The Sunburst Citrus Coasters Free Pattern – A Knitted Slice of Summer

Brighten your table with these cheerful knitted coasters that look like juicy citrus slices. Each one is a quick, satisfying project that adds a pop of color to any room. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just picking up needles for the first time, this pattern is designed with beginners in mind—simple increases and decreases, basic knit and purl stitches, and a finished result that's as functional as it is adorable. Perfect for summer gatherings, housewarming gifts, or just adding a handmade touch to your own coffee table.

Materials Needed

Before you cast on, gather these simple supplies. The beauty of this project is that it uses minimal materials, making it an affordable and portable project.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in yellow, orange, white, and green (e.g., Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton). You'll need small amounts of each color—less than 50 yards per coaster.
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular, whichever you prefer).
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and optionally a stitch marker to help track your rows.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but matching it will ensure your coasters are approximately 4 inches in diameter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a flat, circular coaster worked from the center outward, then decreased back to the center. The result is a beautiful, symmetrical citrus slice with a raised edge. You'll make four coasters total—one in each colorway. Let's get started!

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• Kfb: Knit into front and back of stitch (increase)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• BO: Bind off

Finished Size

Approximately 4 inches in diameter.

Coaster 1 – Orange

This is your base pattern. Follow these instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful orange coaster. The other three coasters follow the exact same steps, just with different color combinations.

Step 1: Cast On and Base
With orange yarn, CO 6 sts. This small cast-on is the center of your coaster.

Step 2: Increase Rounds (Rows 1-11)
Now we'll work in stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) while increasing to create a flat circle.

• Row 1 (WS): Purl all sts. (6 sts)
• Row 2 (RS): Kfb into each st across. (12 sts)
• Row 3: Purl all sts. (12 sts)
• Row 4: *K1, Kfb* repeat from * to * across. (18 sts)
• Row 5: Purl all sts. (18 sts)
• Row 6: *K2, Kfb* repeat from * to * across. (24 sts)
• Row 7: Purl all sts. (24 sts)
• Row 8: *K3, Kfb* repeat from * to * across. (30 sts)
• Row 9: Purl all sts. (30 sts)
• Row 10: *K4, Kfb* repeat from * to * across. (36 sts)
• Row 11: Purl all sts. (36 sts)

Tip: The increases are evenly spaced, which keeps the circle flat. If your circle starts to ruffle, your gauge may be too loose; if it cups, your gauge may be too tight.

Step 3: Add the Pith (Rows 12-13)
Switch to white yarn. This creates the white pith of the citrus slice.

• Row 12: Knit all sts. (36 sts)
• Row 13: Purl all sts. (36 sts)

Step 4: Add the Center (Rows 14-15)
Switch to yellow yarn. This is the juicy center of the fruit.

• Row 14: Knit all sts. (36 sts)
• Row 15: Purl all sts. (36 sts)

Step 5: Decrease Rounds (Rows 16-24)
Now we'll decrease back down to the center, mirroring the increases. This creates the rounded, three-dimensional shape of the coaster.

• Row 16: *K4, K2tog* repeat from * to * across. (30 sts)
• Row 17: Purl all sts. (30 sts)
• Row 18: *K3, K2tog* repeat from * to * across. (24 sts)
• Row 19: Purl all sts. (24 sts)
• Row 20: *K2, K2tog* repeat from * to * across. (18 sts)
• Row 21: Purl all sts. (18 sts)
• Row 22: *K1, K2tog* repeat from * to * across. (12 sts)
• Row 23: Purl all sts. (12 sts)
• Row 24: K2tog across. (6 sts)

Step 6: Finish
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 6 stitches on your needle. Pull tight to close the center hole, and secure with a knot. Weave in all loose ends.

Coaster 2 – Lemon

Follow the exact same instructions as the Orange coaster, but with these color changes:

• Outer section (Rows 1-11): Use sunny yellow yarn.
• Pith (Rows 12-13): Use white yarn.
• Center (Rows 14-24): Use pale yellow yarn.

Coaster 3 – Lime

Again, follow the same base pattern with these colors:

• Outer section (Rows 1-11): Use zesty green yarn.
• Pith (Rows 12-13): Use white yarn.
• Center (Rows 14-24): Use light green yarn.

Coaster 4 – Grapefruit

For a pretty pink grapefruit, use these colors:

• Outer section (Rows 1-11): Use soft pink yarn.
• Pith (Rows 12-13): Use white yarn.
• Center (Rows 14-24): Use deep pink yarn.

Finishing Touches

Once all four coasters are complete, it's time to make them look their best.

• Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle, being careful to secure them on the wrong side of the coaster.
• Block each coaster lightly to flatten and shape them. To block, wet the coasters with lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess (don't wring!), and lay them flat on a towel to dry. You can pin them into perfect circles if desired.
• Add decorative seed details: Using a tapestry needle and a small piece of contrasting yarn (white on the orange and grapefruit, darker green on the lime, pale yellow on the lemon), embroider a few tiny French knots in the center of each coaster. This adds a realistic citrus look. If you're new to French knots, practice on a scrap piece of yarn first—they're easier than they look!

And that's it! Your set of four Sunburst Citrus Coasters is ready to grace your table. These make wonderful handmade gifts, and because they're knit with cotton yarn, they're absorbent and practical. Enjoy your little slice of summer, and happy knitting!