Easy Double Thick Crochet Potholder

Double Thick Potholder Pattern

Skill Level: Easy
Materials:

• 1 – 2 oz. ball of worsted weight (category 4) cotton yarn (such as Lily Sugar’n Cream or similar)
• Size H (5 mm) crochet hook
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors
• Measuring Tape
• Optional: Insulated Lining Fabric

Size:
7 in. by 7 in. square potholder. You can adjust the size by changing the length of the starting chain.

Gauge:
15 sts and 10 rows = 4 in.

Meeting gauge isn’t critical unless you’re aiming for a specific size. It’s essential to crochet with a tight enough gauge to get a thick, dense fabric. Using a size H hook typically provides the right balance for a flexible yet dense potholder that offers good heat protection. A smaller hook (size G) will create a denser fabric, using more yarn, while a larger hook (size I) results in a more open fabric and uses less yarn.

Stitch Abbreviations:

• CH: chain
• SC: single crochet
• SC BLO: single crochet back loop only. Insert the hook into the back loop of the stitch, yarn over and pull through, then yarn over and pull through both loops.
• SL ST: slip stitch

Instructions:

1. Start by chaining 40. (For a 7 in. square, make sure the chain measures 10 in. long.)
2. Round 1: SC in the second chain from the hook, working into the top loop only (not the back bump). SC in each chain to the end, making one additional SC in the last chain.
   Continue working around, making one SC in each chain on the other side of the starting chain. Add one more SC in the last chain. (Total: 80 sts)
3. Round 2: SC BLO in the first stitch, then SC BLO in each stitch around. (80 sts)
4. Rounds 3-17: SC BLO in each stitch around, working in continuous rounds (spiral rounds). Continue until the piece measures half the height of the width.
   For instance, if your starting chain of 40 stitches measured 10 in., crochet until the piece is 5 in. tall. (For me, this took a total of 17 rounds.)
5. Fold the potholder. Fold the top edges inward towards the center to create a diagonal seam. Ensure that the edges meet when folded. You may need to add a few more stitches so the last stitch lands in a corner.
6. Make a Hanging Loop (optional).
   Chain 12 stitches. Then, slip stitch to the start of the chain.
7. Seam the potholder.
   Cut the yarn, leaving a 24 in. yarn tail, and pull through.
   Match the stitches at the seam and sew up the diagonal seam using a mattress stitch or whip stitch. In the image above, a mattress stitch was used under one loop of each edge.
   Weave in the ends with a yarn needle and block if desired.

Pattern Variations:
Here are some ideas to customize your potholder:

• Add extra insulation: If you want to make the potholder more heat-resistant, you can add a square of insulated lining fabric between the layers before sewing up the seam.
• Use two strands of yarn: For a thicker potholder, try using two strands of cotton yarn held together. You will likely need to use a larger hook size and may want to start with a shorter foundation chain. For a finished 7 in. square, begin with a chain that measures 10 in. long.
• Change the stitch: Instead of single crochet (SC), try using half double crochet (HDC) or another simple textured stitch. If you use a taller stitch like half double crochet, you may need fewer rounds to reach your desired size.
• Adjust the size: To vary the size, simply make a longer or shorter starting chain. For a 6 in. square potholder, start with an 8.5 in. starting chain. For an 8 in. square potholder, start with an 11.5 in. starting chain.
• Make a pillow cover: This pattern can even be adapted into a pillow cover. For an 18 in. pillow, you would start with a 25 in. long chain, then insert the pillow form before sewing up the seam.

Now you have a simple and effective guide to create your very own thick and durable potholder, with options to personalize the pattern to fit your needs. Enjoy crocheting!