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.
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!
June 7, 2007