Mizu Sake

Mizu Sake Reversible Knitted Coaster by Duke of Nikko

Project Overview

The Mizu Sake is a reversible knitted coaster design featuring Japanese Kanji characters created using the double knitting technique. This intermediate-level knitting project produces a functional table setting accessory with dual-sided designs: one side displays Mizu (水), meaning Water, and the reverse side displays Sake (酒), meaning Sake or alcoholic beverages. The coaster is versatile for use with any beverage of choice and makes an elegant addition to any table setting.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a single square coaster measuring approximately 5 inches by 5 inches (12.5 centimeters by 12.5 centimeters). The reversible nature of the design means both sides feature distinct Japanese Kanji characters, allowing the crafter to display either Mizu or Sake depending on the beverage being served. The finished coaster is suitable for protecting furniture surfaces while serving drinks.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Mizu Sake design employs double knitting as its primary technique. Double knitting is an advanced colorwork method that creates a reversible fabric with pattern on both sides simultaneously. This technique requires working with two colors in a specific pattern sequence, allowing the knitter to produce intricate designs without the need for stranding or weaving floats across the back of the work. The pattern specifies two-pattern double knitting, meaning the crafter will work with two distinct pattern repeats to create the contrasting Kanji characters on each side of the coaster.

The gauge for this project is 18 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in double knitting stitch, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the Kanji characters display properly.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern suggests using Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Jeans Yarn in two colors:

• Color A: Deep Indigo
• Color B: Sunbleached

Each color requires one ball, with each ball containing 30 yards (25 meters) and weighing 0.5 ounces (15 grams). The yarn weight is DK (Double Knit), a lightweight yarn suitable for creating defined stitch definition in colorwork patterns. One ball of each color produces enough yardage for a single coaster, though the same materials can easily produce a set of five coasters.

Tools and Notions

To complete this project, the following tools are required:

• US #3 (3.25mm) needles, or the appropriate size needed to obtain the specified gauge
• Stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and maintaining stitch count
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing
• Scissors for trimming yarn

Skill Level and Pattern Difficulty

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knitting techniques and are ready to explore more complex colorwork methods. The two-pattern double knitting technique requires attention to detail and familiarity with managing multiple colors simultaneously, but the small finished size makes it an excellent project for practicing and perfecting double knitting skills.

Design Origin

The Mizu Sake pattern is part of the Amimoji collection by the House of Nikko, created by designer Duke of Nikko. This design celebrates Japanese language and culture through functional knitted textiles, combining traditional Kanji characters with contemporary knitting techniques.