Deramores Knitted Dad Coasters Pattern

Knitted Dad Coasters by Deramores

What is Being Made

The Knitted Dad Coasters are a set of decorative coasters designed by Sarah Murray for Deramores Studio. These small circular coasters measure approximately 11cm in diameter and are knitted as functional home décor items suitable for protecting surfaces. The pattern includes colorwork elements inspired by Cornish landscape themes, making them both practical and visually interesting additions to any home.

Craft and Difficulty Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns and colorwork methods. The pattern requires understanding of chart reading, color changes, and yarn management techniques.

Techniques Used

• Colorwork knitting: The coasters feature a charted color pattern that requires carrying unused yarn across the back of the work and twisting yarns to avoid creating holes in the fabric.
• Chart reading: Knitters must read the pattern chart from the bottom right-hand corner, alternating direction on each row (right to left on right-side rows, left to right on wrong-side rows).
• Stitch increases and decreases: The pattern uses increases (Inc) worked by knitting into the front and back of the same stitch, and decreases (Dec) worked by knitting two stitches together.
• Circular knitting: The coasters are worked in the round using double-pointed needles, creating seamless circular shapes.
• Stitch pickup for edging: The pattern involves picking up stitches around the perimeter of the coaster to create a finished edge, with guidance to divide the perimeter into three sections and pick up 25 stitches from each section.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the coasters, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric.
• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch for creating the main fabric.
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches, particularly in charted sections and edging.
• Increases and decreases: Used to shape the circular coasters and create shaping in the pattern.

Materials and Tools

The Knitted Dad Coasters pattern calls for Deramores Studio DK yarn in three colors: Indigo (Yarn A), Frost (Yarn B), and Raspberry (Yarn C), with 1 x 100g of each color required. Knitters will need 3mm knitting needles, specifically a set of four 3mm double-pointed needles (DPNs) for working in the round.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 30 rows measured over 10cm when working stocking stitch on 3mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is important for the coasters to reach their intended finished size of approximately 11cm in diameter. Knitters should always knit a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure proper fit and appearance.

Designer Information

The Knitted Dad Coasters pattern was designed by Sarah Murray, a freelance knitting and crochet designer based in Cornwall. Murray regularly publishes her own designs and contributes pattern writing and editing work to various publishers. Her design work frequently incorporates inspiration from the Cornish landscape, featuring twists, cables, and textural elements, along with colors inspired by the sea and project names drawn from the Cornish language.