Little Ladders Coasters

Little Ladders Coasters. Er, coaster...

I suppose I should begin this post with a clarification; despite the fact that I called it "Little Ladder Coasters," I only actually knit one (the yarn is leftover from the Mirage Cowl, in case you're wondering. And I could have knit many, many more). Anyway, it turns out that knitting with a new baby is not easy, and one single coaster has now become an entire week's worth of knitting. Luckily, one is all you need if you're drinking alone!

Some pattern detail... with terrible color! Whoops.

Yarn: Regia Angora Merino (65% New Wool, 25% Polyamide, 10% Angora; 219 yards [200 meters]/50 grams); #7080 Fuchsia - one skein (color A) & #7083 Teal - one skein (color B)

Needles: Straight needles in size 2

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 30 stitches = 4 inches

Using your color A yarn, cast on 30 stitches loosely. Then, we'll work the following set-up rows:

Set-up Rows 1 - 3: using color A, * k1, p1; rep from *

Set-up Row 4: using color B, knit

Set-up Row 5: using color B, k1, purl until there is one stitch left in row, k1

Set-up Row 6: using color A, k1, * k2, slip 2 wyib (with yarn in back) *; end k1

Set-up Row 7: using color A, k1, * slip 2 wyif (with yarn in front), p2 *; end k1

Set-up Row 8: using color B, k1, * slip 2 wyib, k2 *; end k1

Set-up Row 9: using color B, k1, * p2, slip 2 wyif *; end k1

And after knitting these nine rows, it's time to move on to the main pattern, which goes as follows:

Row 1: using color A, k1, * k2, slip 2 wyif *; end k1

Row 2: using color A, k1, * slip 2 wyif, p2 *; end k1

Row 3: using color B, k1, * slip 2 wyib, k2 *; end k1

Row 4: using color B, k1, * p2, slip 2 wyif *; end k1

Rows 5 - 8: repeat rows 1 - 4

Rows 9 - 10: repeat rows 1 - 2

Row 11: using color B, k1, * slip 2 wyif, k2 *; end k1

Row 12: using color B, k1, * p2, slip 2 wyif *; end k1

Row 13: using color A, k1, * k2, slip 2 wyib*; end k1

Row 14: using color A, k1, * slip 2 wyif, p2 *; end k1

Rows 15 - 18: repeat rows 11 - 14

Rows 19 - 20: repeat rows 11 - 12

Knit rows 1 - 20 and then knit rows 1 - 19. As you'll notice, the tail for your color B yarn is now on the left side of the piece, when you're looking at it from the right side. Leaving that tail where it is, transfer work to your other needle, since you'll be working from the right side, using your color A yarn, for the next row. And here's what the edging rows will look like:

Edging Row 1: using color A, knit

Edging Row 2: using color A, k1, purl until there is one stitch left in row, k1

At this point, you'll once again need to transfer your knitting to your other needle, in order to work from the color B tail. The color A tail can also be clipped, since you're done with it for now.

Edging Row 3: using color B, purl

Edging Rows 4 - 6: using color B, * k1, p1 *

Bind off loosely in pattern. And now, all we have to do is add the edging on the two raw sides of the piece. Starting with your color A edge and your color B yarn, then, pick up 35 stitches evenly along the raw edge of your piece. Then, work the following rows:

Side Edge Rows 1 & 3: p1, * k1, p1 *

Side Edge Row 2: k1, * p1, k1 *

Repeat the same process on the other side, with the other color. Tuck in ends and block. Oh, and make some more coasters, if you're expecting company.

Proof your new coasters will support the weight of even your kitschiest mug.