purlJam

# The Cheeky Cat Coaster

A charming little square coaster with two pointy kitty ears at the top corners and an embroidered face. Worked entirely in garter stitch, this is a perfect first project for new knitters — and a lovely handmade gift. Make a whole litter in different colours!

**Finished size:** Approximately 11 cm × 11 cm (4¼" × 4¼") square body, plus 2 cm (¾") ears.

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## Materials

- **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Aran) yarn in your chosen cat colour (grey, ginger, black, cream, etc.) — approximately 15–20 m (16–22 yds) per coaster. Cotton or a cotton blend is recommended for absorbency.
- **Small amounts** of contrasting yarn or embroidery thread for the face (pink for the nose, black or dark colour for eyes and whiskers).
- **Needles:** 4.5 mm (UK 7 / US 7) straight or double-pointed needles.
- **Notions:** Tapestry needle, embroidery needle, scissors.

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## Tension (Gauge)

20 sts × 40 rows = 10 cm (4") square in garter stitch on 4.5 mm needles.

*Tension is not critical for a coaster, but a slightly firm fabric is preferable so it sits flat under a mug. Go down a needle size if your fabric feels loose.*

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## Abbreviations (UK)

- **k** — knit
- **k2tog** — knit two stitches together (one stitch decreased)
- **ssk** — slip, slip, knit the two slipped stitches together (one stitch decreased)
- **st(s)** — stitch(es)
- **RS** — right side
- **WS** — wrong side
- **rep** — repeat

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## Pattern Notes

- The coaster is worked flat from the bottom edge upwards in garter stitch (knit every row).
- After the square body, the work is split to form two triangular ears, each worked separately.
- The face is added at the end with simple embroidery.
- Garter stitch is reversible, but the side facing you when you start the ears will be considered the RS.

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## Instructions

### Body (Square)

Using 4.5 mm needles and main colour, cast on **22 sts**.

**Rows 1–44:** Knit every row. *(22 sts; 22 garter ridges formed.)*

*Check: 22 sts ÷ 2 sts per cm = 11 cm wide ✓. 44 rows ÷ 4 rows per cm = 11 cm tall ✓.*

Do not break yarn. With RS facing, you are now ready to shape the ears.

### Right Ear

**Row 1 (RS):** K6, then turn your work, leaving the remaining 16 sts on the needle (or on a stitch holder if you prefer). You will work on these 6 sts only. *(6 sts)*

**Row 2 (WS):** Knit.

**Row 3 (RS):** K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. *(4 sts decreased to... wait — 6 − 2 = 4 sts)* *(4 sts)*

**Row 4 (WS):** Knit.

**Row 5 (RS):** Ssk, k2tog. *(2 sts)*

**Row 6 (WS):** K2tog. *(1 st)*

Break yarn, leaving a 10 cm tail, and pull through the remaining stitch to fasten off.

### Centre Bind-Off

With RS facing, rejoin yarn to the remaining 16 sts.

**Next row (RS):** Cast off 10 sts (one stitch remains on the right needle), knit to end. *(6 sts on needle for left ear)*

### Left Ear

**Row 1 (WS):** Knit. *(6 sts)*

**Row 2 (RS):** K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. *(4 sts)*

**Row 3 (WS):** Knit.

**Row 4 (RS):** Ssk, k2tog. *(2 sts)*

**Row 5 (WS):** K2tog. *(1 st)*

Break yarn, leaving a 10 cm tail, and pull through the remaining stitch to fasten off.

*Stitch count check: 6 (right ear) + 10 (cast-off centre) + 6 (left ear) = 22 sts ✓.*

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## Finishing

1. **Weave in ends** on the wrong side using a tapestry needle. Trim closely.

2. **Block lightly.** Pin the coaster flat to its measurements (11 cm × 11 cm square body with two pointed ears) and steam gently or spritz with water. Allow to dry completely. This step really helps the corners and ears sit neatly.

3. **Embroider the face** using the contrast yarn or embroidery thread. Position the face on the upper half of the square, just below the ears:

   - **Eyes:** Two French knots or small satin-stitched ovals in black, spaced about 2.5 cm (1") apart.
   - **Nose:** A small pink triangle in satin stitch, centred about 1 cm below the eyes.
   - **Mouth:** Two small straight stitches forming a tiny "w" shape beneath the nose.
   - **Whiskers (optional):** Three short straight stitches on each side of the nose.

4. **Optional:** Sew a small loop of yarn to the back if you'd like to hang one as a decoration.

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## Tips for Beginners

- **Keep your tension even** — if your edge stitches look loose, try slipping the first stitch of every row purlwise for a tidier edge (this will slightly reduce row count, so add 2 extra rows to compensate).
- **Garter stitch counts in ridges:** every two rows = one visible ridge. 44 rows = 22 ridges.
- **Make a set of four** in different cat colours for a delightful housewarming gift.

Happy knitting! 🐱