Ember Glow Hexagon Potholder Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Heat Shield

Transform your kitchen into a haven of handmade warmth with the Ember Glow Hexagon Potholder. This modern take on a classic kitchen essential features a plush hexagonal shape and a rich, autumnal color gradient that flows from deep burnt orange through golden yellow to a rich teal. Knitted in a thick cotton blend, this potholder offers both superior heat protection and a touch of artisanal charm to any cooking space. Whether you're an experienced knitter looking for a quick weekend project or a beginner eager to master short-row shaping, this free pattern will guide you through creating a functional piece of kitchen art.

The dense garter stitch fabric provides excellent insulation against hot pots and pans, while the hexagon shape offers a modern geometric aesthetic that stands out from traditional square potholders. The color transitions create a stunning gradient effect that evokes cozy autumn evenings and adds a pop of warmth to your kitchen decor. Best of all, this pattern is completely free and designed with clear, step-by-step instructions that make it accessible to knitters of all skill levels.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your Ember Glow Hexagon Potholder journey, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable knitting experience:

Yarn

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in 3 colors:
  • Color A: Burnt Orange (approximately 100g)
  • Color B: Golden Yellow (approximately 100g)
  • Color C: Deep Teal (approximately 100g)

Knitting Needles

• US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles – or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge

Additional Supplies

• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Crochet hook (optional, for creating the hanging loop)
• Scissors
• Stitch markers (optional, but helpful for tracking short rows)

Gauge

• 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Taking the time to check your gauge before starting will ensure your potholder comes out the perfect size. If your gauge is off, simply adjust your needle size accordingly – smaller needles for a tighter gauge, larger needles for a looser one.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This potholder is knitted flat in a hexagon shape using short rows and simple increases. The color changes create a beautiful gradient effect, and the garter stitch throughout produces a dense, heat-resistant fabric that's perfect for protecting your countertops and hands.

Abbreviations

• K: knit
• K2tog: knit two together (decrease)
• M1: make one (increase by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting into the back of it)
• Sl: slip stitch purlwise
• W&T: wrap and turn (wrap the next stitch, turn work, and on the next row, work the wrapped stitch together with its wrap to close the gap)

Getting Started: The Foundation

Row 1 (RS): With color A, cast on 3 stitches.
Row 2 (WS): Knit all stitches.
Row 3: K1, M1, K to end. (4 stitches)
Row 4: Knit all stitches.
Row 5: K1, M1, K to end. (5 stitches)
Row 6: Knit all stitches.
Row 7: K1, M1, K to end. (6 stitches)
Row 8: Knit all stitches.

You now have 6 stitches on your needle. This forms the starting point of your hexagon. The increases at the beginning of each right-side row create the first corner of your shape.

Short-Row Shaping: Creating the Hexagon Corners

Now we begin the short-row shaping that will form the distinctive hexagonal corners. Work in garter stitch throughout – this means you'll knit every row, regardless of whether it's a right side or wrong side row.

Row 9: K1, M1, K3, W&T. (7 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 10: K to end (working the wrap with the stitch).
Row 11: K1, M1, K4, W&T. (8 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 12: K to end.
Row 13: K1, M1, K5, W&T. (9 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 14: K to end.
Row 15: K1, M1, K6, W&T. (10 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 16: K to end.
Row 17: K1, M1, K7, W&T. (11 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 18: K to end.

You now have 11 stitches on your needle. The wrap and turn technique creates a smooth, seamless corner without holes. When you work the wrapped stitch on the following row, be sure to knit the wrap together with the stitch to close any gap.

Color Transition: Introducing Golden Yellow

It's time to switch to color B (Golden Yellow). Simply cut color A, leaving a 6-inch tail for weaving in later, and begin knitting with color B.

Row 19: K1, M1, K8, W&T. (12 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 20: K to end.
Row 21: K1, M1, K9, W&T. (13 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 22: K to end.
Row 23: K1, M1, K10, W&T. (14 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 24: K to end.
Row 25: K1, M1, K11, W&T. (15 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 26: K to end.

