Coaster Knitting Patterns

Sun-Kissed Citrus Coasters Free Pattern – A Knitted Fruity Table Accent

Anonymous • August 11, 2026

Sun-Kissed Citrus Coasters: A Refreshing Knitting Project for Your Table

Imagine setting your morning coffee down on a cheerful, hand-knitted citrus slice. These Sun-Kissed Citrus Coasters are the perfect way to add a pop of summery color to your home decor. Not only are they incredibly quick to knit, but they also make wonderful handmade gifts for housewarmings, hostesses, or anyone who loves a touch of fruity charm. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, using simple increases and short rows to create a stunning segmented design that mimics the inside of an orange or lemon. Let’s dive into this delightful project that’s as fun to make as it is to use!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather your supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and requires only small amounts of yarn, making it perfect for using up scraps from your stash.

Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in small amounts of orange, yellow, white, and green. Cotton is ideal for coasters as it’s absorbent and durable.
Knitting Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. You can use straight needles or a circular needle for the flat panel.
Notions: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a crochet hook (optional, for the rind border).
Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but it ensures the coaster is the right size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a circular coaster with a segmented citrus design using intarsia and short rows. The short rows create the wedge shapes that radiate from the center. Follow along carefully, and you’ll have a beautiful coaster in no time.

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on
K: Knit
P: Purl
K2tog: Knit two together (a right-leaning decrease)
SSK: Slip, slip, knit (a left-leaning decrease)
St(s): Stitch(es)
MC: Main color (orange or yellow)
CC: Contrast color (white)
M1: Make one (increase) by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the back of it

Getting Started: The Center of the Citrus

We’ll begin by knitting a flat circle that forms the base of your coaster. This is achieved through a series of simple increase rounds.

Round 1: With MC, CO 8 sts.

Round 2: Knit all sts.

Round 3: (K1, M1) repeat to end – you should now have 16 sts.

Round 4: Knit all sts.

Round 5: (K2, M1) repeat to end – 24 sts.

Round 6: Knit all sts.

Round 7: (K3, M1) repeat to end – 32 sts.

Round 8: Knit all sts.

Round 9: (K4, M1) repeat to end – 40 sts.

Round 10: Knit all sts.

Round 11: (K5, M1) repeat to end – 48 sts.

Round 12: Knit all sts.

Creating the Citrus Segments (Short Rows)

Now for the fun part! We will work in short rows to create the wedge-shaped segments of the fruit. You will be working back and forth on a small group of stitches, leaving the rest unworked on the needle. This creates the curved, segmented look.

Segment 1:

Row 1: K12, turn (leave remaining 36 sts unworked on the needle).
Row 2: SSK, K8, K2tog, turn (you now have 10 sts).
Row 3: K10, turn.
Row 4: SSK, K6, K2tog, turn (8 sts).
Row 5: K8, turn.
Row 6: SSK, K4, K2tog, turn (6 sts).
Row 7: K6, turn.
Row 8: SSK, K2, K2tog, turn (4 sts).
Row 9: K4, turn.
Row 10: SSK, K2tog, turn (2 sts).
Row 11: K2tog, turn (1 st).
Row 12: K1, then pick up and knit 11 sts along the left edge of the segment (you are back to 12 sts on the needle).

Repeat Segment 1 three more times to create 4 segments total. After the 4th segment, you will have 12 sts on the needle.

Finishing the Coaster

Once all segments are complete, it’s time to close up the center and finish your coaster.

Next row: K2tog across all sts (you will have 6 sts remaining).
Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, slide it through the remaining 6 stitches, and pull tight to cinch the center closed. Secure with a knot.
Weave in all loose ends carefully on the wrong side of the coaster.

Adding the Rind and Center Details

To truly make your coaster look like a citrus slice, we’ll add a few finishing touches.

Optional Rind: Using green yarn and a crochet hook, work a simple slip stitch border around the entire edge of the coaster. This mimics the fruit’s rind beautifully. Alternatively, you can knit a small green circle separately and sew it to the center.

To make a lemon: Simply use yellow MC and follow the same pattern. For the center, knit a small white circle and sew it in the middle.

Center detail: With white yarn, embroider a small star or cross in the center of each coaster to represent the fruit's core. This adds a lovely, realistic detail.

And there you have it! A beautiful, functional piece of fruit-inspired home decor. These coasters are so addictive to knit; you’ll want to make a whole set for every room. They also make fantastic, thoughtful handmade gifts. Enjoy your knitting, and don’t forget to share your Sun-Kissed Citrus Coasters with friends and family!

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