The Evergreen Ember Tree Hot Pad Free Pattern – A Knitted Holiday Centerpiece

Transform your holiday table into a cozy forest scene with this charming knitted hot pad. Featuring a textured evergreen tree with a warm, glowing center, this functional piece protects your surfaces while adding handcrafted charm to your festive decor. Whether you're hosting Christmas dinner or looking for a thoughtful handmade gift, this pattern is perfect for knitters of all skill levels. The rich forest green, warm cream, and golden yellow colors evoke the spirit of the season, and the subtle diamond lace pattern adds an elegant touch that mimics the texture of evergreen branches.

This hot pad is knitted flat in one piece, making it a straightforward and enjoyable project. With clear instructions and minimal shaping, even beginners can create a beautiful, heirloom-quality piece. Let's dive into the materials you'll need and the step-by-step process to bring this festive tree to life.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth knitting experience:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn (e.g., Lily Sugar'n Cream) in Forest Green, Cream, and a small amount of Golden Yellow. Cotton is ideal for hot pads because it withstands heat and is durable.
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles. If you prefer circular needles, they work just as well for flat knitting.
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge ensures your hot pad is the right size and lies flat.
• Extras: A tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a crochet hook (optional, for the hanging loop).

Step-by-Step Instructions

This hot pad is knitted from the bottom of the tree upward, starting with the base and working through the textured body, then shaping the top. Follow each section carefully, and you'll have a beautiful finished piece in no time.

Tree Base (Worked in Forest Green)

1. Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 30 stitches with Forest Green yarn.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 2 inches from the cast-on edge. This forms the straight base of the tree.

Tree Body (Worked in Forest Green with Cream Accents)

Now you'll create the textured diamond lace pattern that gives the tree its evergreen feel. The pattern uses yarn overs (yo), knit two together (k2tog), and slip-slip-knit (ssk) to create the lace.

1. Row 1 (Right Side): K2, *k2tog, k1, yo, k1, ssk, k2; repeat from * to the last 2 stitches, k2. This row creates the first set of diamond shapes.
2. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 3 (Right Side): K2, *yo, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1; repeat from * to the last 2 stitches, k2. This row offsets the pattern, forming the diamonds.
4. Row 4 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
5. Repeat Rows 1-4 until the piece measures 6 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row. The lace pattern will be clearly visible, resembling a textured tree canopy.

Tree Top (Worked in Forest Green)

Now you'll shape the top of the tree, tapering it to a point.

1. Row 1 (Right Side): K2tog across the row. You will have 15 stitches remaining.
2. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
3. Row 3 (Right Side): K2tog across the row. You will have 8 stitches remaining.
4. Row 4 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
5. Row 5 (Right Side): K2tog across the row. You will have 4 stitches remaining.
6. Cut the yarn, leaving a 12-inch tail. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle, then pass it through the remaining 4 stitches. Pull tight to close the top, and secure the yarn by weaving it into the wrong side.

Trunk (Worked in Cream)

The trunk adds a charming contrast and completes the tree silhouette.

1. With the right side facing you, pick up and knit 6 stitches along the bottom center of the tree body. This is where the trunk will be attached.
2. Work in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side) for 1 inch.
3. Bind off all stitches. Weave in the ends securely.

Star Embellishment (Worked in Golden Yellow)

The star at the top is the finishing touch that makes this hot pad truly special.

1. Cast on 5 stitches with Golden Yellow yarn.
2. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches.
3. Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl all stitches.
4. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until the piece measures 1 inch long.
5. Bind off. Fold the small rectangle in half diagonally to form a triangle, then fold again to create a star-like shape. Sew it securely to the top of the tree, just below the point.

Finishing Touches

1. Weave in all loose ends using a tapestry needle, making sure they are secure and hidden.
2. Block the hot pad flat to even out the lace pattern. To block, dampen the piece, lay it flat on a towel, and shape it gently. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Optional: Add a hanging loop for easy storage. Using a crochet hook and Forest Green yarn, chain 10 stitches, then attach the loop to the top corner of the hot pad with a slip stitch.

Your Evergreen Ember Tree Hot Pad is now complete! Place it on your holiday table to protect surfaces while adding a handcrafted, festive touch. This pattern is also a wonderful gift idea—pair it with a set of coasters or a mug for a cozy, thoughtful present. Happy knitting, and enjoy the warmth and charm this little tree brings to your home!