The Ember Glow Pumpkin Potholder: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Autumn Kitchen Accent
Bring the Harvest Home: The Ember Glow Pumpkin Potholder
This isn't your grandmother's potholder; it's a sculptural, three-dimensional pumpkin with a rich, heathered texture that brings the cozy spirit of harvest season to your kitchen. Crafted with thick, heat-resistant cotton, it's both a functional tool and a stunning piece of autumnal decor. Whether you're an experienced crocheter or a confident beginner looking for a rewarding project, this pattern will guide you through creating a beautiful, textured pumpkin potholder that will be the star of your fall kitchen.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted weight, 100% mercerized cotton) in 'Terracotta' (MC) and 'Toasted Almond' (CC) - 1 skein each
- Hook: Size G (4.0 mm) crochet hook
- Other: Tapestry needle, polyester fiberfill, 6-inch square of heat-resistant batting (like Insul-Bright), scissors
- Gauge: 16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pumpkin Body (Make 2 identical pieces)
Note: Work in continuous rounds (spiral) without joining unless specified. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the beginning of each round.
Round 1: With MC, make a magic ring, ch 1, work 6 sc into ring. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Round 3: *Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 4: *Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 5: *Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 6: *Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 7: *Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 8: *Sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (48 sts)
Round 9: *Sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (54 sts)
Round 10: *Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (60 sts)
Round 11: *Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (66 sts)
Round 12: *Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st* repeat around. (72 sts)
Rounds 13-20: Sc in each st around. (72 sts) - This creates the flat, circular body.
Round 21: *Sc in next 10 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (66 sts)
Round 22: *Sc in next 9 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (60 sts)
Round 23: *Sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (54 sts)
Round 24: *Sc in next 7 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (48 sts)
Round 25: *Sc in next 6 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (42 sts)
Round 26: *Sc in next 5 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (36 sts)
Round 27: *Sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (30 sts)
Round 28: *Sc in next 3 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (24 sts)
Round 29: *Sc in next 2 sts, sc2tog* repeat around. (18 sts)
Round 30: *Sc in next st, sc2tog* repeat around. (12 sts)
Round 31: Sc2tog around. (6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the pumpkin firmly with polyester fiberfill before closing the final hole. Weave the tail through the front loops of the last 6 sts and pull tight to close.
Ribbing (to create pumpkin segments)
With MC, using a tapestry needle and the long tail from the center of one pumpkin piece, sew a straight line from the center top to the center bottom, pulling tight to create a deep crease. Repeat this 5 more times, evenly spaced around the pumpkin, to create 6 distinct segments.
Stem
With CC, ch 6.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and across. (5 sts)
Rows 2-5: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. (5 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Sew the stem to the top center of the pumpkin.
Vine (optional)
With CC, ch 15.
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and across. Fasten off. Sew the vine to the base of the stem, curling it slightly.
Hanging Loop
With MC, ch 12. Sl st to first ch to form a ring. Fasten off. Sew the loop to the top of the pumpkin, near the stem.
Assembly
Place the two pumpkin pieces together with wrong sides facing. Using MC and a tapestry needle, whip stitch the edges together, leaving a 3-inch opening. Turn right side out. Insert a 6-inch square of heat-resistant batting (like Insul-Bright) inside for extra protection. Continue whip stitching closed. Weave in all ends.
Your Ember Glow Pumpkin Potholder is now complete! Display it proudly in your kitchen or give it as a thoughtful handmade gift. Happy crocheting!
