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Jan 28, 2014

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.

6 comments:

  1. What a great idea! I never thought to knit a coaster. And this one looks so pretty - and quick!

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  2. This is wonderful, thank you for sharing!

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  3. Looks like fun, I plan to start making some tonight.Thank you!

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  4. Thanks for the pattern. I'm going to make some!! Happy New Year!!

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  5. Oh i love these! So simple and basic, but fun and quick! I think i'd like to make some of these for my coffee table :)

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Thanks for stopping by! I read and enjoy each and every comment. If you have questions, share those too, and I'll do my best to respond.
-b