Inside: Learn to crochet the Classic Thick Potholder with this free pattern and video tutorial. This double layer potholder is an easy beginner project.
We all have some old standby’s that we learned years ago. For knitting, it is Grandma’s Favorite Dishcloth. For crochet, I think this one is one of the classics!
This Classic Thick Potholder uses a unique method to make a double layer of fabric for a thick, strong potholder. This project is ideal for a beginner because you only need to know how to make a chain and single crochet stitch. It is worked in a continuous round and seamed when finished. You can also add an optional hanging loop.
Pattern includes written instructions and links to fully captioned tutorial videos for both left and right handed crocheters.
Classic Thick Potholder
By Kristen Mangus
An ad-free downloadable PDF of this pattern is available for purchase in my GoodKnit Kisses online store, Etsy or Ravelry at the links below:
MATERIALS
(Materials list may contain affiliate links to products I used to make this project. Using these links cost you nothing, but helps support GKK.)
Yarn
Medium (#4) weight yarn mercerized cotton
Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (186 yds./3.5 oz. (170 m /100g) in color Jade used in sample.
Hook
US Size G-7 (4.5 mm) hook
Furls Crochet Odyssey in Black & Nickel (G+) used in sample.
Locking stitch marker for beginning of each round
Tapestry needle
ABBREVIATIONS
ch = chain
Sc = single crochet
st(s) = stitch(es)
If you need a refresher, be sure to check out my How to Crochet series!
GAUGE 17.5 sts x 21 rows in 4” (10 cm) in single crochet st
SKILL LEVEL Beginner
MEASUREMENTS 7.5″ x 7.5″ (19 x 19 cm)
NOTES
To resize this pattern lengthen or shorten your beginning chain to any odd number. Working an even number of chains will cause the stitch pattern to look slightly different.
After the foundation round, this project is crocheted continuously in the round. You work until your piece measures half the length of your starting chain, then flatten the rectangle across the diagonal to form a square (see images below). Lastly, slip stitch the center diagonal to seam and add the optional hanging loop.
Single crochet (Sc):
Insert hook through loop(s) of the next st, YARNOVER and pull up a loop. YARNOVER and pull through both loops.
Shaping: This project uses a unique fold. You are crocheting a rectangular pocket and folding it into a square. The bottom two corners of your piece form two opposite corners of the square. Your ending stitch (with the crochet hook in the first image below) and the stitch on the opposite side of the round make the other two corners. Pick up your piece and stand it up with the cast on edge on the table. Open the pocket by pulling the center of both the front and back away from each other. As you pull the centers down toward the table the edges will meet in the middle across the diagonal of your square. Flatten the square and adjust corner points by hand before seaming.
Variations: I worked all my single crochet sts in the usual way, but you can work through the back loop only or alternate working through back and front loops for a different look.
INSTRUCTIONS
Chain 47.
Foundation Round: Sc into second chain from the hook in the first loop. Sc across until 1 stitch remains. 3 Sc in last st. [48 sts] Do not turn over but rotate and sc in the next chain making sure to go through both loops. Sc across until 1 stitch remains. 3 Sc in last st. [94 sts]
Round 1: Sc in next stitch and mark top of st with locking stitch marker. This marks the beginning of the round. Sc across remaining sts. Do not join the round or turn.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures half the length of the starting chain (approx. 5” or 26 rounds). Finish your final round about halfway across one side.
Check to see if your piece can fold into a perfect square. First, if your edges don’t meet in the center, crochet 1 more round. Next, If your ending stitch isn’t at the corner, add or remove stitches until your working loop is exactly at a corner.
To Join:
Beginning at the corner, slip stitch seam together by inserting hook into the back loop of one side and the back loop of the other side, YARNOVER and pull through all loops. Continue slip stitching both sides together until you reach opposite corner.
Cut yarn, fasten off and weave tail if no hanging loop desired.
Hanging loop (optional):
Ch 15 and slip stitch to join corner to form loop. Sc 20 times around loop. Slip stitch to join. Cut yarn, fasten off and weave tail to finish.
PIN IT!
Crochet the Classic Thick Potholder with Tutorial Videos
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