Rainbow coasters

Rainbow Coasters by Anna Alway

What Is Being Made

Rainbow coasters are a set of vibrant, practical table accessories designed to protect surfaces while adding cheerful colour to any home décor. Each coaster measures 10x10cm (4x4 inches) and is worked in a different shade to create a playful rainbow effect. These coasters are reversible, making them functional from both sides, and their firm, durable construction makes them ideal for holding drinks without absorbing moisture or showing wear.

Techniques and Construction

The coasters are created using the reversible quilted cross stitch technique, which produces a beautifully flat fabric with excellent structural integrity. This method is particularly effective when worked on smaller needles, as it creates a firm, dense surface that resists moisture and maintains its shape through regular use. The quilted cross stitch approach ensures that both sides of the finished coaster are equally attractive and functional, eliminating the need to hide a "wrong side."

The yarn is gently starched during finishing, which adds structure and enhances stain resistance—an important feature for items designed to sit on tables and encounter spills. This finishing process contributes to the coasters' durability and longevity, ensuring they remain attractive and functional over time.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch employed in these coasters is the cross stitch, worked in a quilted pattern. This classic stitch creates interlocking diagonal lines that form a stable, textured fabric. The quilted variation adds extra dimension and structural support, making the coasters thicker and more substantial than standard cross-stitch work. The reversible nature of this stitch pattern means both sides display the same attractive cross-stitch texture.

Materials

The coasters are made from high-quality natural fibres chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal:

• Schachenmayr Yarns SMC Select Violena: A blend of 50% cotton and 50% modal, offering a soft yet sturdy yarn. This yarn is supplied at 100m (109 yards) per 50g (1.75oz) ball. Two colours from this range are used: Col: 01645 'Pink' and Col: 01601 'Red', with one ball of each required.
• Sublime Egyptian Cotton DK: A 100% cotton yarn providing natural absorbency and durability, supplied at 115 yards (105m) per 50g (1.75oz) ball. Two colours are featured: Col: SH 328 'Freya' and Col: SH 330 'Orange Blossom', with one ball of each required.
• Needles: Smaller needles are used to create the firm, dense fabric essential for functional coasters, though specific needle size is referenced in the full pattern.

Approximately 15 yards of yarn is used per coaster as shown in the pattern, making this an efficient project that maximises yarn from each ball. The combination of cotton and cotton-modal blends ensures the finished coasters are breathable, easy to care for, and naturally resistant to moisture absorption.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, these coasters require knitters to be comfortable with cross-stitch techniques and the ability to work on smaller needles with precision. The reversible quilted construction adds complexity beyond basic knitting, making this project suitable for crafters with some experience who are ready to expand their technical skills.