You now have 15 stitches. The golden yellow section is beginning to take shape, creating a beautiful transition between the burnt orange and the upcoming teal.

Final Color: Deep Teal

Switch to color C (Deep Teal), again leaving a tail for weaving in.

Row 27: K1, M1, K12, W&T. (16 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 28: K to end.
Row 29: K1, M1, K13, W&T. (17 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 30: K to end.
Row 31: K1, M1, K14, W&T. (18 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 32: K to end.
Row 33: K1, M1, K15, W&T. (19 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 34: K to end.

You now have 19 stitches on your needle. This is the widest point of your hexagon – the center of the shape. The teal section now dominates the middle, creating a beautiful contrast with the warm tones on either side.

Decreasing: Shaping the Other Side

Now we begin decreasing to shape the opposite side of the hexagon. This mirrors the increases we made earlier, creating a symmetrical shape.

Row 35: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (18 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 36: K to end.
Row 37: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (17 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 38: K to end.
Row 39: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (16 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 40: K to end.
Row 41: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (15 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 42: K to end.

You're now back to 15 stitches. Notice how the decreases are creating a mirror image of the increases – this is what gives the hexagon its perfect geometric shape.

Returning to Golden Yellow

Switch back to color B (Golden Yellow) for the next set of decreases.

Row 43: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (14 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 44: K to end.
Row 45: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (13 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 46: K to end.
Row 47: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (12 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 48: K to end.
Row 49: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (11 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 50: K to end.

You're back to 11 stitches. The golden yellow section is now complete on both sides, creating a beautiful symmetrical gradient.

Finishing with Burnt Orange

Switch back to color A (Burnt Orange) for the final decreases.

Row 51: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (10 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 52: K to end.
Row 53: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (9 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 54: K to end.
Row 55: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (8 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 56: K to end.
Row 57: K1, K2tog, K to last 2 stitches, W&T. (7 stitches, 1 wrapped)
Row 58: K to end.

Now we decrease without wrapping to finish the point of the hexagon:

Row 59: K1, K2tog, K to end. (6 stitches)
Row 60: Knit all stitches.
Row 61: K1, K2tog, K to end. (5 stitches)
Row 62: Knit all stitches.
Row 63: K1, K2tog, K to end. (4 stitches)
Row 64: Knit all stitches.
Row 65: K1, K2tog, K to end. (3 stitches)
Row 66: Knit all stitches.

Bind off all stitches. Weave in all loose ends using your yarn needle, being careful to secure them well so they don't come loose with use.

Finishing Touches: Creating the Hanging Loop

To create a hanging loop for your potholder, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut a 6-inch piece of yarn in any of the three colors (or a contrasting color for a fun accent).
2. Fold the yarn in half to create a loop.
3. Using a crochet hook or yarn needle, attach the loop to one corner of the hexagon.
4. Pull the ends through the loop and tighten to create a secure knot.
5. Trim any excess yarn.

Blocking Your Potholder

Blocking your potholder will help it lay flat and look its best. Here's how:

1. Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap.
2. Submerge your potholder and gently press it to ensure it's fully saturated.
3. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
4. Drain the water and gently press out excess moisture – do not wring or twist.
5. Lay the potholder flat on a clean towel and roll it up to remove additional water.
6. Place the potholder on a flat surface and gently shape it into a perfect hexagon.
7. Allow it to dry completely before using.

Your Ember Glow Hexagon Potholder is now complete! The dense garter stitch provides excellent heat protection, while the beautiful gradient of burnt orange, golden yellow, and deep teal adds a touch of autumn warmth to your kitchen. This potholder makes a wonderful gift for housewarmings, weddings, or any occasion where a handmade touch is appreciated.

Remember, practice makes perfect – don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't flawless. The wrap and turn technique takes a little practice to master, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be creating beautiful hexagon shapes with ease. Happy knitting!