How To Crochet Potholders (Free + Easy Pattern)
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this post, you will see how to crochet potholders, plus a free + easy pattern.
These crochet pot holders make great gifts, are easy for any beginner crocheter, and you can make them in many different colors to match your kitchen decor.
Please scroll down to learn more about how to crochet a potholder as a beginner and view the free crochet potholder pattern (plus grab your free pattern – ad-free PDF!).
Easy Crochet Potholder Pattern
Creating a ribbed square potholder is a fun and functional crochet project.
Ribbing gives it texture and a dense fabric, making it ideal for gripping hot pans and hot dishes.
Follow the step-by-step photo tutorial below, and then grab your free PDF!
Copyright Info
- Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
- If you wish to share this pattern, link to the pattern page only.
- You may sell items produced using this pattern.
- You must give pattern credit to Louise Bollanos/Handy Little Me as the designer.
- Do NOT use copyrighted photos for your product listing.
- For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.
Skill Level – Basic (A great project for a beginner)
Size – 7.5 inches x 7.5 inches
Gauge – 14 sts / 16 rows in 10×10 cm/4×4 inches. (in patt)
The supplies you need…
Yarn
- 1 x ball of medium-weight yarn or worsted weight yarn suitable for use with a 5 mm (US H) hook.
- I used Lily Sugar and Cream Solids (70.9g/2.5oz/120yds/109m).
- Remember to use 100% cotton or another heat-resistant material for your potholder, as acrylic or other synthetic yarns can melt or catch fire when exposed to high temperatures.
- Additionally, for safety reasons, avoid using dark colors that might bleed onto hot cookware.
Hook
Notions
- Tape measure
- Darning needle/tapestry needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
The patterns are written in US terms.
You can get a free PDF download of all US and UK crochet terms and abbreviations here.- Crochet Abbreviations And Terms (US + UK)
- BLO – Back loop only
- CH – Chain
- Cont – Continue
- Patt – Pattern
- Rep – Repeat
- RS – Right side
- SC – Single crochet
- Sl St – Slip stitch
- St(s) – Stitch(es)
- WS – Wrong side
Time needed: 1 day, 1 hour and 30 minutes
How To Crochet Potholders
- Step 1 – Foundation Chain
Begin by making a foundation chain. You can chain any even number of stitches to achieve the desired width for your potholder. For a standard-sized potholder, you might start with around 30 chains.
- Step 2 – Row 1
In the second chain from the hook, make 1 single crochet, then continue to make 1 single crochet in each chain across the row. Turn the work ready for row 2.
Abbreviated: Row 1 – 1 SC in the 2nd CH from hook, 1 SC into every CH, turn, - Step 3 – Row 2
Chain 1 stitch, then 1 single crochet into every stitch until you reach the end of the row. Turn the work.
Abbreviated: Row 2 – CH 1, 1 SC into every st to the end of the row, turn, - Step 4 – Row 3
Chain 1 stitch, then 1 single crochet into the back loop of the stitch only, repeating to the end of the row. Turn the work.
Abbreviated: Row 3 – CH 1, 1 SC into the BLO in each st to the end of the row, turn, - Step 5 – Repeat
Rep rows 2 and 3 until the piece measures 7.5 inches.
- Step 6 – The Hanging Loop
Create the loop: To make the loop for hanging your potholder, you can crochet a chain of about 10-15 stitches (adjust for your preference) at one of the corners. Attach the chain to the corner of the potholder with a slip stitch. This loop will serve as a hanger.
Fasten off: Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull it through the last loop on your hook to secure it. Use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends. - Step 7 – Second Panel
Optional: Create a second panel: To make your potholder thicker and more heat-resistant, you can create a second panel by repeating the pattern above to make an identical piece (minus the hanging loop).
- Step 8 – Seam The Panels
Then, place the two panels together with the ribbed sides facing outward, and use a slip stitch to join them along the edges. You can leave an opening to stuff the potholder with additional material, like heat-resistant padding, before closing it up with slip stitches.
- Step 9 – Your Pot Holder Is Ready To Use
Your finished crochet potholder is now ready to use!
What Crochet Stitch Is Best For Potholders?
Regarding crocheting potholders, the most commonly used stitch is the single crochet stitch.
The single crochet stitch creates a dense and sturdy fabric, making it ideal for items that require heat resistance and durability, such as potholders.
Remember, 100% cotton yarn is important for potholders since synthetic fibers can melt or catch fire when exposed to high temperatures.
Additionally, consider using a tighter tension than you would for other projects to ensure a denser fabric that provides better heat protection.
Feel free to customize your potholder by adding different colors, stripes, or embellishments.
Remember that any additional elements should also be made of heat-resistant materials.
What Type Of Yarn Is Best For Potholders?
The best type of yarn for potholders is 100% cotton yarn.
Cotton is a natural fiber with excellent heat resistance, making it safe for handling hot pots, pans, and dishes.
