The Tidal Pool Textured Coaster Set: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Modern, Organic Kitchen Accent

Introducing the Tidal Pool Textured Coaster Set

Elevate your tabletop with these uniquely textured coasters, inspired by the organic ripples of a tidal pool. This free pattern uses a simple combination of knits, purls, and slipped stitches to create a dense, absorbent, and visually stunning accessory. Perfect for adding a modern, organic touch to your kitchen or living space, these coasters are both functional and beautiful. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skills or an intermediate knitter seeking a quick, satisfying project, this pattern is designed to be clear and achievable.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream or Knit Picks Dishie) in two contrasting colors: 50 yds each of Color A (e.g., Seafoam) and Color B (e.g., Sand).
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked
• Other: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, blocking pins (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• Sl1 wyif: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in front
• Sl1 wyib: Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
• Rep: Repeat
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• BO: Bind off

Coaster (Make 4)

Step 1: Cast On
With Color A, CO 30 stitches using your preferred method. Leave a 6-inch tail for weaving in later.

Step 2: Foundation Rows (Rows 1-4)
These rows establish the base texture and set up the slipped stitch pattern.

• Row 1 (RS): K1, *Sl1 wyif, K1; rep from * to last st, K1. (This means: knit the first stitch, then slip the next stitch purlwise with the yarn in front, knit the next stitch; repeat this across until you have one stitch left, then knit that last stitch.)
• Row 2 (WS): K1, *P1, Sl1 wyib; rep from * to last st, K1. (Knit the first stitch, then purl the next stitch, slip the next stitch purlwise with yarn in back; repeat across, ending with a knit stitch.)
• Row 3: K1, *K1, Sl1 wyif; rep from * to last st, K1. (Knit the first stitch, then knit the next stitch, slip the next stitch purlwise with yarn in front; repeat across, ending with a knit stitch.)
• Row 4: K1, *Sl1 wyib, P1; rep from * to last st, K1. (Knit the first stitch, then slip the next stitch purlwise with yarn in back, purl the next stitch; repeat across, ending with a knit stitch.)

Step 3: First Pattern Repeat (Rows 5-12 with Color B)
Switch to Color B. Do not cut Color A; carry it loosely up the side.

• Row 5 (RS): With Color B, K1, *K1, Sl1 wyif; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 6 (WS): With Color B, K1, *Sl1 wyib, P1; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 7 (RS): With Color B, K1, *Sl1 wyif, K1; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 8 (WS): With Color B, K1, *P1, Sl1 wyib; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 9 (RS): With Color A, K1, *Sl1 wyif, K1; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 10 (WS): With Color A, K1, *P1, Sl1 wyib; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 11 (RS): With Color A, K1, *K1, Sl1 wyif; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 12 (WS): With Color A, K1, *Sl1 wyib, P1; rep from * to last st, K1.

Step 4: Repeat Pattern
Rep Rows 5-12 two more times (total of 3 pattern repeats). Then work Rows 5-8 once more. This means you will have completed the following sequence: Rows 5-12 (first repeat), Rows 5-12 (second repeat), Rows 5-12 (third repeat), then Rows 5-8 (final partial repeat).

Step 5: Final Border (Rows 1-2 with Color A)
Switch back to Color A.

• Row 1 (RS): With Color A, K1, *Sl1 wyif, K1; rep from * to last st, K1.
• Row 2 (WS): With Color A, K1, *P1, Sl1 wyib; rep from * to last st, K1.

Step 6: Bind Off
BO all stitches loosely in pattern. This means: knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as they appear, while binding off. For example, if the next stitch is a knit, knit it and pass the previous stitch over; if it's a slipped stitch, slip it purlwise with yarn in back (or front as appropriate) and then pass the previous stitch over. Work across until one stitch remains, cut yarn leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through the last loop.

Step 7: Finishing
Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle, being careful to follow the path of the yarn to hide them securely. Block gently by wetting the coaster, squeezing out excess water, and laying flat to dry, shaping to a square shape. Repeat for 3 more coasters. Enjoy your unique, textured set!