Tidal Lace Sand Dollar Coasters Free Pattern – Knit a Beachcomber's Dream

Bring the serene beauty of the shoreline to your table with these delicate, lace-knit sand dollar coasters. Each one is a miniature work of art, featuring a textured center and scalloped edges that mimic the ocean's treasures. Whether you're dreaming of a coastal getaway or simply want to add a touch of handmade elegance to your home, these coasters are the perfect project. They make thoughtful gifts for beach lovers, nautical enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates fine lace knitting.

This free knitting pattern is surprisingly accessible, using basic lace techniques like yarn overs and decreases to create a stunning, openwork design. The raised center mimics the star pattern of a real sand dollar, while the picot edge adds a delicate, scalloped finish. With just a few materials and a little patience, you'll have a set of beautiful, functional coasters that are as lovely to look at as they are practical.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The gauge is not critical for this project, but consistency is key to ensure your coasters match in size and shape.

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton) in natural cream, soft sand, or seafoam green – approximately 30 yards per coaster. Cotton is ideal because it's absorbent, durable, and holds its shape well.
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. You'll need a set of double-pointed needles (DPNs) or a circular needle with a long enough cable for magic loop once you begin working in the round.
• Notions: Stitch markers, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and a tape measure or ruler.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a circular lace coaster with a raised center and picot edge, resembling a sand dollar. Follow the instructions carefully, and don't be afraid to take your time—lace knitting is all about rhythm and precision.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (slip two stitches knitwise, then knit them together through the back loop – left-leaning decrease)
• YO: Yarn over (creates an eyelet hole)
• PM: Place marker
• SM: Slip marker
• BO: Bind off

Center (Worked Flat, Then Joined)

You'll begin by knitting a flat, square-ish piece that will become the base of your sand dollar. This section uses increases (YO) to gradually add stitches, creating a diamond-like shape.

Row 1: CO 8 stitches.

Row 2 (and all even rows): Purl all stitches. (This creates a garter stitch border on the edges and a stockinette center.)

Row 3: K1, YO, K2, YO, K2, YO, K2, YO, K1 (12 stitches)

Row 5: K1, YO, K4, YO, K4, YO, K4, YO, K1 (16 stitches)

Row 7: K1, YO, K6, YO, K6, YO, K6, YO, K1 (20 stitches)

Row 9: K1, YO, K8, YO, K8, YO, K8, YO, K1 (24 stitches)

Row 11: K1, YO, K10, YO, K10, YO, K10, YO, K1 (28 stitches)

Row 13: K1, YO, K12, YO, K12, YO, K12, YO, K1 (32 stitches)

Row 15: K1, YO, K14, YO, K14, YO, K14, YO, K1 (36 stitches)

Row 17: K1, YO, K16, YO, K16, YO, K16, YO, K1 (40 stitches)

Row 19: K1, YO, K18, YO, K18, YO, K18, YO, K1 (44 stitches)

Row 21: K1, YO, K20, YO, K20, YO, K20, YO, K1 (48 stitches)

Row 23: K1, YO, K22, YO, K22, YO, K22, YO, K1 (52 stitches)

Row 25: K1, YO, K24, YO, K24, YO, K24, YO, K1 (56 stitches)

Row 27: K1, YO, K26, YO, K26, YO, K26, YO, K1 (60 stitches)

Row 29: K1, YO, K28, YO, K28, YO, K28, YO, K1 (64 stitches)

Row 31: K1, YO, K30, YO, K30, YO, K30, YO, K1 (68 stitches)

Now you have a flat, square-ish piece with 68 stitches. This will be the base of the sand dollar. The purl rows between the increase rows create a subtle ridge that adds texture to the center.

Circular Shaping (Worked in the Round)

Now it's time to transform your flat piece into a circular coaster. Transfer the stitches to a circular needle or double-pointed needles, distributing them evenly. Place a marker (PM) at the beginning of the round. This is where the lace pattern really begins to shine.

Round 1: *K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K1*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 2: Knit all stitches. (This plain round allows the lace to breathe and keeps the pattern balanced.)

Round 3: *K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 4: Knit all stitches.

Round 5: *K2tog, YO, K5, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 6: Knit all stitches.

Round 7: *K2tog, YO, K7, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 8: Knit all stitches.

Round 9: *K2tog, YO, K9, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 10: Knit all stitches.

Notice how the pattern repeats every 4 stitches? The K2tog and SSK decreases lean toward each other, creating a beautiful V-shape that radiates outward from the center. The YOs between them form the delicate eyelets that give the coaster its lacy, openwork texture.

Scalloped Edge

As you continue, the pattern repeats get wider, creating a gentle scallop effect that will eventually form the wavy edge of your sand dollar.

Round 11: *K2tog, YO, K11, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 12: *K2tog, YO, K13, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 13: *K2tog, YO, K15, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 14: *K2tog, YO, K17, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 15: *K2tog, YO, K19, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

Round 16: *K2tog, YO, K21, YO, SSK*; repeat from * to * around (68 stitches)

At this point, your coaster should be taking on a beautiful, circular shape with a distinct scalloped edge forming. The increases in the pattern repeats are what create the gentle waves around the perimeter.

Picot Bind Off

This decorative bind off adds the final touch—a series of small, neat picot points that mimic the notched edge of a real sand dollar.

BO 3 stitches, *transfer the remaining stitch back to the left needle, CO 2 stitches, BO 5 stitches*; repeat from * to * until all stitches are bound off. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

Pro tip: When you "transfer the remaining stitch back to the left needle," you're essentially creating a tiny loop. The CO 2 stitches form the picot point, and the BO 5 stitches close it. This creates a beautiful, scalloped edge that perfectly complements the lace pattern.

Finishing

Gently block the coaster by pinning it to a flat surface and misting with water. Allow to dry completely. This will open up the lace pattern and give the coaster its beautiful, crisp shape. Blocking is essential for lace knitting—it transforms the piece from a crumpled mass of yarn into a defined, elegant work of art.

Once dry, your sand dollar coaster is ready to use! Make a set of four or six to grace your coffee table, or give them as thoughtful, handmade gifts. The natural cream color evokes sun-bleached sand, while soft sand and seafoam green offer lovely coastal variations.

These coasters are perfect for adding a touch of seaside charm to any room. Pair them with a single starfish or a collection of sea glass for a complete coastal aesthetic. Happy knitting, and may your home always feel a little closer to the shore!