Toys

Bean bags or coasters, this is a fun, quick and lovely project for gift giving or family use. It uses crocheting and felting. Once you get the hang of it, you can turn out several in an evening. Have fun and remember to save all your yarn scraps to make Felt Wool Marbles!

Small amounts of 100% felting yarn
Crochet Hook Size I/9-5.50MM
Yarn Needle
1/4 cup dried beans

Directions:

1] Chain 6.

2] Slip stitch through 1st chain to form a ring.

3] First Round: Chain stitch 3. This is called your “turning chain” and will be counted as your 1st stitch. Next, crocheting through the hole in the center of the ring, double crochet 11 times. Slip stitch in the top (the third chain) of the turning chain. You will now have 12 stitches (including the turning chain).
 

4] Second Round: Chain stitch 3. Double crochet into the base of your “turning chain”. You will be increasing 12 stitches this round. In the remaining 11 stitches from the first round, double crochet twice in each stitch. Slip stitch in the top chain of the turning chain. You will now have 24 stitches.
 

5] Third Round: Chain stitch 3. Double crochet into the base of your “turning chain”. You will be increasing 12 stitches this round. In the next stitch double crochet once, in the next stitch double crochet twice. Continue this pattern double crocheting twice every other stitch. Slip stitch in the top chain of the turning chain. You will now have 36 stitches.
 

6] Fourth Round: Double crochet into the base of your “turning chain”. You will be increasing 12 stitches this round. In the next two stitches double crochet once, in the third stitch double crochet twice. Continue the pattern double crocheting twice every third stitch. Slip stitch in the top chain of the turning chain. You will now have 48 stitches.
 

7] Fifth Round: Double crochet into the base of your “turning chain”. You will be increasing 12 stitches this round. In the next three stitches double crochet once, in the fourth stitch double crochet twice. Continue the pattern double crocheting twice every fourth stitch. Slip stitch in the top chain of the turning chain and pull the yarn through. Your final circle has 60 stitches.
 

8] Weave in loose ends making sure to close any gap in center circle.
 

9] You are now ready to weave in the design. Starting between first and second round, weave a two pieces of yarn in the holes. Use a one up, one down, weave. Keep yarn loose but not “loopy”. If you pull the yarn too tight it will pucker when felting. Leave approximately 5 inches at the beginning and end to tie off later.
 

10] Use different color yarns and weave between the second and third, third and fourth, and the fourth and fifth round. You should have 4 woven circles.
 

11] If you are making bean bags, to finish the back side, simple tie the beginning and ending of each yarn color together using a secure square knot. Cut the thread so 1/2 inch of yarn remains. The back side will look unfinished but it won’t matter since it will be inside the beanbag. If you are making coasters, weave the yarn in following your weaving pattern a couple of inches and cut yarn flush with the piece. This way, when the coaster is felted, the backside will resemble the front.
 

12] You will need two circles for every bean bag and one circle for each coaster.

13] Use your favorite method to felt the circles. I have a front loading machine with a baby setting which uses very hot water. I add detergent, along with the old snow boots Bug wore when he was two years old (all Velcro and “snaggy” pieces removed) and let it run its cycle. I then take them out, shape if necessary, and allow to air dry completely.
 

14] If you are making coasters you are now done.