The Nordic Glow Star Coaster Set Free Pattern – A Knitted Winter Constellation

Bring the quiet magic of a starry winter night to your table with these knitted coasters, each one a textured star with a soft, heathered gradient. This stash-busting project uses small amounts of yarn in three cozy shades to create a set of celestial, practical decor. Whether you're looking for a quick handmade gift, a festive addition to your holiday table, or a satisfying weekend project, these Nordic-inspired coasters are the perfect choice. The slipped-stitch technique creates a dimensional, woven star that feels as beautiful as it looks.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project is wonderfully portable and uses minimal yarn, making it ideal for using up scraps from your stash.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in three colors:
  • Color A: Deep Forest Green (approximately 20g)
  • Color B: Warm Oatmeal (approximately 20g)
  • Color C: Burnt Ember (approximately 20g)
  Note: This total is enough for a set of 4 coasters.
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles (or size needed to obtain gauge)
• Notions: Stitch markers (4), tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (blocked). Gauge is important for achieving the correct 4-inch square size, but this is a forgiving pattern—slight variations will still yield beautiful coasters.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a square coaster with a raised, textured star motif in the center, surrounded by a simple garter stitch border. The star is worked in a contrasting color using a slipped-stitch technique that creates a woven, dimensional effect. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a stunning set of four coasters in no time.

Abbreviations

• K: knit
• P: purl
• K2tog: knit two stitches together
• Kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch (increase)
• Sl: slip stitch purlwise with yarn in back (unless otherwise noted)
• St(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Instructions (Make 4 coasters, one in each color combination)

Each coaster is worked flat, back and forth in rows. The pattern is identical for all four coasters, only the color placement changes. Pay close attention to the slipped stitches—they create the star pattern and should be slipped purlwise to keep the yarn tension even.

Coaster 1 (Green base, Oatmeal star)

1. Cast on: Cast on 30 stitches with Color A (Deep Forest Green).
2. Rows 1-4: Knit all stitches. This creates the garter stitch border at the bottom of the coaster.
3. Row 5 (RS): K5, place marker, K20, place marker, K5. You now have 5 border stitches on each side and 20 center stitches.
4. Row 6 (WS): K5, P20, K5. This establishes the stockinette center with garter borders.
5. Row 7 (RS): K5, switch to Color B (Warm Oatmeal): K1, *Sl1, K1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch before marker, K1, then K5 with Color B. You will have slipped 10 stitches and knit 10 stitches in the center section.
6. Row 8 (WS): K5, with Color B: P1, *Sl1, P1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch before marker, P1, K5. Important: Slip the same stitches as before, but now with yarn in front (purlwise).
7. Rows 9-10: Repeat Rows 7-8. This creates the first vertical bar of the star.
8. Row 11 (RS): K5, switch back to Color A: K20, K5.
9. Row 12 (WS): K5, P20, K5.
10. Row 13 (RS): K5, with Color B: K2, *Sl1, K1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches before marker, K2, K5. This shifts the star pattern by one stitch to create the diagonal arms.
11. Row 14 (WS): K5, with Color B: P2, *Sl1, P1* repeat from * to * until 2 stitches before marker, P2, K5.
12. Rows 15-16: Repeat Rows 13-14. This completes the second set of star arms.
13. Row 17 (RS): K5, switch to Color A: K20, K5.
14. Row 18 (WS): K5, P20, K5.
15. Row 19 (RS): K5, with Color B: K1, *Sl1, K1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch before marker, K1, K5. Same as Row 7—this returns to the center vertical bar.
16. Row 20 (WS): K5, with Color B: P1, *Sl1, P1* repeat from * to * until 1 stitch before marker, P1, K5.
17. Rows 21-22: Repeat Rows 19-20. This completes the star's center bar.
18. Row 23 (RS): K5, switch to Color A: K20, K5.
19. Row 24 (WS): K5, P20, K5.
20. Rows 25-28: Knit all stitches with Color A. This creates the garter stitch border at the top.
21. Bind off: Bind off loosely. Weave in ends. Block lightly to square.

Coaster 2 (Oatmeal base, Ember star)

Use Color B (Warm Oatmeal) as the base color and Color C (Burnt Ember) for the star. Follow the exact same stitch pattern as Coaster 1, substituting the colors accordingly.

Coaster 3 (Ember base, Green star)

Use Color C (Burnt Ember) as the base color and Color A (Deep Forest Green) for the star. Follow the exact same stitch pattern as Coaster 1.

Coaster 4 (Oatmeal base, Green star)

Use Color B (Warm Oatmeal) as the base color and Color A (Deep Forest Green) for the star. Follow the exact same stitch pattern as Coaster 1.

Finishing

Weave in all ends with a tapestry needle, being careful to secure them on the wrong side of the work. Gently wet-block each coaster to ensure they lie flat and the star motif is crisp and even. To wet-block, soak the coasters in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), roll in a towel to remove moisture, then pin to the desired 4-inch square shape and allow to dry completely.

Pro Tips for Perfect Coasters

• Yarn tension: When slipping stitches, keep the yarn loose enough to avoid puckering but tight enough to maintain an even gauge. The slipped stitches should lie flat against the fabric.
• Color changes: When switching colors, twist the yarns together at the color change to avoid holes. Carry the unused color loosely along the side of the work.
• Blocking is key: Don't skip the blocking step—it transforms the coasters, making the star pattern pop and ensuring perfectly square edges.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with your own color combinations to match your home decor or the season.

These Nordic Glow Star Coasters make wonderful handmade gifts, stocking stuffers, or a special treat for your own home. The combination of the textured star motif and the cozy winter palette creates a piece that's both functional and beautiful. Enjoy your knitting, and may your table glow with the warmth of a winter constellation!