Monarch Meadow Mosaic Butterfly Coaster Set Free Pattern – A Knitted Garden Wing Tapestry

Bring the flutter of a sunlit meadow to your table with these knitted butterfly coasters, each wing a mosaic of burnt orange, amber, and deep charcoal. This pattern weaves texture and color into a cozy, functional art piece that celebrates nature's most delicate dancers. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick weekend project or a beginner eager to try stranded colorwork for the first time, this pattern offers a delightful journey into mosaic knitting. The result is a stunning set of coasters that will spark conversation and add warmth to any home.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience. The quality of your yarn will directly impact the final look and feel of your coasters, so choose colors that speak to you.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in four colors:
  • Color A: Burnt Orange (approx. 50 yards)
  • Color B: Amber Gold (approx. 30 yards)
  • Color C: Charcoal (approx. 30 yards)
  • Color D: Cream (approx. 20 yards)
• Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming, stitch markers (optional), scissors
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (for best results, always check your gauge before starting)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a 6-inch square butterfly coaster using stranded colorwork. Each coaster is knit flat, then folded and seamed to form the butterfly shape. Follow the instructions carefully, and don't be afraid to take your time—the result is well worth the effort.

Abbreviations

• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• Ssk: slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• Yo: yarn over
• St(s): stitch(es)
• Rep: repeat

Coaster (Make 2 Identical Squares)

Each coaster requires two identical knitted squares. Once both are complete, you'll assemble them into the butterfly shape. Follow the instructions below for each square.

Cast on: With Color A, cast on 30 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches.

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 3: With Color A, K5, join Color B, K20, join Color A, K5.

Row 4: With Color A, P5, with Color B, P20, with Color A, P5.

Row 5: With Color A, K5, with Color B, K2, join Color C, K16, with Color B, K2, with Color A, K5.

Row 6: With Color A, P5, with Color B, P2, with Color C, P16, with Color B, P2, with Color A, P5.

Row 7: With Color A, K5, with Color B, K2, with Color C, K4, join Color D, K8, with Color C, K4, with Color B, K2, with Color A, K5.

Row 8: With Color A, P5, with Color B, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color D, P8, with Color C, P4, with Color B, P2, with Color A, P5.

Row 9: With Color A, K5, with Color B, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color B, K2, with Color A, K5.

Row 10: With Color A, P5, with Color B, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color D, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color D, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color B, P2, with Color A, P5.

Row 11: With Color A, K5, with Color B, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K2, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K2, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color B, K2, with Color A, K5.

Row 12: With Color A, P5, with Color B, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color D, P2, with Color C, P2, with Color D, P2, with Color C, P2, with Color D, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color B, P2, with Color A, P5.

Row 13: With Color A, K5, with Color B, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K2, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K2, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color B, K2, with Color A, K5.

Row 14: With Color A, P5, with Color B, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color D, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color D, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color B, P2, with Color A, P5.

Row 15: With Color A, K5, with Color B, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color D, K2, with Color C, K4, with Color B, K2, with Color A, K5.

Row 16: With Color A, P5, with Color B, P2, with Color C, P4, with Color D, P8, with Color C, P4, with Color B, P2, with Color A, P5.

Row 17: With Color A, K5, with Color B, K2, with Color C, K16, with Color B, K2, with Color A, K5.

Row 18: With Color A, P5, with Color B, P20, with Color A, P5.

Row 19: With Color A, K5, with Color B, K20, with Color A, K5.

Row 20: With Color A, Purl all stitches.

Row 21: With Color A, Knit all stitches.

Row 22: With Color A, Purl all stitches.

Bind off: With Color A, bind off all stitches knitwise.

Finishing

Weave in all ends carefully, making sure to secure the yarn tails on the wrong side of the work. Block the squares flat to even out the stitches and set the shape. This step is crucial for a professional finish.

Assemble the Butterfly

Now comes the magical transformation from square to butterfly. Follow these steps carefully to create the three-dimensional form.

1. Fold each square in half diagonally to form a triangle, with the right side facing out. The color pattern should be on the outside.
2. Using a tapestry needle and Color A yarn, sew the two folded triangles together along the center fold line, but only for the middle 2 inches. This creates the butterfly's body.
3. Open the wings slightly. The two points of each triangle become the upper and lower wings.
4. To shape the wings, pinch the center of each outer edge and tack it down with a few stitches to the body, creating a gentle curve.
5. Make a small loop of Color A yarn at the top of the body for hanging, if desired.

Repeat for each coaster. Make as many as you like for a full set. These coasters make wonderful gifts and are perfect for adding a touch of nature-inspired art to your home. Enjoy your handcrafted Monarch Meadow Mosaic Butterfly Coasters!