The Salt & Thyme Herringbone Potholder: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Two-Tone Kitchen Essential
Introducing the Salt & Thyme Herringbone Potholder
Elevate your kitchen with this modern, two-tone potholder featuring a stunning herringbone-like rib stitch that provides excellent heat protection. The clever construction creates a thick, squishy fabric that's as beautiful as it is functional. This free knitting pattern is perfect for beginners looking to create a handmade kitchen essential that combines style with practicality. The textured herringbone pattern not only looks sophisticated but also adds extra insulation, making it a joy to use every day.
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream (or any worsted weight 100% cotton yarn): 1 skein each of 2 contrasting colors (approx 60 yards total). For the sample shown, we used a warm terracotta (Color A) and a soft oatmeal (Color B).
- Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
- Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming, scissors, stitch markers (optional)
- Gauge: 20 stitches x 28 rows = 4 inches in herringbone rib stitch (blocked). Gauge is important for achieving the correct size and density.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Pattern Notes
This pattern is worked flat in two halves, then seamed together for a double-thick potholder. The herringbone rib stitch is created by alternating slipped stitches and purls. The finished potholder measures approximately 7x7 inches.
Abbreviations
- CO: cast on
- K: knit
- P: purl
- sl1: slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn in back
- st(s): stitch(es)
- BO: bind off
- RS: right side
- WS: wrong side
First Half (Color A)
Cast On: With Color A, CO 30 stitches. Leave a 6-inch tail for weaving in later.
Row 1 (RS): K1, *sl1, K1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1. (You will end with a knit stitch.)
Row 2 (WS): P1, *P1, sl1; repeat from * to last stitch, P1. (You will end with a purl stitch.)
Row 3: K1, *K1, sl1; repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
Row 4: P1, *sl1, P1; repeat from * to last stitch, P1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece measures approximately 7 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row (Row 2 or Row 4).
Bind Off: BO all stitches loosely. Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull tail through the last loop to secure.
Second Half (Color B)
Work exactly as the first half using Color B. Cast on 30 stitches with Color B, then repeat Rows 1-4 until the piece measures 7 inches, ending with a WS row. Bind off loosely.
Finishing
Seaming: Place the two pieces together with wrong sides facing each other (right sides of both pieces facing outward). Using a tapestry needle and Color A, seam three sides together using a mattress stitch or whip stitch. Leave one short side open (this will be the top edge).
Turn Right Side Out: Carefully turn the potholder right side out through the open edge. The seamed edges will now be inside. Use a blunt tool (like a knitting needle) to gently push out the corners.
Close Final Side: Slip stitch the final side closed using Color A and a tapestry needle. Weave in all ends securely, trimming any excess yarn.
Optional Hanging Loop
With Color A, crochet a chain of 15 stitches. Slip stitch to join the ends into a loop. Attach the loop to one corner of the potholder by sewing it securely with a few stitches. Weave in ends.
Your Salt & Thyme Herringbone Potholder is now complete! Enjoy the beautiful texture and double-thick protection it brings to your kitchen.
