Hot Cuppa Coasters

Hot Cuppa Coasters by eclecticitee

Project Overview

Hot Cuppa Coasters is a free downloadable knitting pattern designed by Chana Tyman-Levy of eclecticitee designs. This project offers crafters a practical and visually appealing table setting accessory while serving as an excellent introduction to the double knitting technique. The pattern is suitable for those new to double knitting as well as experienced knitters looking to expand their skill set.

What Is Being Made

The Hot Cuppa Coasters are functional coasters designed to protect table surfaces from hot cups and beverages. These coasters are created using the double knitting technique, which produces a reversible, double-sided fabric with contrasting colors on each face. The pattern yields coasters that are both decorative and practical for everyday use, making them an ideal quick gift option.

Double Knitting Technique

Double knitting is an advanced knitting technique that creates a thick, reversible fabric by working with two colors simultaneously on a single needle. This method produces a coaster with distinct color patterns visible on both sides, allowing the crafter to create intricate designs that appear on both surfaces. The technique requires careful attention to yarn management and stitch placement, but the resulting fabric is durable and visually striking. The pattern includes a dedicated one-page tutorial for those new to this method, making it accessible to intermediate knitters ready to advance their skills.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Double knitting – the primary technique for creating the reversible, two-colored fabric
• Stockinette stitch – used as the base stitch structure within the double knitting pattern
• Slipped stitches – employed for the selvedge edges and the double stranded border
• Knit and purl stitches – fundamental stitches incorporated within the double knitting structure
• Chart reading – the pattern uses a chart with shaded numbers to indicate the leading color for each side
• Weaving in ends – finishing technique for securing yarn tails

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Approximately 20 grams total of aran weight cotton yarn, divided equally between two contrasting colors (10 grams each). The example coasters were knitted with BBB filati Bali yarn, demonstrating the pattern's suitability for quality cotton yarns.

Needles: 4 mm (US 6) needles are required for this project.

Gauge: 17 stitches and 22 rows over 10 centimeters (4 inches) in stockinette stitch. While gauge is noted as not terribly critical for coasters, understanding this measurement provides useful reference for yarn and needle compatibility.

Notions: A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends after completion.

Pattern Details and Notes

The pattern features a chart with shaded numbers that mark the leading color for each side of the coaster, helping knitters track which color should be dominant in specific areas. Crafters have flexibility in choosing their preferred selvedge edge technique for the double knitting. The designer used a specific method for achieving the double stranded border by slipping the first pair of stitches together knitwise and purling the last pair, though alternative approaches are acceptable.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is classified as advanced due to the double knitting technique required. However, the included tutorial makes it an accessible advanced project for knitters with intermediate skills who are ready to learn a new method. Experienced double knitters will find the pattern straightforward and enjoyable to complete.