Sun-Kissed Citrus Coaster Set Free Pattern – Knit Zesty Lemon Squares

Brighten your table with these cheerful knitted lemon squares, a quick and satisfying project that captures the essence of summer. Each coaster features a textured seed stitch center and a sunny yellow border, perfect for adding a pop of citrus charm to any room. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just picking up needles for the first time, this easy pattern is a delightful way to create handmade gifts or add a touch of seasonal decor to your home. The finished coasters are soft, slightly padded, and feature a charming embroidered lemon slice motif that will make your table feel fresh and inviting all year round.

Materials Needed

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

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in lemon yellow (MC) and white (CC), approximately 20 yards each per coaster. Cotton is ideal for coasters as it is absorbent and durable.
• Knitting Needles: US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles. Straight or circular needles both work fine.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and embroidery, scissors.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, but it ensures your coaster is the intended size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a 4-inch square coaster. Make as many as you like to create a full set! The instructions are broken down into manageable sections, including the border, the textured center, and the finishing touches.

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• MC: Main color (lemon yellow)
• CC: Contrast color (white)

Coaster (Make One)

Follow these instructions carefully to create one coaster. Repeat the entire process for each additional coaster you wish to make.

Step 1: Cast On
With MC, CO 20 sts. Leave a tail of about 6 inches for weaving in later.

Step 2: Create the Bottom Border
Rows 1-4: Knit all sts. This creates a garter stitch border, which will lie flat and frame your coaster beautifully.

Step 3: Begin the Center Section
Row 5 (RS): K3, P14, K3. This establishes the stockinette stitch center with a 3-stitch garter border on each side.

Row 6 (WS): K3, K14, K3. Knit all stitches across the row.

Step 4: Start the Seed Stitch Pattern
Row 7: K3, P1, (K1, P1) repeat across until 3 sts remain, K3. To break this down: knit the first 3 border stitches, then purl 1, then alternate knit 1, purl 1 across the next 14 stitches, and finish with the last 3 border stitches knit. This creates a lovely textured seed stitch pattern in the center.

Row 8: K3, K1, (P1, K1) repeat across until 3 sts remain, K3. Here, you knit the first 3 border stitches, then knit 1, then alternate purl 1, knit 1 across the next 14 stitches, and finish with the last 3 border stitches knit. This offset creates the seed stitch texture.

Step 5: Continue the Seed Stitch
Rows 9-24: Repeat Rows 7 and 8 alternately, maintaining the seed stitch pattern. You will have 8 seed stitch rows total. To keep track, you can count the "bumps" of the seed stitch; you should have 4 rows of bumps when you finish Row 24.

Step 6: Close the Center Section
Row 25: K3, P14, K3. This returns to the stockinette stitch center, mirroring Row 5.

Row 26: K3, K14, K3. Knit all stitches across the row, mirroring Row 6.

Step 7: Create the Top Border
Rows 27-30: Knit all sts. This creates the garter stitch border on the top, matching the bottom border.

Step 8: Bind Off
Bind off loosely in knit. To avoid a tight edge, use a larger needle to bind off if needed, or bind off loosely with your regular needle. Cut the yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail, and pull through the last loop.

Embroidery (Optional but Recommended)

This step adds the charming lemon slice motif that makes these coasters truly special. It's simple and adds a professional, polished finish.

Step 1: Create the Lemon Outline
Using CC (white) and a tapestry needle, embroider a circle of chain stitches in the center of the seed stitch area. The circle should be about 1 inch in diameter. To do a chain stitch, bring the needle up through the fabric, make a small loop, and secure it with a tiny stitch. Repeat around the circle.

Step 2: Add the Lemon Segments
Using MC (lemon yellow), add small straight stitches radiating from the center of the circle to the edge of the white circle. These stitches mimic the segments of a lemon slice. Space them evenly around the circle, like spokes on a wheel. You can add 6-8 segments for a classic lemon look.

Finishing

Step 1: Weave in Ends
Using your tapestry needle, carefully weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the coaster. This ensures your coaster is neat and durable.

Step 2: Block Gently
Block the coaster gently to shape. To block, wet the coaster with lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), and lay it flat on a towel. Shape it into a perfect square and allow it to dry completely. This will even out the stitches and give your coaster a professional finish.

Step 3: Repeat
Repeat the entire process for as many coasters as desired. A set of four or six makes a wonderful gift or a cheerful addition to your own home.

Enjoy your beautiful, handcrafted Sun-Kissed Citrus Coasters! They are perfect for summer gatherings, everyday use, or as a thoughtful handmade gift for a friend who loves citrus. Happy knitting!