Whispering Pines Cable Knit Coaster Set Free Pattern – A Forest Floor Accent

Whispering Pines Cable Knit Coaster Set: A Forest Floor Accent for Your Home

Bring the serene beauty of a pine forest to your coffee table with these intricately cabled coasters. Knitted in earthy moss and bark tones, each coaster features a unique textured cable motif that mimics the bark of ancient trees, offering both style and protection for your surfaces. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to practice cable techniques while creating a beautiful, functional home decor piece. The rich moss green background with contrasting bark brown edging creates an aesthetic that is earthy, cozy, and reminiscent of a tranquil forest floor.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors: Moss Green (MC) and Bark Brown (CC), approximately 50 yards each
• Knitting Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Cable Needle: For creating the intricate cable patterns
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and finishing
• Scissors: For cutting yarn

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Finished Size: Approximately 4 inches in diameter

Abbreviations

Familiarize yourself with these abbreviations before starting:

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Coaster (Make 4)

Step 1: Cast On
With Moss Green (MC) yarn, cast on 24 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well).

Step 2: Establish the Ribbing Pattern
Row 1 (Right Side): K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2
Row 2 (Wrong Side): P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2, P2, K2

Step 3: Begin Cable Pattern
Row 3: K2, P2, C4F, P2, K2, P2, C4B, P2, K2, P2
Row 4: Repeat Row 2
Row 5: K2, P2, K2, P2, C4F, P2, C4B, P2, K2, P2
Row 6: Repeat Row 2
Row 7: K2, P2, C4B, P2, K2, P2, C4F, P2, K2, P2
Row 8: Repeat Row 2
Row 9: K2, P2, K2, P2, C4B, P2, C4F, P2, K2, P2
Row 10: Repeat Row 2

Step 4: Repeat Cable Pattern
Repeat Rows 3-10 two more times, then repeat Rows 3-6 once more. This will give you a total of three full cable repeats plus the beginning of a fourth, creating a beautifully textured square.

Step 5: Create the Edging
Switch to Bark Brown (CC) yarn.

Round 1: With the right side facing you, pick up and knit 1 stitch in each row along the sides and 1 stitch in each cast-on/bound-off stitch around the entire square. You should have approximately 24 stitches on each side (96 total). This creates a neat border that frames your cable pattern.

Round 2: *K2tog, K2, SSK* repeat from * to * around (72 stitches). This begins the shaping of your coaster's rounded corners.

Round 3: *K2tog, K1, SSK* repeat from * to * around (48 stitches). The decreases continue to round the edges.

Round 4: *K2tog, SSK* repeat from * to * around (24 stitches). Your coaster is taking shape beautifully.

Round 5: *K2tog* repeat from * to * around (12 stitches). The final decrease round brings everything together.

Step 6: Finish the Coaster
Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then thread it through the remaining 12 stitches on your needle. Pull tight to close the center, and secure with a knot. Weave in all ends carefully to ensure a clean finish.

Finishing Touches

Step 7: Block Your Coasters
Block each coaster lightly to even out the cables and edges. To block, wet the coasters with lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess moisture (do not wring), and lay them flat on a towel. Shape them into perfect squares and allow them to dry completely. This step is crucial for showcasing the beautiful cable work and ensuring your coasters lie flat on your table.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Creation
Once dry, your Whispering Pines Cable Knit Coasters are ready to use! Place them on your coffee table, dining table, or nightstand to add a touch of forest-inspired warmth to your home. The earthy moss green and bark brown colors pair beautifully with rustic wooden furniture and natural decor.

Tips for Success

• Keep tension consistent: Cable patterns can pull your knitting, so maintain even tension throughout to ensure your coaster lies flat.
• Use stitch markers: Place markers between the cable sections to help you keep track of your pattern repeats.
• Practice cables first: If you're new to cabling, practice the C4F and C4B on a swatch before starting your coaster.
• Count your stitches: After each cable row, count your stitches to ensure you haven't accidentally dropped or added any.

These Whispering Pines Cable Knit Coasters make wonderful handmade gifts for housewarmings, holidays, or any occasion. The combination of texture, earthy colors, and practical function makes them a treasured addition to any home. Enjoy the meditative rhythm of knitting these forest-inspired beauties, and take pride in creating something both beautiful and useful with your own hands.