5. Easy DIY Fringe Coaster Mat
Introduction
Mugs and cold tumblers deserve an aesthetic landing pad. A flat-knotted macrame mug coaster is an easy, durable home accessory that kids can craft in an afternoon while mastering flat Square Knot matrices.
What This Idea Means
This piece introduces multi-row flat weaving. Kids learn how adjacent square knots weave together to form a solid, flat textile surface that lays flat on a desk without curling.
[ Top Tassel Fringe: 4cm ]
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| [SK] [SK] [SK] [SK] | Row 1
| [SK] [SK] [SK] | Row 2 (Alternating)
| [SK] [SK] [SK] [SK] | Row 3
| [SK] [SK] [SK] | Row 4 (Alternating)
| [SK] [SK] [SK] [SK] | Row 5
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[ Bottom Tassel Fringe: 4cm ]
What You Need
- 6 lengths of 4mm single-strand cotton cord (100cm each)
- 1 holding cord (40cm long)
- Painter’s tape
- Scissors and slicker comb
How to Make It
- Tape the 40cm holding cord horizontally across your work surface.
- Mount all 6 long cords onto the horizontal holding cord using Lark’s Head knots, giving you 12 working strands.
- Row 1: Tie three consecutive Square Knots across the 12 strands (each Square Knot uses 4 strands).
- Row 2: Skip the first 2 outer strands on the far left. Tie two Square Knots using the next 8 middle strands. Leave the remaining 2 outer strands on the far right unknotted.
- Row 3: Pick up all strands again and tie three Square Knots across, echoing Row 1.
- Continue alternating Rows 1 and 2 until you have completed 8 to 10 rows and your coaster forms a square surface.
- Untape the horizontal holding cord and tie a tight overhand finishing knot at both side ends.
- Trim all top, bottom, and side fringe tails to an even 3cm length.
- Comb out the fringed perimeter thoroughly and trim the edges with sharp scissors for a neat, fluffy border.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Keep knot tension uniform throughout. Pulling some knots tighter than others causes the coaster to bow or warp.
- Variation: Use unbleached natural cord for the central field and weave in colored strands for the outer edges to create a contrasting framed border.