They are also a great handmade gift idea that you don’t need a lot of yarn for.
Here are a few reasons why cotton yarn is ideal for potholders:
- Heat Resistance: Cotton is a great insulator and can withstand high temperatures without melting or causing burns.
- Absorbency: Cotton is known for its absorbent properties, which is beneficial for potholders. It can soak up any moisture or condensation from hot surfaces, providing a better grip and preventing accidents.
- Durability: Cotton yarn is strong and durable, allowing your potholders to withstand repeated use and frequent washing.
- Safety: Unlike synthetic fibers such as acrylic or polyester, cotton is a natural material and doesn’t release toxic fumes when exposed to heat.
When selecting cotton yarn for potholders, opt for worsted weight or medium-weight yarn.
It offers a good balance between thickness and flexibility, allowing you to create a sturdy potholder that is easy to work with.
Remember to avoid using yarns that contain synthetic fibers, like acrylic yarn, as they may melt or burn when exposed to high temperatures.
Always check the yarn label to ensure it is 100% cotton before using it for your potholders.
What Is The Best Crochet Stitch For A Hot Pad?
For crocheting a hot pad or trivet, it’s best to use a dense stitch that provides thickness and heat resistance.
The single crochet stitch or double crochet stitch is a good option for hot pads as it creates a sturdy fabric.
However, for a thick crochet potholder, you can also consider using the thermal stitch or the double thick stitch for added insulation and protection.
- Single Crochet Stitch: The single crochet stitch creates a tight and solid fabric, making it suitable for hot pads. Work single crochet stitches in each stitch across the row, and continue this pattern for each subsequent row.
- Thermal Stitch: The thermal stitch is a variation of the single crochet stitch that creates a thicker, more insulating fabric. It involves working two single crochet stitches in the same stitch, then skipping the next stitch, and repeating this pattern across the row. In the next row, you work a single crochet stitch in each stitch, including the skipped stitch from the previous row. This alternating pattern creates a textured fabric with extra thickness.
- Double Thick Stitch: The double-thick stitch is another excellent option for hot pads. It involves crocheting two layers simultaneously, creating a double-thick potholder fabric that offers extra heat protection. To achieve this, hold two strands of worsted weight cotton yarn together and crochet them as one. Use the single crochet stitch to work through both layers, creating a dense and heat-resistant pad.
Both the thermal stitch and the double thick stitch provide additional insulation and thickness, making them well-suited for hot pads or trivets.
Choose the stitch that best suits your preference and the level of heat protection you desire.
What Is The Thickest Crochet Stitch?
The thickest crochet stitch is typically the “half double crochet” (HDC) among the basic crochet stitches.
It’s thicker than the single crochet (SC) and double crochet (DC).
The half-double crochet creates a dense and sturdy fabric with slightly more height and bulk than the single crochet.
This combination will produce a dense, thick, and warm textile, which is great for double-thick crochet potholders.
What Size Crochet Hook To Use On Potholders?
When crocheting potholders, it’s generally recommended to use a crochet hook size that corresponds to the thickness of your yarn.
However, a size H/5 mm crochet hook is a popular choice for most worsted-weight cotton yarn commonly used for potholders.
Using a slightly smaller hook than what is typically recommended for the yarn helps create a denser fabric, which is advantageous for potholders.
The tighter tension achieved with a smaller hook helps make the potholders more heat-resistant and durable.
However, keep in mind that crochet hook sizes can vary slightly depending on the brand and your personal tension.
It’s always a good idea to check the yarn label for the recommended hook size, as different cotton yarns may suggest different sizes.
If the recommended hook size is close to 5 mm, you can start with a size H/5 mm hook and adjust accordingly based on your preference and the desired fabric density.
What Size Are Most Potholders?
Most potholders are typically square-shaped and measure around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in size.
This size is considered standard for potholders and allows for adequate coverage and protection when handling hot pots, pans, and dishes.
However, the exact size of a potholder can vary based on personal preference and the specific pattern or design being used.
Some people may prefer larger potholders for more coverage, while others may opt for smaller ones for easier handling.
Ultimately, the size of your potholder will depend on your preference, the intended use, and the specific pattern or instructions you are following.
Feel free to adjust the dimensions as needed to create potholders that best suit your needs.
More Free Crochet Patterns
You may also enjoy these free crochet patterns…
- How to crochet the linen stitch (tutorial + pattern)
- 20 free dishcloth patterns
- Crochet dishcloth pattern set (quick designs for beginners)
- 30 free crochet potholder patterns (double thick)
- The 10 best yarns for crochet dishcloth patterns
Share your work with us…
If you enjoyed making the hot pad pattern, I’d love to see yours on social media: Instagram; tag me @handylittleme or #handylittleme.
If you are on Facebook, stop over to the handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo.
I’d love to see your work.
You can also find me on Ravelry and Pinterest.
Happy crocheting!
