The Gilded Acorn Pot Holder: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Autumn-Inspired Kitchen Essential

The Gilded Acorn Pot Holder: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Autumn-Inspired Kitchen Essential

Elevate your kitchen with this charmingly textured pot holder, knitted to resemble a plump, golden acorn. Its thick, heat-resistant construction and whimsical design make it a delightful and functional addition to any home. This free pattern is perfect for intermediate beginners looking to add a touch of autumn coziness to their kitchen.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - Golden Yellow (approx 60 yds)
  • Contrast Color (CC) - Warm Brown (approx 30 yds)
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming, scissors
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• St(s): Stitch(es)
• MC: Main Color (Golden Yellow)
• CC: Contrast Color (Warm Brown)

Acorn Body (Make 1 with MC)

CO 25 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K1, *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.

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

Rows 3-20: Repeat Rows 1 and 2. (You will have a seed stitch rectangle).

Shape the top (acorn point)

Row 21 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1 (21 sts)

Row 22 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 23 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1 (17 sts)

Row 24 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 25 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog (13 sts)

Row 26 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 27 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1 (11 sts)

Row 28 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 29 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1 (9 sts)

Row 30 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 31 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog (7 sts)

Row 32 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 33 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1 (5 sts)

Row 34 (WS): P1, K1, P1, K1, P1 (5 sts)

Row 35 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1 (4 sts)

Row 36 (WS): P1, K2tog, P1 (3 sts)

Row 37 (RS): K2tog, P1 (2 sts)

Row 38 (WS): P2tog (1 st)

Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.

Acorn Cap (Make 1 with CC)

CO 25 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K1, *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.

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

Rows 3-6: Repeat Rows 1 and 2.

Shape the cap (to fit over the body)

Row 7 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1 (21 sts)

Row 8 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 9 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1 (17 sts)

Row 10 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 11 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog (13 sts)

Row 12 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 13 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1 (11 sts)

Row 14 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Row 15 (RS): K1, P1, K2tog, P1, K1, P1, K2tog, P1 (9 sts)

Row 16 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.

Bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing

1. Weave in all ends.
2. Place the acorn cap over the top (pointed end) of the acorn body. The cap should cover the top 1-1.5 inches of the body.
3. Using CC yarn and a tapestry needle, sew the cap to the body along the bottom edge of the cap, stitching through both layers.
4. For the hanging loop: Cut a 6-inch length of CC yarn. Fold in half and thread the loop through the top of the cap. Pull the ends through the loop and tighten.
5. Trim any loose yarn.

Note: For extra heat resistance, you can knit a second identical body piece and sew them together wrong sides facing, enclosing the cap between them.