Eclipse of the Heart Coaster Free Pattern – Knit a Celestial Lace Accent

Capture the magic of a solar eclipse in yarn with this delicate lace coaster, featuring a radiant sunburst center and a dark, textured border. Knit in soft cotton, it adds a touch of cosmic elegance to any table setting. This free knitting pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners who want to try lace work on a small, manageable project. The finished coaster measures approximately 4 inches in diameter, making it ideal for coffee mugs, glasses, or as a decorative accent in your home.

What makes this pattern truly special is the way it transitions from a solid, warm gold center (representing the sun) into a deep charcoal lace pattern that mimics the corona of an eclipse. The yarn overs create delicate eyelet holes that catch the light beautifully, while the garter stitch border provides stability and a clean, finished edge. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a quick weekend project or a beginner ready to expand your skills, this celestial coaster is sure to delight.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials. All items are readily available at your local craft store or online.

Yarn

• Color A (Warm Gold): 25 yards (23 meters) of worsted weight cotton yarn. This forms the sunburst center of the coaster.
• Color B (Deep Charcoal): 25 yards (23 meters) of worsted weight cotton yarn. This creates the lace corona and the border.

Pro tip: Choose a high-quality cotton yarn like Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton or Sugar 'n Cream for best stitch definition and durability. Cotton is ideal for coasters because it's absorbent, washable, and holds its shape well.

Needles and Notions

• Knitting Needles: US 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. You can use either straight needles or a 16-inch circular needle if you prefer magic loop for circular knitting.
• Stitch Marker: One removable stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and finishing.
• Scissors: For cutting yarn.

Gauge

20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Note: Exact gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension will help your coaster lay flat and look even.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This coaster is knitted flat from the center outward, using increases to create a circular shape. The lace pattern forms the "corona" of the eclipse, while the border is a simple garter stitch for stability. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful celestial coaster in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
• YO: Yarn over (increase, creates a hole)
• Sl1: Slip one stitch purlwise
• Psso: Pass slipped stitch over
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Getting Started: The Center (Color A)

Step 1: Cast On
Using Color A (warm gold), CO 8 stitches. Leave a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in later.

Step 2: Join in the Round
If using a circular needle or double-pointed needles, join in the round, being careful not to twist your stitches. Place a stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round. If you're using straight needles, you'll be working back and forth, but for this pattern, working in the round is recommended for a seamless circular shape. Alternatively, you can use the magic loop method with a long circular needle.

Step 3: Increase Rounds
Work the following increase rounds to expand your circle. Each round will add 8 stitches, creating a flat, even disc.

• Round 1: K all 8 stitches.
• Round 2: (K1, YO) around – you will now have 16 stitches.
• Round 3: K all 16 stitches.
• Round 4: (K2, YO) around – 24 stitches.
• Round 5: K all 24 stitches.
• Round 6: (K3, YO) around – 32 stitches.
• Round 7: K all 32 stitches.
• Round 8: (K4, YO) around – 40 stitches.
• Round 9: K all 40 stitches.
• Round 10: (K5, YO) around – 48 stitches.
• Round 11: K all 48 stitches.
• Round 12: (K6, YO) around – 56 stitches.
• Round 13: K all 56 stitches.
• Round 14: (K7, YO) around – 64 stitches.
• Round 15: K all 64 stitches.

Tip: As you work these increase rounds, you'll notice the circle growing. Keep your tension even to avoid ruffling or puckering. If your circle starts to wave, your tension may be too loose; if it cups, it may be too tight.

Lace Corona (Switch to Color B)

Now it's time to introduce the deep charcoal yarn (Color B) to create the lace pattern that mimics the sun's corona. Cut Color A, leaving a 6-inch tail, and join Color B at the beginning of the next round.

Step 4: Lace Pattern Rounds
The lace pattern is worked over 8 stitches. You'll alternate between decrease rounds and plain knit rounds to create the eyelet pattern.

• Round 16: (K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO) around – still 64 stitches. This round creates a series of paired decreases and yarn overs that form the lace holes.
• Round 17: K all 64 stitches.
• Round 18: (K1, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K1) around – still 64 stitches. Notice how the pattern shifts slightly, creating a staggered lace effect.
• Round 19: K all 64 stitches.
• Round 20: (K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO) around – 64 stitches.
• Round 21: K all 64 stitches.
• Round 22: (K1, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K1) around – 64 stitches.
• Round 23: K all 64 stitches.

