Japanese Pattern Fuse Bead Coasters | Asanoha, Seigaiha & More (5 Free)

Five free Japanese pattern coasters (sizes and bead counts)

They are listed from easiest to hardest. Every pattern has color codes and bead counts per color, and a printable PDF on its page. See all five in Japanese patterns.

• Ichimatsu Coaster (Checks)
• Yagasuri Coaster (Arrow Feathers)
• Asanoha Coaster (Hemp Leaf)
• Seigaiha Coaster (Ocean Waves)
• Shippo Coaster (Linked Circles)

What each pattern means

Traditional Japanese patterns carry wishes for good luck. When you give one as a gift, choosing the pattern that suits the person is part of the fun.

• Asanoha (hemp leaf): hemp grows fast and straight, so it is a wish for healthy growth, and was used on baby clothes
• Seigaiha (blue ocean waves): calm waves that go on forever, a wish for a peaceful life that lasts
• Shippo (linked circles): the same circles linked without end stand for harmony and good relationships
• Ichimatsu (checks): named after the Edo-period kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu, who wore it on his hakama; the endless repeat also means prosperity
• Yagasuri (arrow feathers): an arrow that has been shot never comes back, so it was a lucky pattern for brides, and is well known from hakama outfits

Start with the ichimatsu check

The easiest is ichimatsu. Place the black border, then alternate 3×3 squares of black and white. You only ever count to three, so a mistake shows up right away.

Next, try yagasuri in just purple and white: each column repeats the same shape, so once one column is done the rest follows. After that, try the line patterns asanoha and shippo, or seigaiha with its three colors of rings.

Tips for straight, neat patterns

1. Place the line color first: for asanoha, shippo and seigaiha, lay all the navy or red line beads, then fill in white or light blue
2. Work from the PDF with color codes: turn on the color codes on the pattern page, or print the PDF and check one row at a time
3. Have plenty of white: each pattern uses about 250–490 white beads, so a pack of 1,000 is handy
4. Iron both sides and weigh it down: after ironing front and back, put a heavy book on it while it cools so the coaster stays flat

Using and changing the coasters

The beads are plastic, so a hot mug left on them for a long time can soften them. Use them for cold drinks, or stick cork or felt on the back. All five framed or hung together also make a Japanese-style display.

To change colors, open the pattern in the Pattern Maker and use Replace. Deep green or dark red instead of navy, and cream instead of white, gives a different, calmer look.