Whispering Autumn Maple Leaf Coasters Free Pattern – A Knitted Woodland Tribute

Bring the serene beauty of a forest floor to your table with these intricately textured maple leaf coasters, knitted in warm autumnal hues. Each leaf is a cozy, handmade tribute to the season, perfect for gifting or adding a touch of nature to your home. Whether you're sipping a warm cup of cider or hosting a fall gathering, these coasters will add a rustic, woodland charm to any setting.

This pattern is beginner-friendly and creates a flat, leaf-shaped coaster with a distinct central vein and gently scalloped edges. The stockinette stitch surface is smooth yet subtly textured, and the yarn-over increases form a beautiful vein running down the center of each leaf. Knit three coasters—one in each color—to create a stunning autumnal set that captures the essence of falling leaves.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors:
  • Burnt Orange (MC) – Main Color
  • Golden Yellow (CC1) – Contrast Color 1
  • Rust Red (CC2) – Contrast Color 2
• Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch (not critical for this project, but useful for consistency)
• Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a damp cloth for blocking

Note: Cotton yarn is recommended because it is durable, absorbent, and holds its shape well—perfect for coasters that will see daily use.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a flat, leaf-shaped coaster with a central vein and textured edges. Each coaster is knitted flat and then shaped with decreases. Follow the instructions carefully, and you'll have a beautiful set of maple leaf coasters in no time.

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 increase and a small hole, used for the central vein)
• St(s): Stitch(es)

Leaf Coaster (Make 3, one in each color)

Each coaster is worked flat, starting from the stem end and expanding outward with yarn-over increases, then shaping the leaf tip with decreases. The yarn overs create the central vein that runs down the middle of the leaf.

Foundation

CO 3 sts with your chosen color (MC for the first coaster).

Increase Section (Rows 1–18)

In this section, you will increase 2 stitches every right-side row by working a yarn over on either side of the center stitch. The center stitch is always the middle stitch of the row, and the yarn overs create the vein.

Row 1 (RS): K1, yo, K1, yo, K1. (5 sts)

Row 2 (WS): Purl all sts.

Row 3: K2, yo, K1, yo, K2. (7 sts)

Row 4: Purl all sts.

Row 5: K3, yo, K1, yo, K3. (9 sts)

Row 6: Purl all sts.

Row 7: K4, yo, K1, yo, K4. (11 sts)

Row 8: Purl all sts.

Row 9: K5, yo, K1, yo, K5. (13 sts)

Row 10: Purl all sts.

Row 11: K6, yo, K1, yo, K6. (15 sts)

Row 12: Purl all sts.

Row 13: K7, yo, K1, yo, K7. (17 sts)

Row 14: Purl all sts.

Row 15: K8, yo, K1, yo, K8. (19 sts)

Row 16: Purl all sts.

Row 17: K9, yo, K1, yo, K9. (21 sts)

Row 18: Purl all sts.

Tip: After Row 18, you should have 21 stitches on your needle. The center stitch (the 11th stitch) is the one you've been working yarn overs around—this forms the central vein.

Shape the Leaf (Rows 19–37)

Now you will decrease 2 stitches on every right-side row to taper the leaf to a point. The decreases are placed 1 stitch in from each edge, which creates the gently scalloped leaf edges.

Row 19 (RS): K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (19 sts)

Row 20 (WS): Purl all sts.

Row 21: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (17 sts)

Row 22: Purl all sts.

Row 23: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (15 sts)

Row 24: Purl all sts.

Row 25: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (13 sts)

Row 26: Purl all sts.

Row 27: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (11 sts)

Row 28: Purl all sts.

Row 29: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (9 sts)

Row 30: Purl all sts.

Row 31: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (7 sts)

Row 32: Purl all sts.

Row 33: K1, SSK, K to last 3 sts, K2tog, K1. (5 sts)

Row 34: Purl all sts.

Row 35: K1, SSK, K2tog, K1. (3 sts)

Row 36: Purl all sts.

Row 37: SSK, K1, pass slipped stitch over. (1 st)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last stitch and weave in the ends using a tapestry needle.

Note: The "pass slipped stitch over" in Row 37 is a double decrease that brings the leaf to a single point. If you prefer, you can simply K3tog (knit three stitches together) instead—the result will be nearly identical.

Stem (Optional)

If you'd like to add a stem to your leaf, follow these instructions:

With CC2 (Rust Red), CO 5 sts. Knit 10 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). Bind off all stitches. Sew the stem to the base of the leaf (the cast-on edge) using a tapestry needle and matching thread.

Tip: The stem adds a charming detail and makes the coaster look even more like a real maple leaf. However, it's entirely optional—the coasters look beautiful either way.

Finishing

Block each leaf flat to enhance the shape and even out the stitches. There are two easy methods:

• Wet Blocking: Soak the coasters in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay flat on a towel. Shape each leaf with your fingers, pinning the edges if needed, and allow to dry completely.
• Steam Blocking: Place a damp cloth over the coaster and press with a warm iron (no steam) on low heat. Be careful not to stretch the fabric—just press gently to flatten.

Once dry, your maple leaf coasters are ready to use or gift!

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches after each increase row to ensure you're on track. The stitch count is provided in parentheses after each row.
• Keep your tension even—especially on the yarn overs—so the central vein is consistent and neat.
• Use stitch markers if you find it helpful to mark the center stitch during the increase section.
• Make all three coasters in the three colors for a complete set, or mix and match to suit your decor.

These Whispering Autumn Maple Leaf Coasters are a delightful weekend project that celebrates the beauty of fall. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just starting out, this pattern is straightforward and rewarding. The finished coasters make thoughtful handmade gifts for friends, family, or anyone who loves the cozy charm of autumn.

Happy knitting, and enjoy bringing a touch of the woodland to your home!