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This is an easy crochet potholder pattern that is not only practical but will be a stylish addition to your kitchen. It uses waistcoat half double crochet stitch for a subtle texture.
I love the fact that crochet has become such an important part of every day.
You can use a hook and yarn to make not only beautiful and stylish items, but also items that are practical. They are a great functional addition to every day life.
I have only recently made my first crochet potholder and I must say I am hooked!
I have always been a little sceptical about handmade potholders. However, after trying my first one, I can safely say that I will be making many more!
The great thing about making your own crochet potholder is that you can choose your own custom colors to match your kitchen decor.
Secondly, you can actually make them the perfect size! I find that store bought potholders are never the right size. They are either way too small that you will burn your fingertips or counter tops.
On the other hand they might be too big that the edges end up dipping into your stew or lasagne as you take them out of the oven.
However, with making one yourself from scratch, you can make them just the right size.
How do you crochet potholders?
Crochet potholders are essentially a small squares of fabric you can use to handle hot pots and pans.
Secondly, you can also use it on a counter top and place hot pots and pans on top to protect the surfaces.
To crochet a potholder is super easy. All you need to crochet is a thick and dense square that is big enough to handle pans or use them to place pans on top.
You can also add a small loop to one of the corners so you can hang the crochet potholder up when you are not using it.
Some people also add a handle on the bag you can put your hand through, so you the potholder stays in place and protect your fingers from getting burnt.
How do you crochet a potholder thicker?
There are a few ways you can crochet a potholder and make it thicker.
Firstly, you can make two identical crochet squares. All you need to do is sew them together and you have a double layered crochet potholder.
Similarly, you can crochet a larger rectangle that is twice as long as wide. Then fold it in half and sew together to create thick potholder.
Thirdly, you can crochet a potholder in round. This way you will be creating both halves of fabric at the same time.
Apart from the ways the potholder is constructed, you can also help the thickness with a choice of yarn, hook, and stitch.
When it comes to yarn, thicker yarn will naturally create a thicker potholder.
Secondly, if you can use as small hook as comfortable with as thick yarn as possible, the finished fabric will be super thick and dense.
As an example, you could use chunky cotton yarn with 4 mm hook for a thick fabric.
Thirdly, choice of suitable stitch is very important. Because you will be handling hot items with your potholder, you need to stay well away from stitches that create holes and open spaces.
How long does it take to crochet a potholder?
Crocheting a potholder is very relaxing. You can keep it as simple as possible for a mindful crochet project to stitch up while watching your favourite show.
I have made my crochet potholder in a couple of evenings while watching TV with many snack breaks.
If I have actually put the minutes together over the two evenings, it would amount to around 2 hours max.
How much yarn do I need for a crochet potholder?
To crochet a potholder you will only need one ball of cotton yarn.
Here are some of my suggestions:
- WeCrochet Dishie Yarn – is a hardworking worsted weight 100% cotton yarn with a tight spin and high absorbency. Made for dishcloths, this stash staple is naturally machine washable and stays bright and colorful wash after wash, making it the ideal choice for kitchen projects such as dishcloths and hand towels. It also comes as twist, variegated or as a 400g cone.
- Lionbrand Re-Up Yarn – is eco-friendly! It takes, on average, 20,000 liters of water to make 1 kilogram of cotton. By using one 70 gram ball of Re-Up you are saving 1,400 liters of water. So try Re-Up for your next cotton project!
- Lionbrand 24/7 Cotton® Yarn – is a worsted-weight, mercerized 100% natural fiber yarn. The mercerization process gives the yarn incredible color and sheen which will last through multiple wash cycles.
- Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream – is a natural, soft and absorbent aran weight yarn of 100% cotton, that comes in a range of rich and delicious solid shades. Long-lasting and absorbent, it’s a great choice for all kinds of projects, especially home decor like place mats, dishcloths, pot holders and rugs.
The most important thing is to choose a durable cotton yarn. It won’t melt under the heat of a hot dish.
Cotton yarn is absorbent, durable, and reusable which makes it environmentally friendly.
It’s easy to wash at high temperatures in the washing machine to get rid of any dirt or bacteria. Just throw it in the laundry with the rest of your kitchen towels.
What is the best crochet stitch for potholders?
As I mentioned above, crochet potholder is mostly used for handling hot pots and protecting your counter tops from hot items.
Because of this, you need to choose crochet stitches that produce dense fabric with no gaps or holes at all.
You need a tightly stitched fabric that will keep your fingers safe.
That is why for this potholder I have used Knit-Look Crochet Stitch – Waistcoat Half Double Crochet – Free Video Tutorial which is available on my blog.
Here are example of stitches that would be suitable for a crochet potholder:
- How To Work Purl Single Crochet Stitch – FREE Tutorial
- How To Crochet Grit Stitch – Free Video Tutorial
- Linked Double Crochet Stitch – Free Tutorial
- Herringbone Double Crochet (HBdc) – Free Video Tutorial
- Half Double Slip Stitch – Free Video Tutorial
- Tunisian Knit Stitch – Free Tutorial
- Tunisian Honeycomb Stitch – Free Crochet Tutorial
Get the ad free PDF version of this crochet potholder pattern from my shops below.
MATERIALS
- Hobbii Rainbow Cotton (DK weight; 100% cotton; 75 m per 50g) x 1 ball in Olive
- 5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
FINISHED SIZE
22 cm /8.6 inches square
TENSION
14 sts x 15 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inch measured across waistcoat hdc
STITCHES AND ABBREVIATIONS (US CROCHET TERMS)
ch = chain
hdc = half double crochet
waistcoat hdc = waistcoat half double crochet stitch – worked through the V at the front of the hdc stitch rather than through loops at the top, similar to waistcoat single crochet stitch, for a quick video demonstration, WATCH THIS REEL.
sc = single crochet
st(s) = stitch(es)
CROCHET POTHOLDER PATTERN NOTES
- the potholder is worked in one continuous round without slip stitching to first stitch
- both ends are then crocheted together to close them off
- I added a small loop to one corner to make it easier to hang the potholder up
Crochet Potholder Main Pattern
Chain 60, slip stitch to first ch being careful not to twist the chain.
Rnd 1: 2 ch (does not count as a st), 1 hdc in each ch around, sl st to top of first st. [60 hdc]
Rnd 2 – 31: 2 ch, 1 waistcoat hdc around working in a continuous round without closing each round off. Do not fasten off.
Line up the stitches of the last round and crochet them together to close off the top edge, chain 25 sts and slip stitch back into the top of the last stitch. Fasten off.
Line up the stitches of the underside of the foundation chain and crochet them together to close off the bottom edge.
Fasten off. Sew in all ends securely.
Final thoughts…
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