The Tidal Lace Coaster Set Free Pattern – A Knitted Ocean-Inspired Doily Duo

Bring the serene rhythm of the shore to your table with these knitted lace coasters, featuring delicate wave motifs and a soft, sandy palette. Each coaster is a quick, meditative project that adds a touch of coastal elegance to any room. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a satisfying weekend project or a beginner ready to tackle your first lace pattern, this free pattern is designed to guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.

The Tidal Lace Coaster Set is more than just a practical accessory—it's a tiny piece of art. The repeating wave-like stitches, created with simple yarn overs and decreases, mimic the gentle ebb and flow of ocean water. Knitted in soft seafoam green and warm sand tones, these coasters will transform your coffee table into a coastal retreat. Best of all, they're quick to knit, use minimal yarn, and make thoughtful handmade gifts for housewarmings, weddings, or just because.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project is wonderfully portable—everything fits easily into a small project bag, making it perfect for knitting on the go.

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton) in two colors:
  • Color A (Seafoam): approximately 30 yards
  • Color B (Sand): approximately 30 yards

Note: Cotton yarn is ideal for coasters because it's absorbent, durable, and holds its shape beautifully. The worsted weight ensures your coaster is thick enough to protect surfaces while still showing off the delicate lace pattern.

Needles

• US Size 6 (4.0 mm) knitting needles—straight or circular, whichever you prefer. Circular needles can be helpful if you find straight needles uncomfortable for small projects.

Additional Supplies

• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Blocking mats and pins (optional but highly recommended for best results)

Gauge

• 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Gauge is not critical for this project, but consistent tension is key for lace. If your stitches are uneven, the lace pattern won't open up as beautifully. Take a moment to knit a small swatch and check your tension before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern creates a square coaster with a scalloped edge and a central wave lace pattern. Make two coasters, one in each color, or make a set of four alternating colors for a complete table setting. The instructions below are written for one coaster—simply repeat to make as many as you'd like.

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 eyelet hole in the fabric)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side

Getting Started: Cast On and Border

CO 30 stitches using your preferred method. A long-tail cast on works beautifully here, giving you a neat, stretchy edge that will complement the scalloped finish.

Border Rows: These four rows create a clean, garter-stitch border that frames the lace pattern and prevents curling.

• Row 1 (RS): K all stitches.
• Row 2 (WS): K all stitches.
• Row 3 (RS): K all stitches.
• Row 4 (WS): K all stitches.

The Lace Pattern (Worked Over 22 Rows)

Now we begin the heart of the pattern—the wave lace. This section is worked over 22 rows, with the pattern repeating across the width of the coaster. The combination of yarn overs and decreases creates the flowing wave motifs that give these coasters their name.

Row 5 (RS): K4, (K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K3) repeat 3 times, K3. (Total 30 stitches)

Let's break this down: Knit 4 stitches, then work the sequence in parentheses three times: knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 1, yarn over, slip slip knit, knit 3. After completing the sequence three times, knit the final 3 stitches.

Row 6 (WS): Purl all stitches.

This is a purl row, which creates the stockinette background that makes the lace holes stand out.

Row 7 (RS): K4, (K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K1) repeat 3 times, K3.

Notice how the pattern shifts slightly—the yarn overs are now separated by 3 knit stitches instead of 1, creating a diagonal movement in the lace.

Row 8 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 9 (RS): K4, (K2tog, YO, K5, YO, SSK) repeat 3 times, K3. (Note: the last repeat ends with SSK, then K3)

This row extends the wave further—the yarn overs are now separated by 5 knit stitches. The note reminds you that after the third repeat, you simply knit the final 3 stitches.

Row 10 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 11 (RS): K4, (K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, K1) repeat 3 times, K3.

Here's where the wave begins to curl back. The decreases now come before the yarn overs, creating a mirror image of the earlier rows.

Row 12 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 13 (RS): K4, (K2, YO, SSK, K2tog, YO, K2) repeat 3 times, K3.

The pattern continues to narrow, with 2 knit stitches between the yarn overs and decreases.

Row 14 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 15 (RS): K4, (K3, YO, SSK, K2tog, YO, K3) repeat 3 times, K3.

Now 3 knit stitches separate the yarn overs, completing the wave's return to its starting point.

Row 16 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 17 (RS): K4, (K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K3) repeat 3 times, K3.

This row repeats Row 5, beginning the second wave crest.

Row 18 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 19 (RS): K4, (K2tog, YO, K3, YO, SSK, K1) repeat 3 times, K3.

Repeats Row 7.

Row 20 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 21 (RS): K4, (K2tog, YO, K5, YO, SSK) repeat 3 times, K3.

Repeats Row 9.

Row 22 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Finishing Border and Bind Off

You've completed the lace section! Now we'll add the finishing border to mirror the beginning and create a balanced, polished look.

Row 23 (RS): K all stitches.

Row 24 (WS): K all stitches.

Row 25 (RS): K all stitches.

Row 26 (WS): K all stitches.

Bind off loosely knitwise on the RS. To bind off loosely, use a needle one size larger if needed, or simply keep your tension relaxed. A tight bind off will pull the edge in and distort the scalloped shape.

Finishing Touches

Weave in ends using your tapestry needle. Thread the yarn through the wrong side of the work, following the path of the stitches to hide it completely. Trim any excess yarn.

Block the coaster flat to open up the lace pattern and create a crisp, scalloped edge. This step is essential for lace knitting—it transforms the fabric from a scrunched-up mass of stitches into a beautiful, defined pattern.

To block: Soak the coaster in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap for 15-20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (never wring!). Lay the coaster flat on a blocking mat or towel. Using rust-proof pins, gently stretch the coaster to its full dimensions, pinning out the scalloped edges. Allow to dry completely before removing pins.

Tips for Success

• Count your stitches regularly. Lace patterns are forgiving, but a missed yarn over or decrease can throw off the entire pattern. After each RS row, count to ensure you still have 30 stitches.
• Use stitch markers. Place a marker after the first 4 stitches and before the last 3 stitches to clearly define the border. You can also place markers between each repeat of the pattern to help you keep your place.
• Read your knitting. As you become more comfortable with the pattern, you'll be able to "read" the stitches and know what comes next based on what you see in the row below.
• Make a set. These coasters are so quick to knit that you'll want to make a full set of four or six. They make wonderful gifts when tied with a ribbon and paired with a favorite tea or coffee.

Creative Variations

Once you've mastered the basic pattern, feel free to experiment:

• Color play: Try a gradient yarn for an ombré effect, or use a solid color for a more minimalist look.
• Size adjustment: To make a larger doily, cast on more stitches and add additional repeats of the lace pattern. Each repeat adds 8 stitches to the width.
• Yarn substitution: While cotton is ideal for coasters, you could use a linen blend for a more rustic feel or a bamboo yarn for extra softness.

We hope you enjoy knitting these Tidal Lace Coasters as much as we enjoyed creating the pattern for you. There's something deeply satisfying about watching the waves emerge from your needles, row by row. Whether you keep them for yourself or share them as gifts, these little squares of coastal serenity are sure to bring a smile to anyone who uses them.

Happy knitting, and may your stitches always be even and your yarn never tangle!