Mossy Glen Plaid Coaster Set Free Pattern – Textured Knit Drink Coasters

Mossy Glen Plaid Coaster Set Free Pattern – Textured Knit Drink Coasters

Bring the cozy charm of a highland plaid to your coffee table with these knitted coasters, featuring a rich tapestry of moss green, heather gray, and cream. Each coaster is a mini study in texture, blending garter stitch ridges with a subtle checkerboard of slipped stitches. This beginner-friendly pattern is perfect for using up small amounts of cotton yarn and makes a thoughtful handmade gift for housewarmings, holidays, or simply to elevate your own everyday moments. The dense, textured fabric is not only beautiful but also highly functional, protecting your surfaces from moisture and heat. Let's dive into creating this rustic, cozy set that will add a touch of handcrafted charm to any room.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires minimal materials, making it ideal for travel or a relaxing evening at home.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton) in three colors:
  • Color A: Moss Green (approx. 20g per coaster)
  • Color B: Heather Gray (approx. 20g per coaster)
  • Color C: Cream (approx. 20g per coaster)
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. Straight or circular needles both work fine.
• Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape (optional for checking gauge).

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but a tighter gauge will result in a sturdier, more durable coaster that lies flat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a 4-inch square coaster with a beautiful plaid illusion using slipped stitches and color changes. The entire piece is worked flat, back and forth in rows. The technique of slipping stitches with the yarn held in the back (wyib) creates long, floating strands on the wrong side, which adds to the dense, woven texture of the plaid. Don't worry if it feels a bit fiddly at first – the rhythm becomes intuitive very quickly.

Abbreviations

• K = Knit
• P = Purl
• Sl = Slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back (unless otherwise noted). This means you insert the right needle into the next stitch as if to purl, but instead of wrapping the yarn, you simply slide the stitch from the left needle to the right needle. Keep the working yarn at the back of the work.
• Color A = Moss Green
• Color B = Heather Gray
• Color C = Cream

Coaster Pattern (Make 4 or more)

Foundation: With Color A, cast on 20 stitches using your preferred method (a long-tail cast-on works well).

Border Section (Garter Ridge): This creates a solid, textured border for the plaid center.

• Row 1 (RS): With Color A, knit all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): With Color A, purl all stitches.
• Row 3: With Color A, knit all stitches.
• Row 4: With Color A, purl all stitches.

Plaid Pattern Section – Part 1 (Gray & Green): Now we begin the slipped stitch pattern. Do not cut the yarn when changing colors; simply carry the unused color loosely up the side of the work. This will be hidden in the seam or edge.

• Row 5: Join Color B. K2 with A, *Sl 2 with B, K2 with A*; repeat from * to * across (you will end with K2 A). Tip: When slipping with B, ensure the yarn is at the back of the work, creating a float across the front of the slipped stitches.
• Row 6: With B, P2, *Sl 2 with A, P2 with B*; repeat from * to * across. Note: For this row, you are purling with B and slipping with A. Keep the yarn at the back (the wrong side of the work) when slipping.
• Row 7: With B, K2, *Sl 2 with A, K2 with B*; repeat from * to * across.
• Row 8: With B, P2, *Sl 2 with A, P2 with B*; repeat from * to * across.

Plaid Pattern Section – Part 2 (Cream & Gray): Continue the pattern, now introducing the cream color.

• Row 9: Join Color C. K2 with B, *Sl 2 with C, K2 with B*; repeat from * to * across.
• Row 10: With C, P2, *Sl 2 with B, P2 with C*; repeat from * to * across.
• Row 11: With C, K2, *Sl 2 with B, K2 with C*; repeat from * to * across.
• Row 12: With C, P2, *Sl 2 with B, P2 with C*; repeat from * to * across.

Plaid Pattern Section – Part 3 (Green & Cream): The final color block of the plaid.

• Row 13: Join Color A. K2 with C, *Sl 2 with A, K2 with C*; repeat from * to * across.
• Row 14: With A, P2, *Sl 2 with C, P2 with A*; repeat from * to * across.
• Row 15: With A, K2, *Sl 2 with C, K2 with A*; repeat from * to * across.
• Row 16: With A, P2, *Sl 2 with C, P2 with A*; repeat from * to * across.

Finishing Border: Mirror the beginning border to create a symmetrical square.

• Row 17: With Color A, knit all stitches.
• Row 18: With Color A, purl all stitches.
• Row 19: With Color A, knit all stitches.
• Row 20: With Color A, purl all stitches.

Bind Off: Bind off all stitches knitwise with Color A. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.

Finishing Touches

Weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the coaster using your tapestry needle. Be sure to weave them in securely, following the path of the yarn to keep them hidden. Blocking is highly recommended to flatten the coaster and even out the stitches. To block, gently wet the coaster with lukewarm water, squeeze out the excess (do not wring), and lay it flat on a towel. Shape it into a perfect square and allow it to dry completely. This will also help the slipped stitches settle into their beautiful, woven pattern.

Repeat the entire pattern to create a total of 4 coasters, or make as many as you like for your own set or to give as gifts. The result is a stunning, functional piece of art that brings a touch of the Scottish highlands to your home. Enjoy your handmade creation!