The Celestial Bloom Hot Pad: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Star-Shaped Trivet

The Celestial Bloom Hot Pad: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Star-Shaped Trivet

Elevate your kitchen with this stunning, star-shaped hot pad that combines the beauty of a celestial motif with the practicality of a thick, heat-resistant trivet. The intricate petal-like texture and rich, earthy color palette make it a unique and cherished handmade gift. This pattern is perfect for intermediate knitters looking to create a functional piece of art for their home.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) - Deep Teal (approx. 100 yards)
  • Contrast Color (CC) - Burnt Orange (approx. 50 yards)
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (or size to obtain gauge)
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch
• Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch markers (optional), polyester fiberfill (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Front Piece (Star Shape)

With MC, cast on 5 stitches.

Row 1 (WS): Purl all stitches.

Row 2 (RS): K1, (kfb) 4 times. (9 stitches)

Row 3: Purl all stitches.

Row 4: K1, (kfb) 8 times. (17 stitches)

Row 5: Purl all stitches.

Row 6: K1, (kfb) 16 times. (33 stitches)

Row 7: Purl all stitches.

Row 8: K1, (kfb) 32 times. (65 stitches)

Row 9: Purl all stitches.

Row 10: K1, (kfb) 64 times. (129 stitches)

Row 11: Purl all stitches.

Now shape the points of the star. You will work 5 points, each using a portion of the stitches. The remaining stitches will be left on the needle or placed on stitch holders until needed.

Point 1

Row 12 (RS): K1, ssk, k21, k2tog, k1. (25 stitches)

Row 13: Purl all stitches.

Row 14: K1, ssk, k17, k2tog, k1. (21 stitches)

Row 15: Purl all stitches.

Row 16: K1, ssk, k13, k2tog, k1. (17 stitches)

Row 17: Purl all stitches.

Row 18: K1, ssk, k9, k2tog, k1. (13 stitches)

Row 19: Purl all stitches.

Row 20: K1, ssk, k5, k2tog, k1. (9 stitches)

Row 21: Purl all stitches.

Row 22: K1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1. (5 stitches)

Row 23: Purl all stitches.

Row 24: K1, ssk, k2tog, k1. (3 stitches)

Row 25: Purl all stitches.

Row 26: K1, k2tog. (2 stitches)

Row 27: K2tog. (1 stitch)

Cut yarn and pull through last stitch.

Point 2

Rejoin yarn to the next 25 stitches on the needle (from the remaining stitches). Repeat rows 12-27 for Point 2.

Point 3, 4, and 5

Repeat for the remaining three points, each time rejoining yarn to the next 25 stitches.

Back Piece

With CC, cast on 5 stitches and repeat rows 1-11 of the front piece. Then, bind off all stitches loosely.

Finishing

1. Block both pieces to the same shape and size. This is crucial for matching the star points.
2. Place the front and back pieces together with wrong sides facing each other.
3. Using a tapestry needle and MC yarn, whip stitch around the entire star, leaving a small opening for turning (about 2-3 inches).
4. Turn the hot pad right side out through the opening, gently pushing out the points.
5. Stuff lightly with polyester fiberfill if desired (optional, for extra thickness and heat protection).
6. Sew the opening closed using a ladder stitch or whip stitch.
7. Weave in all ends securely.

Optional Hanging Loop

Add a small hanging loop by crocheting a chain of 10 stitches with MC and sewing it to one point. Alternatively, you can knit an i-cord of 10 stitches and attach it.

Your Celestial Bloom Hot Pad is now complete! Enjoy the warmth and beauty it brings to your kitchen.