Coasters are one of the most satisfying things you can knit. They take an evening, they use up scraps, and a stack of four tied with twine makes a lovely housewarming or hostess gift. A matching mug cozy turns it into a little set.
This list has 14 free patterns, from a plain garter stitch square for brand new knitters to fun shapes like citrus slices, strawberries and a reversible squirrel. We opened every pattern page to confirm it is free, and listed the yarn weight and needle size we found there.
Knit Coaster Free Patterns
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What You’ll Need
- 100% cotton yarn in worsted or DK weight
- Straight needles, US 6 to US 8
- Double-pointed needles for round coasters and cozies
- Cotton yarn scrap pack in bright colors
- Tapestry needle
- Blocking mats and rust-proof pins
1. How to Knit Coasters for Beginners
The simplest knit coaster you can make: a 4-inch garter stitch square in cotton yarn. If you can cast on, knit every row and bind off, you can finish one in under an hour. Make a set in four colors and you have a gift. It is also a great first project for kids.
- Designer: Lily Sugar’n Cream / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm), see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Deco Mug Rug
Photo: Stephanie Rettenmeier
A square coaster with a geometric texture made from knit and purl stitches. It was written for students in a learn-to-knit class, so it is a smart next step after plain garter. The textured square looks a little Art Deco and is just the right size for a big mug.
- Designer: Stephanie Rettenmeier
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 8 (5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Linen Stitch Coasters
Photo: Deborah West
Linen stitch makes a firm, woven-looking fabric that lies flat and does not stretch, which is exactly what you want under a glass. These coasters are flat, reversible and quick. They look great in two colors, and cotton scraps soak up drips from cold drinks.
- Designer: Deborah West
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 6 (4 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Circle Coaster
Photo: Jennifer / Brome Fields
Round coasters knit in the round and closed with decreases at the center. The page gives a few color versions, and each coaster ends up about 6 inches across. Thick needles keep it fast. If you have only knit flat so far, this is a gentle way to try double-pointed needles or magic loop.
- Designer: Jennifer / Brome Fields
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern
- Needle size: US 11 (8 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Knit Mini Tray
Photo: Mollie Johanson / Wild Olive
A tiny tray with raised sides that works as a coaster or a catch-all for rings and keys. It is a fast, beginner-friendly project, and gauge does not matter much. Use leftover aran yarn and make a few for your nightstand or as small gifts.
- Designer: Mollie Johanson / Wild Olive
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Aran (#4)
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Coffee Cup Coasters
Photo: Lina Wolf
Small, thin coasters made to sit under your coffee cup, perfect for the coffee lover in your life. The designer suggests them for using up leftover wool and for new knitters who want a small, useful first project. Pair them with a bag of good beans for a cute gift.
- Designer: Lina Wolf
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Fingering (#1)
- Needle size: US 00 (1.75 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Strawberry Coaster
Photo: Suzanne Strachan
A sweet strawberry-shaped coaster worked flat in garter stitch, from the bottom up. It comes with both a chart and written instructions. Knit it in red with a green top for a summer table, or make a set for a cottagecore kitchen.
- Designer: Suzanne Strachan
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Needle size: US 6 (4 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Slice of Citrus Coaster
Photo: Elissa Brown
A round coaster that looks just like a slice of lemon, lime or orange. You knit from the center out, adding the pulp, seed holes, pith and segments, and the peel forms as you bind off. It is a clever, cheerful way to use cotton scraps. A set in mixed citrus colors looks great on a patio table.
- Designer: Elissa Brown
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Needle size: US 5 (3.75 mm) and US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Tiny Gifts Coasters
Photo: Caro in the City
Small coasters with a mosaic center and a log cabin border, all in garter stitch. Mosaic knitting uses only one color per row, so you get a two-color pattern without juggling yarns. The pattern includes four charts, including dots, tulips and a holiday tree.
- Designer: Caro in the City
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Fingering (#1)
- Needle size: US 3 (3.25 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Water Lily
Photo: Sybil R / Knitting and so on
A water lily shape with five large petals and four small ones, outlined in a contrast color. It is all garter stitch with short rows. Use it as a large coaster, a washcloth or a potholder. It looks lovely under a teapot.
- Designer: Sybil R / Knitting and so on
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK cotton (#3), two colors
- Needle size: 3.5 mm (US 4)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Squirrel Coaster
Photo: Christopher Dickins
A round coaster in double knitting, which means it is reversible. One side shows a gray squirrel on red, and the other shows a red squirrel on gray. It is a fun way to learn double knitting on a small piece, and it uses up leftover yarn.
- Designer: Christopher Dickins
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Needle size: US 6 (4 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Sweater Flight Coaster Set
Photo: E. J. Kirkwood
Four tiny sweaters that double as coasters. Each one teaches a different sweater construction: raglan, circular yoke, drop shoulder and set-in sleeve. It is a clever way to practice before you knit a full-size sweater, and each mini uses a small skein of sock yarn. Aimed at intermediate knitters.
- Designer: E. J. Kirkwood
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Fingering (#1)
- Needle size: US 2 (2.75 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
13. A Rug and a Hug for a Mug
Photo: the barbarian horde
A matching coaster and mug cozy set, sized for a standard mug. Knit both in the same yarn for a cute pairing, then tuck a tea bag inside for a gift. If you want just one pattern that covers both a knit coaster and a cozy, this is the one.
- Designer: the barbarian horde
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK (#3)
- Needle size: US 7 (4.5 mm)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
14. Cabled Mug Cozy
Photo: Katie Foster / Runs for Cookies
A seamless mug cozy with a cable panel and an attached i-cord. It is knit in one piece, so there is no sewing at the end. It uses only a small amount of worsted yarn and protects your hands from a hot mug.
- Designer: Katie Foster / Runs for Cookies
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4), small amount
- Needle size: US 5 (3.75 mm) double-pointed needles
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- Brand new to knitting? Start with #1, the garter stitch square. You only need the knit stitch.
- Want texture? Try #2, the Deco Mug Rug, or #3, the Linen Stitch Coasters.
- Want something fun and bright? #8, the citrus slice, or #7, the strawberry, will make people smile.
- Ready for a challenge? #11 teaches double knitting and #12 teaches four sweater shapes.
- Making a gift set? #13 gives you a matching coaster and cozy in one pattern.
FAQ
What is the best yarn for knit coasters?
Cotton is best. It absorbs water from cold glasses, handles heat from hot mugs, and holds its shape after washing. Worsted weight kitchen cotton is cheap and easy to find. Avoid acrylic for coasters, since it does not soak up drips and can melt under a very hot pot.
What size should a knitted coaster be?
Most coasters are about 4 to 4.5 inches square or round. That is big enough for a standard mug or glass but small enough to stack. Mug rugs are a little larger, around 5 to 7 inches, so they can hold a mug and a cookie.
How do I stop my knit coasters from curling?
Use garter stitch, seed stitch or linen stitch, which lie flat. Plain stockinette always curls. Wet block finished coasters by soaking them, pressing out the water and pinning them flat to dry. Cotton responds well to blocking, and a quick steam press also helps.
Grab your cotton scraps and knit a stack of coasters this week.