Celestial Eclipse Coaster Set Free Pattern – Knit a Cosmic Yin-Yang Duo

Capture the magic of a solar eclipse with this pair of knitted coasters, one in deep charcoal and one in warm gold, designed to nestle together as a cosmic yin-yang. Each coaster features a unique textured stitch that mimics the sun's corona and the moon's shadow. This is a perfect weekend project for knitters looking to create a thoughtful, handmade gift or add a celestial touch to their own home decor.

This pattern is surprisingly beginner-friendly. While it involves working in the round and simple increases and decreases, the repetitive nature of the rounds makes it a meditative and rewarding knit. The result is a set of sturdy, absorbent cotton coasters that are as beautiful as they are functional.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. Using the exact materials will ensure your coasters match the intended size and texture, but feel free to substitute with similar worsted-weight cotton yarns.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in Charcoal (Color A) and Golden Yellow (Color B), approximately 50 yards each. This is enough to make both coasters with a little to spare.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. You will need a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle long enough for the magic loop method, as you will be working in the round.
• Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but maintaining consistent tension throughout is important for a uniform, flat circle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates two identical circular coasters, each with a unique stitch pattern. You will knit one in Color A and one in Color B. The two coasters are designed to be placed side-by-side to form a yin-yang shape, or stacked for storage.

Coaster (Make 2 – one in each color)

Cast On & Increase Rounds (Worked Flat)

We begin by knitting a flat, expanding circle that will form the center of the coaster. The yarn overs (yo) create the increases that fan out from the middle.

Cast On: Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 8 stitches. Leave a 6-inch tail for closing the center hole later.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches. (8 sts)
Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches. (8 sts)
Row 3 (RS): K1, (yo, k1) to end. (15 sts)
Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches, purling the yo's as regular stitches. (15 sts)
Row 5 (RS): K1, (yo, k2) to last 2 sts, yo, k2. (22 sts)
Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches. (22 sts)
Row 7 (RS): K1, (yo, k3) to last 3 sts, yo, k3. (29 sts)
Row 8 (WS): Purl all stitches. (29 sts)
Row 9 (RS): K1, (yo, k4) to last 4 sts, yo, k4. (36 sts)
Row 10 (WS): Purl all stitches. (36 sts)
Row 11 (RS): K1, (yo, k5) to last 5 sts, yo, k5. (43 sts)
Row 12 (WS): Purl all stitches. (43 sts)
Row 13 (RS): K1, (yo, k6) to last 6 sts, yo, k6. (50 sts)
Row 14 (WS): Purl all stitches. (50 sts)
Row 15 (RS): K1, (yo, k7) to last 7 sts, yo, k7. (57 sts)
Row 16 (WS): Purl all stitches. (57 sts)
Row 17 (RS): K1, (yo, k8) to last 8 sts, yo, k8. (64 sts)
Row 18 (WS): Purl all stitches. (64 sts)
Row 19 (RS): K1, (yo, k9) to last 9 sts, yo, k9. (71 sts)
Row 20 (WS): Purl all stitches. (71 sts)
Row 21 (RS): K1, (yo, k10) to last 10 sts, yo, k10. (78 sts)
Row 22 (WS): Purl all stitches. (78 sts)
Row 23 (RS): K1, (yo, k11) to last 11 sts, yo, k11. (85 sts)
Row 24 (WS): Purl all stitches. (85 sts)
Row 25 (RS): K1, (yo, k12) to last 12 sts, yo, k12. (92 sts)
Row 26 (WS): Purl all stitches. (92 sts)
Row 27 (RS): K1, (yo, k13) to last 13 sts, yo, k13. (99 sts)
Row 28 (WS): Purl all stitches. (99 sts)

Body (Worked in the Round)

Now you will join to work in the round. This creates the seamless, circular body of the coaster. The alternating knit and purl rounds create the beautiful textured ridges that mimic the sun's corona.

Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round. Carefully transfer the stitches to a set of double-pointed needles or a circular needle (if using magic loop). The cast-on tail will be at the center. Distribute the stitches evenly across your needles, ensuring they are not twisted.

Round 1: Knit all stitches.
Round 2: Purl all stitches.
Round 3: Knit all stitches.
Round 4: Purl all stitches.
Round 5: Knit all stitches.
Round 6: Purl all stitches.
Round 7: Knit all stitches.
Round 8: Purl all stitches.
Round 9: Knit all stitches.
Round 10: Purl all stitches.
Round 11: Knit all stitches.
Round 12: Purl all stitches.

Decrease Rounds

We now shape the edge of the coaster by decreasing stitches. This creates a gentle, rounded curve that finishes the piece beautifully. The purl rounds between the decrease rounds maintain the textured pattern.

Round 13: *K2tog, k9; repeat from * to end of round. (90 sts)
Round 14: Purl all stitches.
Round 15: *K2tog, k8; repeat from * to end of round. (81 sts)
Round 16: Purl all stitches.
Round 17: *K2tog, k7; repeat from * to end of round. (72 sts)
Round 18: Purl all stitches.
Round 19: *K2tog, k6; repeat from * to end of round. (63 sts)
Round 20: Purl all stitches.
Round 21: *K2tog, k5; repeat from * to end of round. (54 sts)
Round 22: Purl all stitches.
Round 23: *K2tog, k4; repeat from * to end of round. (45 sts)
Round 24: Purl all stitches.
Round 25: *K2tog, k3; repeat from * to end of round. (36 sts)
Round 26: Purl all stitches.
Round 27: *K2tog, k2; repeat from * to end of round. (27 sts)
Round 28: Purl all stitches.
Round 29: *K2tog, k1; repeat from * to end of round. (18 sts)
Round 30: Purl all stitches.
Round 31: K2tog around. (9 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and draw through the remaining 9 stitches. Pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the end securely on the wrong side of the coaster.

Finishing

Weave in the cast-on tail at the center of the coaster, pulling it snugly to close any small hole. This will make the center of the coaster neat and tidy.

Block the coasters lightly by wetting them and pinning them flat to dry. This crucial step will help them lie perfectly flat, even out the stitches, and give them a professional, polished finish.

Assembly

Place the two coasters side by side, with the charcoal one on the left and the gold one on the right, to form the yin-yang symbol. They can be used individually or as a set. This cosmic duo makes a wonderful housewarming gift, a unique addition to a celestial-themed room, or a special treat for yourself.

Enjoy your handcrafted Celestial Eclipse Coaster Set! The subtle texture and beautiful contrast of colors are sure to spark conversation and add a touch of cosmic wonder to your coffee table.