Understanding the lace: The K2tog decreases are paired with YO increases, so your stitch count stays the same. The YO creates a small hole, and the K2tog leans to the right, creating a beautiful, airy texture. If you prefer a left-leaning decrease, you can substitute SSK (slip, slip, knit) for some of the K2tog stitches, but for this pattern, K2tog keeps things simple and consistent.

Border (Color B)

Now we'll shape the coaster by decreasing stitches to create a gentle curve and a stable, finished edge. The border is worked in garter stitch (knit every round), which creates a bumpy, textured edge that lies flat.

Step 5: Decrease Rounds
Work the following decrease rounds. Each round will reduce your stitch count by 8, gradually pulling the coaster into its final circular shape.

• Round 24: (K8, K2tog) around – 56 stitches.
• Round 25: K all 56 stitches.
• Round 26: (K7, K2tog) around – 48 stitches.
• Round 27: K all 48 stitches.
• Round 28: (K6, K2tog) around – 40 stitches.
• Round 29: K all 40 stitches.
• Round 30: (K5, K2tog) around – 32 stitches.
• Round 31: K all 32 stitches.
• Round 32: (K4, K2tog) around – 24 stitches.
• Round 33: K all 24 stitches.
• Round 34: (K3, K2tog) around – 16 stitches.
• Round 35: K all 16 stitches.
• Round 36: (K2, K2tog) around – 12 stitches.
• Round 37: K all 12 stitches.
• Round 38: (K1, K2tog) around – 8 stitches.
• Round 39: K all 8 stitches.

Step 6: Finishing the Top
Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass the needle through all 8 remaining stitches. Pull tight to close the center hole completely. Secure with a knot and weave in the end.

Finishing Touches

Step 7: Weave in All Ends
Using your tapestry needle, weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the coaster. Be sure to weave in the tail from your cast-on edge, the Color A tail where you switched to Color B, and the final tail. Weave in at least 2-3 inches to ensure the ends don't come loose with use.

Step 8: Blocking
Blocking is essential for this pattern to open up the lace and give your coaster a crisp, professional edge. Here's how:

1. Fill a sink or bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of mild soap (like wool wash or dish soap).
2. Submerge your coaster and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
3. Gently squeeze out excess water – do not wring or twist, as this can distort the knitting.
4. Lay the coaster flat on a clean towel and roll it up to remove more water.
5. Place the coaster on a blocking mat or a dry towel. Use rust-proof pins to pin it into a perfect circle, stretching gently to open up the lace pattern.
6. Let it dry completely, usually 24 hours. Once dry, remove the pins and enjoy your beautiful, perfectly shaped coaster.

Tips for Success

• Consistent Tension: Keep your yarn tension even throughout, especially during the increase and decrease rounds. This ensures a flat, even circle.
• Count Your Stitches: After each round, count your stitches to make sure you haven't accidentally added or dropped any. This is especially important during the lace rounds.
• Use Stitch Markers: If you're working with double-pointed needles, place markers between each needle to keep track of your rounds.
• Practice the Lace: If you're new to lace knitting, practice the K2tog and YO stitches on a small swatch first. It's easier to learn on a flat piece before working in the round.
• Make a Set: This pattern is so quick and enjoyable that you'll want to make a full set of four or six coasters for your table. They also make wonderful handmade gifts.

Creative Variations

Once you've mastered the Eclipse of the Heart Coaster, feel free to experiment with different color combinations. Try a deep burgundy center with a cream lace border for a romantic look, or a sky blue center with a navy border for a more subtle celestial theme. You can also use a lighter weight yarn and smaller needles for a daintier coaster, or a bulky yarn for a chunky, modern look.

This pattern is truly versatile and forgiving – even if your coaster isn't perfectly circular, it will still look beautiful and functional. The combination of solid knitting, lace, and garter stitch makes it an excellent project for practicing new skills while creating something useful and decorative.

We hope you enjoy knitting your Eclipse of the Heart Coaster! Share your finished projects with us on social media using the hashtag #EclipseOfTheHeartCoaster. Happy knitting!