Spiral Coaster Knotted in King Cole Macrame Recycled Cotton – PKAL1011 – Complimentary downloadable PDF Pattern

Spiral Coaster Knotted in King Cole Macrame Recycled Cotton – PKAL1011

This complimentary downloadable PDF pattern from King Cole (Leaflet PKAL1011) guides crafters through creating a beautifully textured spiral coaster using macramé knotting techniques. Despite being listed under the knitting category, this project is rooted in the traditional craft of macramé, which uses knotting rather than needles or hooks to construct fabric and decorative items. The result is a practical, stylish coaster with a distinctive spiral design, perfect for home décor and gifting.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a spiral coaster — a flat, circular or spiral-shaped accessory designed to protect surfaces from cups, mugs, and glasses. Coasters made using macramé techniques have a firm, tactile texture that makes them both functional and decorative. The spiral design gives the finished piece a dynamic, eye-catching appearance that stands out from simpler woven or crocheted alternatives.

Craft and Techniques Used

This pattern is worked entirely in macramé, a fibre art that relies on tying cords into knots rather than using traditional knitting needles or crochet hooks. Two core macramé knots are featured in this pattern:

• Larks Head Knot: This foundational macramé knot is used to attach working cords to a base cord or dowel. To work it, a cord is folded in half, the resulting loop is placed on top of the base cord, and the two tail ends are pulled through the loop and tightened. It is the standard starting knot in most macramé projects and creates a secure, neat attachment point from which all further knotting builds.
• Double Half Hitch Knot: This is one of the most versatile and widely used knots in macramé. It typically requires two cord ends — a holding cord and a working cord. The holding cord is held taut and used to direct the angle and shape of the knotted row, while the working cord is looped around it twice to form the double half hitch. By adjusting the direction of the holding cord, crafters can create straight horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or — as in this pattern — a spiral effect. This spiral formation is the defining design feature of the coaster and gives the pattern its name.

Understanding how to control the holding cord is key to achieving the spiral shape. The pattern notes that the position of the cords may vary depending on the design, and the holding cord is used to actively direct the knots into the desired formation. This level of control is what places this pattern at an intermediate difficulty level — beginners may find the consistent tension and directional knotting required for a spiral somewhat challenging without prior macramé experience.

Materials Required

The pattern is designed to be worked using King Cole Macrame Recycled Cotton, a cord-weight yarn specifically developed for macramé projects. This yarn is made from recycled cotton, making it an environmentally conscious choice that also delivers the firm, smooth texture essential for crisp, well-defined macramé knots. Cord-weight materials hold their shape effectively, which is particularly important for a flat, structured item like a coaster that needs to lie neatly and maintain its form with use.

• Yarn: King Cole Macrame Recycled Cotton (cord weight)
• Tools: As a macramé project, no knitting needles or crochet hooks are required. A working surface, tape or pins to secure the base cord, and scissors for finishing are the primary tools needed.

King Cole recommends visiting your local yarn shop to source the Macrame King Cotton and any additional supplies. The brand can also be contacted directly at enquiries@kingcole.com or by phone at 01756 703 670, with their base at Merrie Mills, Snaygill Industrial Estate, Skipton.

Pattern Format and Availability

Leaflet PKAL1011 is available as a free, downloadable PDF from King Cole. It is protected by copyright — reproduction in any form, including photocopying, is strictly prohibited, and digital downloads may not be shared. This pattern is an excellent introduction to King Cole's macramé range for crafters looking to explore knotting as a complement to their existing knitting or crochet skills.