — is inexpensive, easy to find, and comes in an enormous range of colors. While a deep forest green is the most classic choice, there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from making a set in sage, terracotta, cream, or even variegated yarn for a more bohemian look.
Materials You’ll Need
This is a low-supply project, which is part of what makes it so accessible. Here’s everything you need to gather before you sit down to start.
Yarn: Approximately 50–75 yards of worsted weight (4) cotton yarn. One skein is more than enough for several coasters. Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, and Drops Safran are all excellent choices. Cotton is strongly recommended over acrylic for coasters because it absorbs moisture, holds its shape when wet, and is machine washable.
Hook: A 4.0mm or 4.5mm crochet hook. Check the yarn label for the recommended hook size and use that as your starting point. Tension varies from crocheter to crocheter, so if your swatch is coming out much larger or smaller than the finished dimensions listed below, adjust your hook size accordingly.
Scissors: Any sharp scissors for cutting yarn.
Yarn needle: A blunt-tipped tapestry needle for weaving in ends when you’re finished.
Stitch markers (optional): Helpful for marking the beginning of rounds or keeping track of specific stitches, but not strictly necessary for this pattern.
Blocking mat and pins (optional): If you want perfectly crisp edges and a professionally finished look, blocking your finished coaster for a few hours makes a noticeable difference. It’s optional, but recommended if you’re gifting these or selling them.
Finished dimensions: Approximately 4.5 to 5 inches across at the widest point, which is the standard size for a coaster.
Abbreviations Used in This Pattern
If you’re fairly new to reading crochet patterns, here’s a quick reference for every abbreviation used below.
ch — chain
sl st — slip stitch
sc — single crochet
hdc — half double crochet
dc — double crochet
st — stitch
sp — space
rep — repeat
yo — yarn over
( ) — work all stitches inside parentheses into the same stitch or space
[ ] — repeat the instructions inside brackets the number of times indicated
This pattern is written using US crochet terminology. If you’re used to UK terms, note that US single crochet equals UK double crochet, and US double crochet equals UK treble crochet.
Pattern Notes
Read through these notes before you begin. They’ll save you from having to backtrack.
The coaster is worked in a combination of flat rows and shaped increases to create the organic, asymmetrical silhouette of a monstera leaf. It’s not worked entirely in the round — the overall form grows outward from a central starting chain, with each section of the leaf built up in turn.
The characteristic “holes” or fenestrations of a monstera leaf are created using chain spaces rather than actual cutouts. This keeps the coaster sturdy and functional while still suggesting the look of the real plant.
Don’t stress too much about perfect symmetry. Real monstera leaves are asymmetrical, and your coaster will have more character if it’s slightly organic rather than perfectly geometric. Crochet is a handmade craft, and that’s precisely the point.
If your tension is tight, go up one hook size. If your stitches are very loose and the coaster looks floppy, go down one hook size.
The Free Crochet Monstera Leaf Coaster Pattern
Starting the Stem
Begin by making a foundation chain.
Ch 6. Sl st into the first ch to form a small loop, or alternatively, you can work directly into the chain without joining. Either method works — the stem is a small, subtle detail at the base of the leaf.
Row 1: Working back along the chain, sc in each of the 5 remaining ch sts. (5 sc)
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (5 sc)
Do not fasten off. You’ll continue directly into the main body of the leaf.
Building the Leaf Body
The main body of the leaf is worked upward from the stem base, expanding outward with increases and creating the broad, rounded top of the monstera leaf shape.
Row 3 (increase row): Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in last st. (7 sc)
Row 4: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (7 sc)
Row 5 (increase row): Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in last st. (9 sc)
Row 6: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (9 sc)
Row 7 (increase row): Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 3 sts, ch 2, skip 1 st, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in last st. (9 sc + 1 ch-2 sp — this creates your first fenestration)
Row 8: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 4 sts, 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in next 4 sts. (10 sc)
Row 9 (increase row): Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in last st. (12 sc)
Row 10: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (12 sc)
Row 11: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 3 sts, ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in last 3 sts. (This creates two fenestration spaces in a slightly higher row, giving the coaster its distinctive monstera look.)
Row 12: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 3 sts, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in next 2 sts, 3 sc in ch-3 sp, sc in last 3 sts. (14 sc)
Row 13 (increase row): Ch 1, turn. 2 sc in first st, sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in last st. (16 sc)
Row 14: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across. (16 sc)
Shaping the Top of the Leaf
Real monstera leaves have a gently rounded top with a slight point at the very tip. This section shapes that silhouette.
Row 15: Ch 1, turn. Sc in first 6 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in last 6 sts. (16 sts)
Row 16 (decrease row): Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog over first 2 sts, sc in next 12 sts, sc2tog over last 2 sts. (14 sts)
Row 17 (decrease row): Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog. (12 sts)
Row 18 (decrease row): Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog. (10 sts)
Row 19 (decrease row): Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog. (8 sts)
Row 20 (decrease row): Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog. (6 sts)
Row 21 (decrease row): Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog, sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog. (4 sts)
Row 22: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog twice. (2 sts)
Row 23: Ch 1, turn. Sc2tog. (1 st)
Fasten off, leaving a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in.
