Flutterby

Flutterby Table Setting Coaster by Arella Seaton Design

Project Overview

Flutterby is the fourth pattern in the Putukad Collection by Arella Seaton Design. This is a beginner-friendly knitting project designed to create decorative table setting coasters measuring approximately 15 x 15 cm (6 x 6 inches). The pattern combines colorwork techniques with simple construction, making it an ideal introduction to mosaic and stranded knitting methods.

What is Being Made

This pattern produces small square coasters suitable for protecting tabletops while adding visual interest to table settings. The finished coasters feature a charted design that can be worked using either a provided chart or written instructions. The project is completed with the addition of fringe tassels for a decorative finish, and the coasters are typically steam blocked or soaked and blocked to achieve professional results.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Colorwork: The pattern employs mosaic knitting or stranded colorwork techniques, using a main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC) to create the design
• Floats: When working with two colors, the unused yarn is carried loosely across the back of the work to prevent puckering
• Blocking: The finished coaster is steam blocked or soaked and blocked to set the stitches and achieve the final dimensions
• Finishing: Fringe tassels are attached to complete the coaster's decorative edges

Stitches and Abbreviations

• k: Knit stitch
• sl: Slip stitch
• pw: Purlwise (slipping stitches in purlwise direction)
• MC: Main color
• CC: Contrasting color
• RS: Right side

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Sport weight yarn (5 ply) is used for this project. Approximately 10 grams (0.35 ounces) each of the main color and contrasting color are required, totaling roughly 20 grams of yarn. A standard ball of sport weight yarn contains 50 grams and yields 159 meters (174 yards), providing ample yardage for multiple coasters from a single skein.

Needles: US 2½ (3 mm) needles are used to work the coasters. These smaller needles create a tight, dense fabric appropriate for a functional table accessory.

Notions: A tapestry needle is essential for weaving in yarn ends and attaching the fringe tassels that finish the coaster edges.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches x 52 rows over 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 inches) when worked in stockinette stitch with the main color. The pattern notes that gauge is not crucial to this project, though variations will affect both the final size of the coaster and the total yarn consumption. The coaster is cast on with 45 stitches and worked from either the provided Flutterby chart or written instructions.

Skill Level

Designated as advanced beginner, this pattern is suitable for knitters who have mastered basic knit and slip stitches and are ready to explore simple colorwork techniques. The mosaic or stranded knitting method introduces color patterning without requiring complex stitch manipulation, making it an accessible entry point into two-color knitting.