Fingerprint Coaster

A thick, absorbent garter-stitch coaster featuring a simple spiral of reverse-stockinette ridges that evoke a fingerprint whorl. Perfect beginner project—no shaping, no charts, just knits and purls.

Materials

• Worsted-weight yarn (approx. 35 yd / 32 m); sample uses 100% cotton or cotton-blend for absorbency and easy care
• US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Tapestry needle
• Scissors
• Optional: blocking pins and mat

Gauge

5 stitches and 10 rows = 1" (2.5 cm) in garter stitch (knit every row), blocked. Gauge is important for finished size and firm fabric; adjust needle size if needed.

Finished Size

One size: 4.5" × 4.5" (11.5 × 11.5 cm) square after blocking.

Abbreviations (US)

• CO: cast on
• k: knit
• p: purl
• st(s): stitch(es)
• RS: right side
• WS: wrong side
• rep: repeat

Pattern Notes

• Coaster is worked flat.
• Garter stitch (knit every row) creates a dense, reversible fabric ideal for coasters.
• The “fingerprint” is formed by a spiral of reverse-stockinette ridges: on RS rows you purl selected stitches to raise them; on WS rows you knit those same stitches so they stay raised.
• Keep an even tension when switching between k and p so the ridges sit neatly and the coaster remains flat.
• Cotton or cotton-blend worsted is recommended; acrylic works but is less absorbent.
• Stitch count remains 22 throughout.

Instructions

Cast on CO 22 sts.

Bottom border (garter) Rows 1–6: Knit all sts. (6 rows garter)

Fingerprint spiral section The spiral is built over 32 rows. Follow the row-by-row instructions exactly; the purl ridges travel inward then outward to suggest a fingerprint whorl.

Row 7 (RS): k3, p16, k3. Row 8 (WS): k3, k16, k3. (i.e., knit all) Row 9: k3, p1, k14, p1, k3. Row 10: k3, k1, p14, k1, k3. Row 11: k3, p2, k12, p2, k3. Row 12: k3, k2, p12, k2, k3. Row 13: k3, p3, k10, p3, k3. Row 14: k3, k3, p10, k3, k3. Row 15: k3, p4, k8, p4, k3. Row 16: k3, k4, p8, k4, k3. Row 17: k3, p5, k6, p5, k3. Row 18: k3, k5, p6, k5, k3. Row 19: k3, p6, k4, p6, k3. Row 20: k3, k6, p4, k6, k3. Row 21: k3, p7, k2, p7, k3. Row 22: k3, k7, p2, k7, k3. Row 23: k3, p8, k0 (no center knits), p8, k3. (i.e., k3, p16, k3) Row 24: k3, k16, k3. Row 25: k3, p7, k2, p7, k3. Row 26: k3, k7, p2, k7, k3. Row 27: k3, p6, k4, p6, k3. Row 28: k3, k6, p4, k6, k3. Row 29: k3, p5, k6, p5, k3. Row 30: k3, k5, p6, k5, k3. Row 31: k3, p4, k8, p4, k3. Row 32: k3, k4, p8, k4, k3. Row 33: k3, p3, k10, p3, k3. Row 34: k3, k3, p10, k3, k3. Row 35: k3, p2, k12, p2, k3. Row 36: k3, k2, p12, k2, k3. Row 37: k3, p1, k14, p1, k3. Row 38: k3, k1, p14, k1, k3.

(Inline check: after Row 38 you still have 22 sts ✓; spiral ridges have traveled in and begun to open again.)

Top border (garter) Rows 39–44: Knit all sts. (6 rows garter)

Bind off Bind off knitwise on RS. Cut yarn, leaving a 6" tail.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends securely on the WS with tapestry needle.
2. Block: Soak in lukewarm water, gently squeeze out excess (do not wring). Pin to exact 4.5" × 4.5" square on blocking mat and allow to dry completely. This sets the ridges and ensures a flat coaster.
3. Optional: For extra durability, work a round of single crochet (US) around the entire edge with the same yarn, or steam-block lightly if using acrylic.

Your fingerprint coaster is ready. Make a set in different colors for gifts or everyday use. Happy knitting!