This project is about combining knitting, crocheting, and quilting, three crafts we love! Each coaster has one fabric side and one knitted or crocheted side.  We like mixing knitting and crochet together in this set of coasters, so make a few of each!  Here are the directions for both.

The Calla Coasters grew out of an Ask Purl Bee post about attaching a knitted baby blanket to a soft fabric backing.  You can read more about it here.

FINISHED SIZE
Each coaster measures approximately 4.5 inches across. 

MATERIALS
One skein each of organic cotton yarn in varying colors:  we used Nashua Ecologie and Blue Sky Organic Cotton

One 1/4 yard each of six different fabrics: we used Liberty of London Tana Lawn in Beige & Pink Kitty Hart; Kokka Kimono III in Pink; Lecien Birds & Flowers in Chocolate; Yuwa Garden in Yellow; and Kokka El Anche in Tan.

sewing thread in a color that will blend with the yarn:  we used Gutermann color 4660 and 1320

double pointed knitting needles in US size 7 or size for gauge

crochet hook in US G/4.5 mm or size for gauge

blocking pins 

patchwork pins

one ring marker for knitting

GAUGE

5 stitches or single crochets per inch on US size 7 needles in pattern stitch.
Gauge is not really crucial for this project, so this is just a guide.  The coaster should measure about 4.5 inches across after blocking.

 
NOTES

Our Crochet Basics Tutorial explains every crochet stitch used in this project.
Our Decrease Tutorial is a guide to the knitting techniques used in the project.
Our Blocking Tutorial can help with questions about how to block your knitted and crocheted coasters.

 
KNITTING ABBREVIATIONS

k2tog    decrease by knitting two stitches together
yo    yarn over

 
CROCHET ABBREVIATIONS

sc    single crochet
dc    double crochet
sl st    slip stitch

CO 50 stitches and arrange them on the double-pointed needles.  

Join into a round, place a ring marker between first and last stitch.

Rounds 1:  Knit.

Round 2: Purl.

Round 3: Knit. 

Round 4:  *K3, k2tog, yo, repeat from * to end of round. 

Round 5:  Knit.

Round 6 (Decrease Round):  *K3, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 40 stitches remaining.

Rounds 7 and 8:  Knit.

Round 9 (Decrease Round):  *K2, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 30 stitches remaining.

Rounds 10 and 11: Knit.

Round 12 (Decrease Round):  *K1, k2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 20 stitches remaining.

Round 13:  Knit.  

Round 14 (Decrease Round):  *K2tog, repeat from * to end of round. 10 stitches remaining. 

Repeat Round 14.  5 stitches remaining.

Bind off remaining 5 stitches and weave in ends. Make as many coaster tops as you like, then block them lightly to flatten them.

Chain 3.  Join into a ring with a slip stitch.

Round 1:  Chain 2.  Work 12 dc into center of ring, joining the last dc to the first chain with a sl st. 12 stitches.

Round 2: Chain 1.  Work 1 sc in first stitch, then work 2 sc in each stitch around, join round with a sl st in the first sc.  24 stitches.

Round 3: Chain 1.  Work 1 sc in each stitch around, join round with a sl st in the first sc.  

Round 4:  Chain 2.  Work 1 dc in each stitch around, join round with a sl st in the first dc.

Round 5:  Chain 2.  Work 1 dc in each stitch around, join round with a sl st in the first dc.

Cut the yarn, leaving a 6 inch long tail.  Draw it through the last stitch to fasten it off, then weave in the tail.

After you've made as many coaster tops as you want, block them lightly to flatten them.

1. Wash, dry, and press your fabric.
   
2. Place the coaster top on the fabric and trace a circle approximately a 1/2 inch bigger than the coaster top. From each fabric cut two circles.
3. Pin the circles together with right sides together.
4. Sew a 1/4 inch seam around the circle, leaving a two inch wide gap.  Back stitch at each end.
   
5. Clip around the curve, taking care not to snip the stitches!
6. Turn the coaster right side out and press it flat.
   

1. Center the coaster top on the fabric bottom.
2. Pin around the edges to secure the layers.
3. Stitch a circle about .5 - 1.25 inches wide around the center of the coaster.  Sew with the knitted or crocheted side facing up.
4. Remove the pins, then edge stitch around the coaster with a scant 1/4 inch seam.
   

We hope you put these coasters to good use!  Maybe you'll make a set for your favorite host or hostess, or maybe you'll make a whole stack for your next tea party or cocktail soiree.  Whatever you do, please share photos of your Calla Coasters with us in our Calla Coaster Flickr Set!