Pattern | Double Luck Mug Mat

There are many reasons to love Chinese New Year, not the least of which is the fact it offers a second chance to start the year on a fresh footing.

This year Chinese New Year is January 31, which is earlier than usual. Historically, the holiday marked the beginning of the growing season, so people around the world connect it with growth, opportunity and good luck. 

To celebrate the occasion, it’s traditional to give money in red envelopes because the color attracts good fortune and boosts its positive effects.

With that in mind, I’m sharing this fast coaster and mug mat pattern. 

I can’t offer any guarantees, but this small, quick knit is packed with positive elements: The color red attracts lucky energy. The shape is created solely with increases to symbolize growth. The seed stitch represents opportunity. 

And because it’s reversible, I like to believe all your good fortune will be doubled.

Double Luck Mug Mat

Yarn Used: Four Seasons (Classic Elite)

Weight: Worsted

Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm)

Yardage: 20-30 yards each

Size: 4.5 x 4.5 ins

Combining the seed stitch with centered increases can be a tad tricky, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it.

Just keep these basics in mind:

• On all rows, the first and last stitch are edge stitches and not part of the seed stitch pattern.
• On the RS, the stitch after the center marker creates the main rib that travels up the center.
• On the WS, always purl the stitch that immediately precedes the center marker.
• On WS rows, you may occasionally work 2 or 3 purl stitches in sequence near the center.

Where the directions say *(kp)*, read your knitting: Knit the purl stitches and purl the knit stitches. Remember, the edge stitches are not part of the seed stitch sequence, but they help create a more finished look.                                                                                                                                                                         

Setup

CO: 3 stitches

(RS) Row 1: Ktbl; kfb, kfb (5 sts)

Row 2: Ktbl; p3; sl 1 pwise wyif

Row 3: Ktbl; kfb, kfb; p1; sl 1 pwise wyif (7 sts)

Row 4: Ktbl; p1, k1, p1; pm; k1, p1; end sl 1 pwise wyif

As a reminder to execute the increases, designate the RS with a clip, yarn, whatever works.

Body

Execute following sequence 15 times:

Row 5: Ktbl; *(kp)*; kfb, sl marker, kfb; *(kp)*; end sl 1 pwise wyif

Row 6: Ktbl; *(kp)*; always purl stitch before marker, sl marker; *(kp)*; end sl 1 pwise wyif

Finish

BO (RS): Ktbl; *slip st to left needle, k2 tog tbl*; end k3tog tbl

Pull yarn through loop.

Weave ends.

If desired, wet block or steam lightly. Pin points to create a crisp square.

A set of four matching coasters in red used one full skein (90-100 yards), and there are plenty of partials in my stash that would suit this pattern perfectly.

It took quite a bit of research and experimentation to figure out how to preserve the strong center rib and get the seed stitch to work. I’ve knit (and ripped and reknit) these little coasters multiple times to try make this as easy as possible for you, but if you have questions, just let me know.

Whether you're making them for yourself or someone else, they're a fast and easy way to use up a lone skein of yarn you don't know what to do with. A colorful mix-and-match set from various partial skeins would be equally charming.

This is a quick knit, so relax and have fun. Meanwhile, let me be the first to say, may all your good luck be doubled this and every year.


Note: The Setup directions were modified July 3, 2014.