Whispering Pines Cable Coaster Set Free Pattern – Knit a Forest Floor Accent

Bring the serene hush of a pine forest to your table with these textured cable coasters, knit in earthy moss and bark tones. Each coaster features a central cable motif that mimics the bark of ancient trees, finished with a delicate picot edge. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to practice cables on a small, satisfying project. The set of four makes a thoughtful handmade gift for nature lovers or a cozy addition to your own home decor.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at your local yarn shop or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors: Main Color (MC) – Moss Green, Contrast Color (CC) – Bark Brown (approx. 50g each for 4 coasters)
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Cable needle (or a double-pointed needle in a smaller size)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Blocking mats and pins (optional, but recommended for a professional finish)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is important for achieving the correct finished size, though slight variations are acceptable for coasters.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat. Each coaster is knit identically, so you will repeat the entire process four times. The cable pattern is simple and rhythmic once you get going. Let's break it down.

Coaster (Make 4)

Cast On

With your Main Color (MC) yarn, cast on 30 stitches using your preferred method (long-tail cast on works well). Leave a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in later.

Border Setup

This creates a ribbed border that frames the cable panel. Work the following four rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): K2, p2, k22, p2, k2.
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): P2, k2, p22, k2, p2.
• Row 3 (RS): Repeat Row 1.
• Row 4 (WS): Repeat Row 2.

After these four rows, you will have a neat ribbed border on both edges.

Cable Pattern

Now we begin the main cable motif. The cable crosses happen on right-side rows only. Here are the abbreviations you'll need:

• c4f (cable 4 front): Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in FRONT of work. Knit the next 2 stitches from the left needle, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.
• c4b (cable 4 back): Slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in BACK of work. Knit the next 2 stitches from the left needle, then knit the 2 stitches from the cable needle.

Work the following 8-row repeat:

• Row 5 (RS): K2, p2, k6, p2, c4f, c4b, p2, k6, p2, k2.
• Row 6 (WS): P2, k2, p6, k2, p4, k2, p6, k2, p2.
• Row 7 (RS): K2, p2, k6, p2, k4, p2, k6, p2, k2.
• Row 8 (WS): P2, k2, p6, k2, p4, k2, p6, k2, p2.
• Row 9 (RS): K2, p2, k6, p2, c4b, c4f, p2, k6, p2, k2.
• Row 10 (WS): P2, k2, p6, k2, p4, k2, p6, k2, p2.
• Row 11 (RS): K2, p2, k6, p2, k4, p2, k6, p2, k2.
• Row 12 (WS): P2, k2, p6, k2, p4, k2, p6, k2, p2.

Repeat Rows 5-12 three more times. This gives you a total of 36 rows of the cable pattern (plus the initial 4 border rows). The cable will twist in opposite directions on alternate repeats, creating a beautiful braided effect.

Border Finish

Work the same ribbed border as the beginning to frame the bottom of the coaster:

• Row 41 (RS): K2, p2, k22, p2, k2.
• Row 42 (WS): P2, k2, p22, k2, p2.
• Row 43 (RS): Repeat Row 41.
• Row 44 (WS): Repeat Row 42.

Picot Bind Off

This decorative bind off creates the delicate scalloped edge. Work it on the right side of your work:

1. Bind off 2 stitches normally.
2. Slip the stitch that remains on your right needle back onto the left needle.
3. Cast on 2 stitches using the cable cast-on method.
4. Bind off 4 stitches normally.
5. Repeat from step 2 until you have bound off all stitches.
6. Fasten off by cutting the yarn and pulling it through the last loop.

Tip: If you find the picot edge is too tight, use a needle one size larger for the bind off row only.

Finishing

Weave in all loose ends using your tapestry needle, being careful to follow the path of the yarn so the ends are invisible on the right side. Block gently to shape – this is especially important for cables to open them up and make them lie flat. Pin the coasters to the correct dimensions on blocking mats and spray lightly with water, then allow to dry completely.

Repeat the entire process for the remaining 3 coasters.

Optional: Adding a Contrast Color Stripe

To incorporate the Bark Brown (CC) yarn as shown in the photos, work the following modifications:

• On Rows 3-4 of the border setup, switch to CC yarn. Knit these two rows in CC, then switch back to MC for the cable pattern.
• On Rows 39-40 of the border finish (the last two rows before the picot bind off), switch to CC again for two rows.
• Weave in the CC ends carefully when finished.

This simple addition adds a beautiful frame of contrast that echoes the earthy tones of the forest floor.

Your Whispering Pines Cable Coaster Set is now complete! These textured beauties will protect your table while adding a touch of woodland charm to any room. Enjoy your handmade creation, and don't forget to share your finished coasters with fellow knitters – they're sure to inspire others to bring a little forest magic into their homes.