The Solstice Spiral Coaster Set Free Pattern – A Knitted Nordic Star Motif with Twisted Fringe

Bring Hygge to Your Table with the Solstice Spiral Coaster Set

There's something magical about handmade holiday decor—it carries warmth, intention, and a story that store-bought items simply can't replicate. The Solstice Spiral Coaster Set is a celebration of winter solstice, featuring a radiant Nordic star motif that evokes cozy Scandinavian evenings. Each coaster is a tiny tapestry of cream, forest green, and rust red, finished with a delicate twisted fringe that adds texture and charm. Whether you're gifting them to a fellow crafter or adorning your own coffee table, these coasters are the perfect blend of function and festive artistry.

This pattern is beginner-friendly, using simple knit and purl stitches with a touch of intarsia colorwork. The result is a sturdy, absorbent cotton coaster that protects your surfaces while adding a handcrafted touch to your holiday gatherings. Let's dive into this delightful project!

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton or cotton-blend yarn in three colors:
  • MC (Main Color): Cream – approximately 30 yards per coaster
  • CC1 (Contrast Color 1): Forest Green – approximately 15 yards per coaster
  • CC2 (Contrast Color 2): Rust Red – approximately 15 yards per coaster
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers (optional but helpful), crochet hook (for fringe), scissors

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but a firm fabric is desired for coasters—if your stitches are loose, consider going down a needle size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat, back and forth, using a simple intarsia technique for the star motif. Each coaster is a square with a decorative twisted fringe on two opposite edges. Make four coasters for a complete set.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, then knit them together through the back loop)
• MC: Main Color (Cream)
• CC1: Contrast Color 1 (Forest Green)
• CC2: Contrast Color 2 (Rust Red)
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Coaster Pattern (Make 4)

Foundation:
With MC, CO 24 sts.

Rows 1-4 (Garter Border):
Knit all sts. This creates a sturdy, textured border that will frame your star motif beautifully.

Row 5 (Right Side):
K4 (border), place marker, work Row 1 of chart (see below) over the next 16 sts, place marker, K4 (border). The markers help you keep track of the border stitches versus the chart section.

Chart (worked over 16 sts, read from right to left on odd rows, left to right on even rows)

Note: When changing colors, twist the yarns on the wrong side to prevent holes. Carry the unused yarn loosely across the back, or use separate bobbins for each color section.

• Row 1: K4 MC, K8 CC1, K4 MC
• Row 2: P4 MC, P8 CC1, P4 MC
• Row 3: K4 MC, K2 CC1, K4 CC2, K2 CC1, K4 MC
• Row 4: P4 MC, P2 CC1, P4 CC2, P2 CC1, P4 MC
• Row 5: K4 MC, K2 CC1, K2 CC2, K4 MC, K2 CC2, K2 CC1, K4 MC
• Row 6: P4 MC, P2 CC1, P2 CC2, P4 MC, P2 CC2, P2 CC1, P4 MC
• Row 7: K4 MC, K2 CC1, K2 CC2, K2 MC, K2 CC2, K2 CC1, K4 MC
• Row 8: P4 MC, P2 CC1, P2 CC2, P2 MC, P2 CC2, P2 CC1, P4 MC
• Row 9: K4 MC, K2 CC1, K2 CC2, K4 MC, K2 CC2, K2 CC1, K4 MC
• Row 10: P4 MC, P2 CC1, P4 CC2, P2 CC1, P4 MC
• Row 11: K4 MC, K2 CC1, K4 CC2, K2 CC1, K4 MC
• Row 12: P4 MC, P8 CC1, P4 MC
• Row 13: K4 MC, K8 CC1, K4 MC
• Row 14: P4 MC, P8 CC1, P4 MC

Rows 15-18 (Garter Border):
With MC, knit all sts. This completes the bottom border, mirroring the top.

Bind off:
Bind off all sts knitwise. Weave in all ends on the wrong side using your tapestry needle. Be sure to weave in each color change securely, but avoid pulling too tightly to prevent puckering.

Twisted Fringe (on two opposite edges)

Cut 6 strands of CC2, each 12 inches long. For each fringe, take 2 strands together and fold them in half to create a loop. Insert a crochet hook through the edge stitch of the coaster (along the garter border, about 1/2 inch from the corner). Pull the folded loop through the stitch, then thread the ends through the loop and pull tight to secure. Repeat to create 5 fringes evenly spaced along each of the two opposite edges (the cast-on and bind-off edges). Trim the fringe ends to an even length—about 2 inches is ideal.

Finishing

Block each coaster lightly to flatten and even out the stitches. To block, dampen the coaster with water (or use a steam iron on low, holding it above the fabric), then pin it to a flat surface in the desired shape and allow it to dry completely. This step helps the star motif pop and ensures your coasters lie flat on the table.

Your Solstice Spiral Coaster Set is complete! Admire your handiwork—each coaster is a tiny tapestry of winter warmth, ready to grace your holiday table or bring joy to a lucky recipient.

Tips for Success

• Color changes: When switching colors, always bring the new yarn from underneath the old yarn to avoid gaps.
• Tension: Keep your floats (the yarn carried across the back) loose enough to maintain fabric flexibility, but not so loose that they sag.
• Customization: Feel free to swap the color palette to match your decor—silver and blue for a frosty look, or gold and burgundy for a traditional feel.
• Gifting: These coasters pair beautifully with a sprig of pine and a cinnamon stick when presented in a gift box—a sensory treat for the recipient!

Happy knitting, and may your winter be filled with warmth, creativity, and the simple joy of handmade things.