Edging the Coaster
The edging is what pulls the whole piece together, giving it clean lines and a finished, polished look. It also helps the coaster lie flat.
Rejoin your yarn at the base of the stem with a sl st. Work evenly around the entire perimeter of the leaf, including around the stem section.
Edging Round: Ch 1. Work sc evenly around the entire outer edge of the leaf, placing 2 sc in any corner or sharp point to help the edges lie flat, and placing sc2tog at any inward curves or indentations to prevent ruffling. When you reach the starting point, sl st to join.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Finishing and Blocking
Weave in your ends thoroughly using your yarn needle, working the tail back and forth through several stitches to secure it. Trim any excess close to the fabric.
To block your coaster, wet it thoroughly under cool water, gently squeeze out the excess moisture (don’t wring), and pin it to your blocking mat in the desired shape. Use as many pins as needed along the edges to coax it into a clean, flat shape. Let it dry completely before unpinning — this usually takes a few hours or overnight depending on humidity.
Blocking makes a surprising difference with cotton yarn. The fibers relax and the stitch definition improves noticeably, giving your finished coaster that crisp, professional quality that makes people assume you bought it rather than made it.
Tips for Making a Perfect Monstera Coaster
A few small habits will make a big difference in your finished results.
Consistent tension is the single most important factor in crochet. Try to keep your grip and pull consistent throughout the project. If you tend to tighten up when you’re concentrating hard, make a conscious effort to relax your hook hand and let the yarn flow smoothly.
Count your stitches at the end of each row. It takes an extra five seconds and saves enormous frustration. Dropped or added stitches in the early rows are much easier to catch and fix than they are after you’ve worked several rows past them.
Use a contrasting color for your yarn needle when weaving in ends. This is a small trick that makes it much easier to see where your needle is going and to ensure your ends are thoroughly woven in and won’t come loose.
If you’re making a set of coasters as a gift, consider making a simple drawstring bag from the same yarn to store them in. It elevates the presentation significantly without adding much time.
Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the most delightful things about a small, simple pattern like this is how much room there is to make it your own.
Color variations: While green is the obvious choice, a cream or off-white monstera coaster on a dark wood table looks incredibly sophisticated. A dusty terracotta or blush pink set would be gorgeous in a boho-inspired living room. You could also try a deep teal or forest green with a contrasting edging in cream or gold.
Size variations: Work the pattern with a bulkier yarn and a larger hook for a bigger statement piece — think a 7 or 8-inch version that could serve as a mini trivet or pot coaster for a houseplant. Alternatively, use a finer yarn and a smaller hook to make tiny ornamental versions to hang on a Christmas tree or use as gift tags.
Adding a backing: If you want extra protection for delicate surfaces, cut a piece of non-slip shelf liner or cork to approximately the same shape as your finished coaster and sew or glue it to the back. This also adds a little weight, helping the coaster stay put on a smooth table.
Monogram or embellishment: Once you’re comfortable with the base pattern, you could embroider a small initial or a simple design onto the surface of the finished coaster using a contrasting yarn color and a yarn needle.
Set themes: Make a themed set featuring different tropical leaves — combine the monstera with a crochet philodendron leaf, a banana leaf, and a palm frond for a complete tropical coaster collection. Each pattern uses similar construction techniques, so once you’ve mastered this one, the others come naturally.
How to Care for Your Crochet Coasters
Cotton crochet coasters are wonderfully easy to care for, which is one reason they’re such a practical project.
Machine wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle. Lay them flat to dry rather than putting them in the dryer, which can cause the cotton to shrink slightly or lose its shape over time. If they come out looking a little rumpled, a quick damp block will restore them to their original shape.
For a set used daily on a coffee table, running them through the wash once a week or whenever they’re noticeably stained keeps them looking fresh. Cotton gets softer with every wash, so they actually improve with use.
How to Use This Pattern as a Gift or for Selling
If you’re planning to gift these coasters or sell them at a craft fair or on Etsy, a few extra steps will significantly increase their perceived value.
Present a set of four tied together with a length of natural twine and a small hand-lettered tag. The tag could include the recipient’s name, a small plant illustration, or simply the words “handmade with love.” Simple presentation details like this transform a practical item into something that feels genuinely special.
If you’re selling, note that handmade cotton coasters sell well at prices between eight and fifteen dollars per set of four, depending on your market and the quality of your yarn. At a craft fair, having several sets in different colorways gives buyers more choices and tends to increase sales. A small sign explaining that they’re machine washable is a detail that shoppers consistently appreciate.
Final Thoughts
This free crochet monstera leaf coaster pattern is one of those projects that earns a permanent place in your go-to rotation. It’s quick enough to be satisfying, simple enough to be relaxing, and beautiful enough to make you genuinely proud of what you’ve created. Whether you’re making a set for your own home, whipping up a batch of gifts, or adding something fresh to your craft fair inventory, these little leaves deliver every time.
Save this pattern, share it with a crocheting friend, and don’t be surprised if you end up making more than one set. Once you start, it’s