purlJam

# Cheeky Cat Coaster

A small, sturdy garter-stitch coaster topped with two pointed kitty ears and finished with a mischievous embroidered face. Quick to knit, perfect for using up worsted-weight scraps, and an ideal first "shaped" project for beginners.

**Finished size:** approx. 10 cm × 10 cm (4" × 4") square body, plus 2 cm (¾") ears.

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran) yarn, approx. 15–20 m (16–22 yds) per coaster
  - MC (Main Colour) — cat body, e.g. grey, ginger or black
  - Small amounts of contrast colour for embroidery (pink for nose, black or white for eyes and whiskers)
- **Needles:** 4.5 mm (UK 7 / US 7) straight or double-pointed needles
- **Notions:**
  - Tapestry/darning needle
  - Scissors
  - Optional: small amount of stuffing or felt backing for sturdiness

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## Tension (Gauge)

**18 sts × 36 rows = 10 cm (4") square in garter stitch** on 4.5 mm needles, after light blocking.

Tension is not critical for fit, but affects finished size. A slightly tighter fabric makes a better coaster.

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## Abbreviations

- **k** – knit
- **p** – purl
- **st(s)** – stitch(es)
- **k2tog** – knit two stitches together (1 st decreased)
- **ssk** – slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (1 st decreased)
- **RS / WS** – right side / wrong side
- **MC** – main colour

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## Pattern Notes

- The coaster body is worked flat in garter stitch (knit every row).
- The two ears are worked separately at the top edge by picking up stitches and decreasing to a point.
- The face is embroidered after blocking — no intarsia or colourwork required.
- Garter stitch is reversible, so either side may be used as the RS. Choose the neater side for the face.

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## Instructions

### Body

With MC and 4.5 mm needles, **cast on 18 sts**.

Knit every row until work measures **10 cm (4")** from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row. This will be approximately **36 rows** (18 garter ridges).

*Stitch check: 18 sts on the needle.*

**Do not cast off.** Leave stitches live on the needle (or place on a holder) — you will use the live stitches plus the cast-on edge to position the ears.

### Left Ear

With RS facing and MC, knit the first **6 sts** from the left edge of the needle. Turn — leave the remaining 12 sts on hold (use a spare needle or stitch holder).

Work back and forth on these 6 sts only:

- **Row 1 (WS):** k6.
- **Row 2 (RS):** ssk, k2, k2tog. *(4 sts)*
- **Row 3 (WS):** k4.
- **Row 4 (RS):** ssk, k2tog. *(2 sts)*
- **Row 5 (WS):** k2tog. *(1 st)*

Cut yarn leaving a 15 cm tail. Pull through the remaining stitch and fasten off.

*Stitch check: 6 → 4 → 2 → 1. ✓*

### Right Ear

Return the held stitches to your needle if needed. With RS facing, rejoin MC and **cast off the middle 6 sts** loosely (this forms the gap between the ears). Knit the remaining **6 sts**.

Work back and forth on these 6 sts only:

- **Row 1 (WS):** k6.
- **Row 2 (RS):** ssk, k2, k2tog. *(4 sts)*
- **Row 3 (WS):** k4.
- **Row 4 (RS):** ssk, k2tog. *(2 sts)*
- **Row 5 (WS):** k2tog. *(1 st)*

Cut yarn leaving a 15 cm tail. Pull through the remaining stitch and fasten off.

*Maths check: 6 sts (left ear) + 6 sts (cast off centre) + 6 sts (right ear) = 18 sts total. ✓*

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## Finishing

### 1. Weave in ends
Using the tapestry needle, weave all yarn ends through the back of the garter ridges. Trim neatly.

### 2. Block
Pin the coaster flat to shape (10 cm × 10 cm body, with ears pointing up). Spray lightly with water and allow to dry completely. Blocking sharpens the ears and squares up the body.

### 3. Embroider the cheeky face

Position the face on the lower two-thirds of the square. Use the tapestry needle and contrast yarns.

- **Eyes:** With black (or white if your cat is dark), embroider two small slanted lines or "X" shapes about 3 cm apart, roughly 4 cm down from the base of the ears. For a cheekier look, work one eye as a wink (a single horizontal stitch).
- **Nose:** With pink, work a small triangle of 3–4 satin stitches in the centre, just below the eyes.
- **Mouth:** With black, embroider a tiny "w" shape below the nose using 3 short straight stitches.
- **Whiskers (optional):** With white or black, work 2–3 long straight stitches either side of the nose.

### 4. Optional backing
For extra sturdiness and grip, cut a square of felt slightly smaller than the coaster body and stitch to the back using whip stitch.

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## Making a Set

For a matching set of 4, repeat the pattern using different MC colours (e.g. ginger, grey, black, white) and vary the embroidered expressions — winking, grumpy, smug, surprised — for maximum cheekiness.

Enjoy your cheeky cat coasters! 🐾