Ember Ridge Chunky Potholder Free Pattern – A Knitted Bumpy Heat Shield

Transform your kitchen into a cozy, rustic haven with the Ember Ridge Chunky Potholder. This free knitting pattern creates a thick, bumpy seed stitch fabric that's naturally heat-resistant and wonderfully tactile. The deep terracotta and cream yarns work together in satisfying horizontal stripes, producing a squishy, protective square that looks as good as it performs. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or a curious beginner, this project is quick, rewarding, and perfect for adding a handmade touch to your modern farmhouse decor.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. This project uses super bulky yarn, so it knits up fast—ideal for a weekend make.

• Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (super bulky weight, category 6) – 1 skein each in 'Terracotta' (Color A) and 'Cream' (Color B).
• Needles: US 11 (8 mm) knitting needles.
• Extras: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and sewing the loop, scissors.
• Gauge: 10 stitches and 14 rows = 4 inches in seed stitch (blocked). Gauge is important for the final size, so check it before starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This pattern is worked flat in seed stitch, which creates a dense, bumpy fabric that provides excellent insulation. The hanging loop is knitted separately and attached at the end. Follow along carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, functional potholder in no time.

Finished Size & Abbreviations

• Finished Size: Approximately 8 inches square (after blocking).
• Abbreviations: CO (cast on), K (knit), P (purl), St(s) (stitch(es)), Rep (repeat), BO (bind off), RS (right side), WS (wrong side).

Pattern Notes

• Worked flat in seed stitch, which creates a dense, bumpy fabric that provides excellent insulation.
• The hanging loop is knitted as a separate piece and attached at the end.

Potholder Body

Follow the row-by-row instructions below. The seed stitch pattern alternates knit and purl stitches, creating that beautiful, textured bumpy surface.

Row 1 (RS): With Color A, CO 20 sts. Knit all sts.

Row 2 (WS): K1, *P1, K1; rep from * to end.

Row 3: P1, *K1, P1; rep from * to end.

Rows 4-5: Rep Rows 2-3.

Row 6: With Color B, K1, *P1, K1; rep from * to end.

Row 7: P1, *K1, P1; rep from * to end.

Rows 8-9: Rep Rows 6-7.

Rows 10-13: Rep Rows 2-5 with Color A.

Rows 14-17: Rep Rows 6-9 with Color B.

Rows 18-21: Rep Rows 2-5 with Color A.

Rows 22-25: Rep Rows 6-9 with Color B.

Rows 26-29: Rep Rows 2-5 with Color A.

Rows 30-33: Rep Rows 6-9 with Color B.

Rows 34-37: Rep Rows 2-5 with Color A.

Row 38: With Color B, K1, *P1, K1; rep from * to end.

Row 39: P1, *K1, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 40: With Color A, K1, *P1, K1; rep from * to end.

Row 41: P1, *K1, P1; rep from * to end.

Row 42: With Color A, BO all sts in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls). Weave in ends.

Hanging Loop

This small loop makes it easy to hang your potholder on a hook near the stove.

CO 6 sts with Color A. Knit every row (garter stitch) until the strip measures 5 inches long. BO all sts. Fold the strip in half to form a loop. Sew the two ends together securely to the top corner of the potholder on the wrong side.

Finishing

• Weave in all loose ends with your tapestry needle.
• Block the potholder gently to square it up, but do not stretch it too much to maintain the bumpy texture. Lay it flat to dry.

Your Ember Ridge Chunky Potholder is now complete! The dense seed stitch and chunky yarn create a protective barrier between you and hot pots and pans, while the earthy terracotta and cream stripes add a warm, handmade charm to your kitchen. Enjoy your beautiful, functional creation!