Verdant Vine Coaster Set Free Pattern – A Knitted Kiwi Slice Accent

Bring a touch of tropical charm to your table with these adorable knitted kiwi slice coasters! This free pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced knitters alike, featuring a luscious green rind, a sunny yellow and cream flesh, and delicate black seeds that mimic the real fruit. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend project, a handmade gift, or a nature-inspired accent for your home, these coasters are sure to delight. Made with soft cotton yarn, they're practical, absorbent, and add a cozy, handmade touch to any room.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All materials are readily available at your local craft store or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in the following colors:
  • Kiwi green (for the outer rind) – approximately 20 yards
  • Pale yellow (for the inner flesh) – approximately 15 yards
  • Cream (for the center) – approximately 10 yards
  • Black (for the seeds) – a small amount, less than 1 yard
• Knitting Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
• Tapestry Needle: For seaming and weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Blocking Mats and Pins (optional but recommended): For a professional, flat finish

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Note: Gauge is important for achieving the correct size, but since this is a coaster, slight variations are acceptable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This coaster is knitted flat in two parts: the outer green rind and the inner yellow/cream flesh. The two pieces are then seamed together, and the seeds are embroidered on afterward. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful kiwi coaster in no time.

Part 1: Outer Rind (Green)

This piece forms the vibrant green border of the kiwi slice. It's worked in simple stockinette stitch.

1. Cast On: With the kiwi green yarn, cast on 24 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat: Continue repeating Rows 1 and 2 (stockinette stitch) until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge. This will create a square piece.
5. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through the last loop. Set this piece aside.

Part 2: Inner Flesh (Yellow and Cream)

This piece creates the concentric rings of the kiwi's interior. You'll start with yellow, switch to cream, and then back to yellow.

1. Cast On: With the pale yellow yarn, cast on 20 stitches.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat: Continue in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 2 inches. This creates the outer yellow ring.
5. Switch to Cream: Cut the yellow yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Join the cream yarn. Continue in stockinette stitch for 1 inch. This creates the central cream circle.
6. Switch Back to Yellow: Cut the cream yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Rejoin the yellow yarn. Continue in stockinette stitch for 1 more inch. This creates the inner yellow ring around the center.
7. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through the last loop.

Assembly: Seaming the Pieces Together

Now you'll join the two knitted squares to create the layered kiwi look.

1. Position the Pieces: Place the inner flesh piece (Part 2) centered on top of the outer rind piece (Part 1). Ensure the green border is visible evenly on all four sides. The yellow/cream piece should sit perfectly in the middle.
2. Thread Your Needle: Thread a tapestry needle with a length of kiwi green yarn (about 12 inches).
3. Whip Stitch: Starting at one corner, use a whip stitch to sew the inner piece to the outer piece. Insert the needle through both layers, from back to front, and pull the yarn through. Continue around the entire perimeter of the inner piece, keeping your stitches even and close together (about 1/4 inch apart).
4. Secure and Weave In: When you reach the starting point, tie a secure knot on the back of the work. Weave in the yarn tail through the stitches on the back to hide it. Repeat with any other loose ends from the color changes.

Embroidering the Seeds

This step brings your kiwi to life! The black seeds are added with simple embroidery.

1. Thread Your Needle: Thread a tapestry needle with a small length of black yarn (about 12 inches). Do not knot the end.
2. Position the First Seed: Decide where you want your seeds. They should be placed in a circular pattern around the center, radiating outward. Aim for a ring of seeds about halfway between the center and the outer edge of the yellow/cream area.
3. Make a Straight Stitch: Insert the needle from the back of the work to the front at your starting point. Pull the yarn through, leaving a small tail on the back. Then, insert the needle back down through the fabric a short distance away (about 1/4 inch) to create a small, straight stitch. This is your first seed.
4. Create the Seed Pattern: Continue making these small straight stitches, each one pointing outward from the center of the coaster, like the spokes of a wheel. Place about 10-12 seeds evenly spaced around the circle.
5. Secure the Yarn: Once all seeds are embroidered, turn the coaster over. Weave the black yarn tail and the starting tail through the back of the stitches to secure them. Trim any excess.

Finishing: Blocking for a Perfect Shape

Blocking is the final step to ensure your coaster lies flat and looks its best.

1. Soak (Optional): If using cotton yarn, you can lightly mist the coaster with water or soak it in lukewarm water for a few minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water—do not wring.
2. Pin to Shape: Lay the coaster flat on a blocking mat. Use rust-proof pins to gently stretch and pin the edges to create a perfect square or round shape. The knitting will relax and even out.
3. Let Dry: Allow the coaster to dry completely, usually overnight. Once dry, remove the pins.
4. Enjoy: Your knitted kiwi coaster is ready to use, gift, or display! Make a set of four or six for a complete table setting.

Pro Tip: To make a full set, simply repeat the pattern for each coaster. The colors are fresh and natural—kiwi green, sunny yellow, creamy white, and jet black—making them perfect for a rustic, botanical, or tropical-themed table. They also make wonderful handmade gifts for housewarmings, hostesses, or any fruit lover in your life!