Mountains Are Calling Potholder

Mountains Are Calling Potholder Crochet Pattern

Project Overview

The Mountains Are Calling Potholder is a small decorative and functional crochet project designed by Pukapuka. This potholder combines practical kitchen utility with artistic mountain-themed colorwork, making it an ideal gift or stash-busting project for yarn enthusiasts. The finished potholder measures approximately 18x18 cm (7"x7"), a compact size suitable for hanging in a kitchen or mountain cabin setting.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a square potholder featuring a mountain landscape design. The project is worked in single crochet throughout, allowing crafters to build the image through strategic color changes. The small, finished size makes it practical for protecting hands from hot cookware while the visual appeal of the mountain motif adds decorative value to any kitchen space.

Techniques Used

The primary technique employed in this pattern is color work in single crochet. Crafters change yarn colors at specific points to create the mountain landscape design. The pattern includes clear instructions for managing color transitions, making the technique accessible even though the overall difficulty is rated as advanced. This method of building images through yarn color changes is a fundamental approach in tapestry crochet and pixel-based crochet design.

Stitches Used

• Single crochet (sc) - The sole stitch used throughout the entire project, worked in rows to create a dense, structured fabric ideal for potholders
• Chain (ch) - Used to establish the foundation and turning chains between rows
• Back loop only (blo) - Worked through the back loop only to create texture and structure in specific areas

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Drops Safran yarn, a 100% cotton fiber in sport weight (5 ply). This natural fiber choice is ideal for potholders due to cotton's heat-resistant properties and durability. The total yardage needed is modest, making this an excellent project for using yarn leftovers. A US D-3 (3 mm) crochet hook is specified to achieve the proper gauge of 10 rows x 10 single crochet stitches equaling 5cm x 5cm (2"x2").

The color palette consists of four Drops Safran shades:

• Yarn A: Beige 21 - approximately 31 m/33 yds
• Yarn B: Light Brown 22 - 1 full skein
• Yarn C: Denim Blue 06 - approximately 24 m/26 yds
• Yarn D: White 17 - approximately 9 m/10 yds

Additional supplies include scissors for cutting yarn and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Difficulty Level

Though rated as advanced, the Mountains Are Calling Potholder is accessible to intermediate crocheters with some color-work experience. The single crochet stitch itself is fundamental, but managing multiple yarn colors and following a chart pattern requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading crochet instructions. The pattern provides clear guidance on color changes, supporting crafters through the process.

Yarn Weight Specifications

The pattern accommodates both 6 ply and sport weight yarns, offering flexibility in material selection. Sport weight yarn (approximately 175 yards per 50g skein in Drops Safran) creates a refined, tight fabric when worked with the specified D-3 hook, contributing to the potholder's durability and heat resistance.