Celtic Knot Shamrock Coaster Set Free Pattern – A Knitted Irish Blessing

Bring a touch of Irish charm to your table with this set of four knitted coasters, each featuring an intricate Celtic knot motif in the center. The rich emerald and cream color palette adds a cozy, festive feel to any gathering. Whether you're celebrating St. Patrick's Day, hosting a tea party, or simply looking for a meaningful handmade gift, these coasters are the perfect project. This pattern is beginner-friendly, uses basic knitting techniques, and results in a beautiful, textured piece of home decor that will be treasured for years.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project is designed to be accessible, so you won't need anything fancy—just quality materials for a polished finish.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in emerald green (MC) and cream (CC), approximately 50g each color. Cotton is ideal for coasters as it is absorbent, durable, and holds its shape well.
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. Straight needles are perfect for this flat-knit project.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge ensures your coasters are the perfect size—about 4 inches square.
• Extras: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends and embroidering the shamrock, a crochet hook (optional, for the border), and blocking pins (optional, for finishing).

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a square coaster with a central shamrock and Celtic knot border. Each coaster is knitted flat, then the shamrock is embroidered on top. Make four coasters in total. Follow these detailed instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful set in no time.

Coaster Base (Make 4)

Step 1: Cast On
Using your emerald green yarn (MC), cast on 30 stitches. Leave a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in later.

Step 2: Stockinette Stitch Foundation
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 4 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a Wrong Side row. This creates the smooth, flat center of your coaster.

Step 3: First Border Pattern
Now you'll add the decorative eyelet border. This creates a delicate, lacy edge that frames the coaster beautifully.
Row 1 (RS): K2, *yo, k2tog, k1, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2. (The yarn over creates a small hole, and the k2tog decreases back to the original stitch count.)
Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Row 3 (RS): K2, *k1, yo, k2tog, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, k2. (This staggers the eyelets for a more intricate look.)
Row 4 (WS): Purl all stitches.
Repeat Rows 1-4 once more. You will have completed two full repeats of the border pattern.

Step 4: Middle Stockinette Section
Work in stockinette stitch (knit on RS, purl on WS) for 2 inches. This smooth section provides a nice visual break and a place for your embroidery.

Step 5: Second Border Pattern
Repeat the border pattern Rows 1-4 from Step 3, twice. This creates a mirrored border on the other side of the coaster.

Step 6: Final Stockinette Section
Work in stockinette stitch for 4 inches, ending with a Wrong Side row. This completes the bottom section of the coaster, making it symmetrical.

Step 7: Bind Off
Bind off all stitches in pattern (knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they appear). This keeps the edge from flaring. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through the last loop.

Shamrock Embroidery (On Each Coaster)

Now for the fun part—adding the Irish blessing to each coaster. Using your cream yarn (CC) and a tapestry needle, you'll embroider a shamrock in the center of the smooth stockinette section.

Step 1: Create the Leaves
Using the duplicate stitch technique, create three small oval leaves. Each leaf should be about 1 inch long and 0.5 inch wide. To do this, follow the V-shape of the knitted stitches with your yarn, creating a smooth, slightly raised oval. Arrange the three leaves in a clover formation, with one leaf at the top and two leaves slightly lower on either side, all meeting at a central point.

Step 2: Create the Stem
From the central point where the leaves meet, stitch a simple straight line extending downward. This line should be about 0.5 to 0.75 inches long. Use a backstitch or stem stitch for a clean, defined line.

Celtic Knot Border (Optional)

To enhance the Celtic theme, you can add a subtle border detail. There are two easy ways to do this:

Option 1: Running Stitch
Using CC, thread your tapestry needle and work a simple running stitch along the eyelet border rows. Weave the yarn in and out of the holes created by the yarn overs, creating a dashed line that mimics a Celtic knot pattern. Go around the entire border for a cohesive look.

Option 2: Crochet Border
If you're comfortable with a crochet hook, use it to add a single crochet border in CC around the entire edge of the coaster. Work one single crochet into each stitch and each row end, and 3 single crochets into each corner to keep the corners flat.

Finishing

Step 1: Weave in Ends
Thread your tapestry needle with the yarn tails from casting on, binding off, and any color changes. Weave them carefully through the wrong side of the work, ensuring they are secure and invisible from the front.

Step 2: Blocking
Blocking is essential for a professional finish. Lightly wet each coaster with cool water, gently squeeze out excess moisture (do not wring), and lay them flat on a towel. Shape them into perfect squares, smoothing out any curling edges. Allow them to dry completely. This will set the stitches and make your coasters lie perfectly flat.

Repeat all steps to create four coasters total. Once complete, stack them on your table and enjoy the handmade Irish charm they bring to your home. These also make wonderful gifts—pair them with a bag of Irish tea or a favorite book for a thoughtful, personal present.