Ko:hi: Koucha (Coffee/Black Tea) coaster

Ko:hi: Koucha (Coffee/Black Tea) Reversible Knitted Coaster

What Is Being Made

The Ko:hi: Koucha coaster is a reversible knitted coaster featuring Japanese characters that celebrate two beloved beverages. The design showcases Ko:hi: (コーヒー) in Japanese Katakana characters on one side and Koucha (紅茶) in Kanji characters on the reverse, meaning coffee and black tea respectively. This finished coaster measures approximately 5" x 5" (12.5cm x 12.5cm), making it a practical and decorative addition to any table setting. The reversible nature of the design allows crafters to display either language representation depending on preference or occasion.

Craft and Techniques

This pattern is designed by Duke of Nikko and uses two-pattern double knitting as its primary technique. Double knitting is an advanced colorwork method that creates a reversible fabric with pattern on both sides simultaneously, eliminating the need for stranding or weaving in multiple colors across the back. This technique is ideal for creating coasters with distinct imagery on each face while maintaining structural integrity and even tension throughout the piece.

The pattern is classified as intermediate difficulty, requiring knitters to have solid foundational skills and comfort with managing two colors while executing the double knitting technique. The method produces a fabric that is naturally thicker and more durable than single-layer knitting, making it particularly suitable for functional items like coasters that require durability and stability.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure is double knitting stockinette stitch, which forms the foundation of this reversible coaster. Stockinette stitch creates a smooth, uniform surface on both sides of the fabric when worked in the double knitting method. The pattern requires working with two contrasting colors in a coordinated manner to build the Japanese character designs across the coaster surface.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Weight and Fiber Content: This pattern calls for DK weight yarn in two contrasting colors. The suggested material is CoBaSi DK by HiKoo Yarn, a premium blend consisting of 55% cotton, 16% viscose from bamboo, 8% silk, and 21% elastic nylon. The recommended colors are #055 Burnt Orange (Color A) and #050 Forestry (Color B). One 50g skein of each color will produce approximately five completed coasters, offering excellent yardage efficiency for crafters interested in making multiple pieces.

Needles and Tools: Crafters will need US #3 (3.25mm) needles or the size required to obtain proper gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers to track pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends upon completion.

Gauge: The pattern specifies a gauge of 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4" (10cm) in double knitting stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for this project to ensure the finished coaster meets the intended dimensions and that the Japanese character designs display correctly at their intended scale.