Magnolia Blossom Coaster Set Free Pattern – Knit a Petal Soft Table Garden

Bring the serene elegance of magnolia blooms to your table with this knitted coaster set, where each petal is shaped with delicate increases and a gentle picot edge. Crafted in soft cotton yarn, these coasters are as practical as they are beautiful, protecting your surfaces with a touch of botanical charm. This beginner-friendly pattern creates a square coaster with a raised magnolia flower motif in the center, surrounded by a textured seed stitch border. The dimensional petal effect is achieved through a series of eyelet holes and gathered stitches, making each coaster a tiny work of art for your home decor.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC): Soft blush pink (approx. 50g)
  • Contrast Color (CC): Cream/ivory (approx. 30g) for the center
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers (optional but helpful)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch (blocked). Exact gauge is not critical, but consistency ensures uniform coasters.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a square coaster measuring approximately 4.5 x 4.5 inches (11.5 cm) after blocking. Make 4 coasters for a full set.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together (decrease)
• SSK: Slip slip knit (decrease)
• YO: Yarn over
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• RS: Right side
• WS: Wrong side

Coaster (Make 4)

Border and Base

With MC, CO 28 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K2, P2, K20, P2, K2.

Row 2 (WS): P2, K2, P20, K2, P2.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures 1 inch from cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. You will have a seed stitch border on both sides and a stockinette center.

Magnolia Motif (Worked over center 20 sts)

Next Row (RS): K2, P2, K20, P2, K2. (Continue border as established, but now work the center 20 sts in pattern below.)

Row 1 (RS): K2, P2, K1, (YO, K1) 9 times, K1, P2, K2. (Center now has 29 sts – 9 YOs added, total 37 sts on needle.)

Row 2 (WS): P2, K2, P29, K2, P2.

Row 3 (RS): K2, P2, K1, (K2tog, YO) 9 times, K1, P2, K2. (Center back to 20 sts, but now with eyelet holes.)

Row 4 (WS): P2, K2, P20, K2, P2.

Row 5 (RS): K2, P2, K20, P2, K2.

Row 6 (WS): P2, K2, P20, K2, P2.

Row 7 (RS): K2, P2, K1, (YO, K1) 9 times, K1, P2, K2. (Center 29 sts.)

Row 8 (WS): P2, K2, P29, K2, P2.

Row 9 (RS): K2, P2, K1, (K2tog, YO) 9 times, K1, P2, K2. (Center 20 sts.)

Row 10 (WS): P2, K2, P20, K2, P2.

Row 11 (RS): K2, P2, K20, P2, K2.

Row 12 (WS): P2, K2, P20, K2, P2.

Repeat Rows 1-12 two more times (total 3 magnolia motifs).

Center Embellishment (Worked after motif rows)

With CC, on the next RS row, work as follows: K2, P2, K1, (K2tog) 9 times, K1, P2, K2. (Center reduced to 11 sts – this creates a gathered center.)

Next Row (WS): P2, K2, P11, K2, P2.

Next Row (RS): K2, P2, K1, (K2tog) 5 times, K1, P2, K2. (Center 6 sts.)

Next Row (WS): P2, K2, P6, K2, P2.

Cut CC, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining 6 center sts, pull tight to gather, and secure on WS. Weave in ends.

Picot Edging (Optional but recommended)

With RS facing, using MC, pick up and knit 1 st in each row along the side edges and 1 st in each cast-on/bound-off st along top and bottom. You should have approximately 28 sts on each side. Work a picot bind-off as follows: Bind off 2 sts, *slip the remaining st on right needle back to left needle, CO 2 sts, bind off 4 sts; repeat from * around all edges. This creates a delicate scalloped edge.

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block each coaster by pinning to shape and steaming gently (do not press heavily) to open up the eyelet pattern and flatten the petals. Allow to dry completely.

Repeat for 3 more coasters.

Tips for Success

• Keep your tension consistent, especially when working the YO increases, to ensure the eyelet pattern is even.
• Use stitch markers to separate the border stitches from the center motif if you find it helpful.
• Blocking is essential for this pattern – it opens up the eyelets and gives the magnolia its dimensional petal effect.
• Cotton yarn can be stiff when knitted tightly; if your gauge is too tight, try going up a needle size.

These charming coasters make a wonderful handmade gift or a lovely addition to your own table setting. The combination of the textured seed stitch border, delicate eyelet petals, and gathered center creates a truly unique botanical piece that showcases the beauty of knitted texture. Enjoy your crafting journey!