Sophisticated Table Top Embellishments
This pattern for a linen stitch place mat and coaster are the one detail that really sets a tone for your dinner party. With the appearance of a woven fabric these place settings really add a touch of class to your dining room.
Placemat and coaster set.
Coaster
Materials
1 ball Red Heart Cordial Yarn in Natural (one ball makes up to five individual coasters)
1 size US 10.5 [6mm] straight or circular needle
1 tapestry needle
Cast on 16 stitches. Your first row will start on the wrong side. All stitches that are slipped throughout the pattern, are all slipped purl-wise.
Row 1: Slip 1, *Purl 1, bring yarn to back, Slip 1, bring yarn to front*. Repeat the stitches between the * until the end of the row.
Row 2: Slip 1, *Knit 1, bring yarn to front, Slip 1, bring yarn to back*. Repeat the stitches between the * until the end of the row.
Continue in pattern until the coaster is a square (approximately 4″). Weave in ends.
Close-up of linen stitch.
Place Mat
Materials
1 ball Red Heart Cordial Yarn in Natural
1 size US 10.5 [6mm] 16″ or longer circular needle
1 tapestry needle
Cast on 60 stitches and follow the exact same two rows as the coaster.
Row 1: Slip 1, *purl 1, bring yarn to back, slip 1, bring yarn to front*. Repeat the stitches between the * until the end of the row.
Row 2: Slip 1, *knit 1, bring yarn to front, slip 1, bring yarn to back*. Repeat the stitches between the * until the end of the row.
Continue in pattern until your place mat is approximately 12″ long, or desired length, weave in ends.
Placemat and coaster set together
A couple of things to note about this pattern. When bringing the yarn to the front and back, make sure to thread the yarn between the needles in order to prevent a yarn over. If you bring the yarn over your needle it will add an extra stitch to your next row and throw off your pattern.
A closeup of the linen stitch
When you’re putting the yarn in the front and slipping the stitch, your working yarn is simply wrapping around the stitch you’re slipping. That’s what gives this stitch its amazing pattern. It looks woven even though it’s actually knitted!
Elegant linen stitch used for placemat and coaster.
Your beautiful linen stitch place mats and coaster set will be the envy of the dinner party. The absolute best part about this pattern, the edges end up being perfectly flat, no rolling. This project is able to jump right off the needles and onto your dinner table.
4 comments
Whenever I see a post like this my mind goes “wow” – despite all my knitting experience. It’s so easy to forget how the most simple stitch can transform into something totally breathtaking simply by choosing a really chunky (or light) yarn and the right kind of material.
Thank you Norman, great observation! Thank you for sharing!
I have started a placemat and after 3-4 rows, I am thinking 60 stitches is making way too wide a placemat and I am using the specified yarn and needle – stitch tension looks good – what are the finished measurements of the placemat made from one skein of yard?
Hello Paulette! The placemat is 18″ wide and 12″ from top to bottom. What are your measurements turning out to be?