Frosted Pinecone Coaster Set Free Knitting Pattern – Textured Winter Table Accents
Frosted Pinecone Coaster Set Free Knitting Pattern – Textured Winter Table Accents
Bring the quiet beauty of a snowy forest to your table with these knitted pinecone coasters. Featuring a rich, dimensional scale-like stitch that mimics nature's design, each coaster is a cozy, tactile accent that protects your surfaces while adding rustic winter charm. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to expand their skills with short-row shaping and circular knitting. The finished coasters measure approximately 4.5 inches in diameter—make a set of four or six for a complete table setting that will impress your holiday guests.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses simple, readily available materials that won't break the bank.
- Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in two colors:
- Color A (warm brown, e.g., 'Hazelnut') – for the pinecone center
- Color B (cream or off-white, e.g., 'Snow') – for the border
- Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge). You will need a set of 4 double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working in the round, plus a circular needle or additional DPNs for the border.
- Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, so take a moment to swatch!
- Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a blocking mat or towel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern creates a circular coaster with a textured pinecone motif in the center, surrounded by a smooth ribbed border. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful set of coasters in no time.
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- K: knit
- P: purl
- K2tog: knit two stitches together
- P2tog: purl two stitches together
- yo: yarn over
- sl1: slip one stitch purlwise
- psso: pass slipped stitch over
- st(s): stitch(es)
- rep: repeat
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
Center Pinecone Motif (Worked in the Round)
Using Color A, CO 8 sts. Distribute evenly on 4 double-pointed needles (2 sts per needle). Join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a marker to indicate the beginning of the round.
Round 1: *K1, yo, K1* rep around (12 sts)
Round 2: Knit all sts.
Round 3: *K1, yo, K2, yo, K1* rep around (20 sts)
Round 4: Knit all sts.
Round 5: *K1, yo, K4, yo, K1* rep around (28 sts)
Round 6: Knit all sts.
Round 7: *K1, yo, K6, yo, K1* rep around (36 sts)
Round 8: Knit all sts.
Round 9: *K1, yo, K8, yo, K1* rep around (44 sts)
Round 10: Knit all sts.
You now have a flat circle with 44 stitches. This will be the base of your pinecone.
Pinecone Scale Pattern (Worked Back and Forth in Rows)
Now we'll create the dimensional pinecone shape using short rows. You will work on the center 20 stitches, leaving the remaining 24 stitches on hold on your needles. This technique creates the raised, overlapping scale effect.
Row 1 (RS): Sl1, K18, turn. (Leave remaining 25 sts unworked on needles. Note: You are turning your work mid-row.)
Row 2 (WS): Sl1, P17, P2tog, turn. (One st from the held section is worked together with the last st of the row.)
Row 3 (RS): Sl1, K17, K2tog, turn.
Row 4 (WS): Sl1, P16, P2tog, turn.
Row 5 (RS): Sl1, K15, K2tog, turn.
Row 6 (WS): Sl1, P14, P2tog, turn.
Row 7 (RS): Sl1, K13, K2tog, turn.
Row 8 (WS): Sl1, P12, P2tog, turn.
Row 9 (RS): Sl1, K11, K2tog, turn.
Row 10 (WS): Sl1, P10, P2tog, turn.
Row 11 (RS): Sl1, K9, K2tog, turn.
Row 12 (WS): Sl1, P8, P2tog, turn.
Row 13 (RS): Sl1, K7, K2tog, turn.
Row 14 (WS): Sl1, P6, P2tog, turn.
Row 15 (RS): Sl1, K5, K2tog, turn.
Row 16 (WS): Sl1, P4, P2tog, turn.
Row 17 (RS): Sl1, K3, K2tog, turn.
Row 18 (WS): Sl1, P2, P2tog, turn.
Row 19 (RS): Sl1, K1, K2tog, turn.
Row 20 (WS): Sl1, P2tog, turn. (Now 2 sts remain on the needle.)
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail through the remaining 2 sts and pull tight to close the tip of the pinecone. Weave in this end securely on the wrong side.
Border (Worked in the Round)
Now we'll add the crisp, ribbed border in Color B. With RS facing, pick up and knit sts evenly around the entire outer edge of the coaster. You should pick up approximately 44 sts (one for each stitch from the original circle). Join in the round, placing a marker.
Round 1: *K1, P1* rep around.
Round 2: *K1, P1* rep around.
Round 3: *K1, P1* rep around.
Round 4: *K1, P1* rep around.
Round 5: *K1, P1* rep around.
Round 6: *K1, P1* rep around.
Round 7: *K1, P1* rep around.
Round 8: *K1, P1* rep around.
Bind off loosely in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls). Weave in all ends with your tapestry needle.
Finishing
Block each coaster gently to flatten and even out the stitches. Use a damp cloth and press lightly with a warm iron (or let air dry flat on a towel). Blocking will help the pinecone motif lay flat and the border to sit crisply.
Optional: To create a hanging loop, make a small crochet chain of 10 stitches and attach to the edge of the coaster before weaving in ends. This is a lovely touch if you want to display your coasters on hooks or a pegboard.
Tips for Success
- Short Rows: Don't be intimidated by the short-row shaping! The "turn" simply means you are flipping your work mid-row. The slipped stitch at the beginning of each row creates a neat edge.
- Stitch Count: Keep track of your stitches carefully during the scale pattern. The decreases (K2tog or P2tog) are always worked with the last stitch of the row and the first stitch of the held section.
- Color Choice: Feel free to experiment with color combinations! A deep forest green with a cream border would be equally stunning for a winter theme.
Enjoy your handmade pinecone coasters—they make wonderful gifts and add a touch of rustic elegance to any table. Happy knitting!
