Inside: Learn how to crochet the thermal stitch with my Easy Thermal Potholder pattern. Includes written instructions and tutorial videos for both right and left handers.
When you want an extra thick, extra dense stitch, you need to learn to crochet the thermal stitch!
It is a double thick single crochet stitch that is strong enough for potholders, bags, handles and more.
Officially called the thermal single crochet, this stitch pattern offsets rows of single crochet stitch stitches. You offset the stitches by working in the back loop of the stitch on your current row and an unworked loop from the previous row. This creates rows of interlocking single crochet sitches on the front and back making a thick, strong fabric.
How to Crochet the Thermal Stitch
Multiple: Any number of stitches (Chain 1 more than your desired stitch count.)
Worked flat
Skills needed: Chain, single crochet, work in the back loop
The beginning rows of the thermal stitch can be a bit fiddly until you’ve worked several rows. I recommend practicing the stitch by making a swatch of 12-20 stitches first before working on a project.
TIP: Crochet the first chain and foundation row loosely to clearly see placement of stitches. Also count your stitches at the end of each row to make sure you aren’t skipping the last stitch. The last stitch can be tight so it is easy to miss.
Thermal single crochet (Tsc) Stitch:
- Insert hook through BACK LOOP of the next single crochet st and the UNWORKED LOOP from the ROW BELOW (3 loops on hook).
- Then yarn over and pull up a loop through the first 2 loops on hook. TIP: Make sure the yarnover loop is pulled up to height of a full sc).
- Lastly, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.
- Working the row on both the right and wrong side completes the thermal stitch.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the How to Crochet the Thermal Stitch tutorial videos for both right and left handed crocheters.
INSTRUCTIONS
Chain desired number of stitches.
Thermal Foundation Row: Sc into second chain from the hook in the BACK LOOP only. Sc in the back loop in next chain to end of row. [36 sts]
Row 1: Ch1, turn, Tsc in next st to end of row.
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 8” or until desired length.
Final row: Ch1, turn, insert hook through BOTH loops of the next st AND the UNWORKED loop from the row below (under all three loops), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook to single crochet. Single crochet through both loops of next st and unworked loop from row below to end of row.
Cut yarn, pull loop through and weave in ends.
Since practicing on a project is the best way to learn a new stitch, try my Easy Thermal Potholder pattern below. It makes an 8″ potholder so it’s the perfect size to help you learn this handy stitch.
Easy Thermal Potholder Pattern
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:
The Easy Thermal Potholder creates an extra thick square to make it strong and heat resistant. Using thermal single crochet stitches this project also gives beginners practice working in the back loop. Don’t worry if you don’t know what that means, it’s all in the handy tutorial video!
Pattern includes written instructions and links to fully captioned tutorial videos for both left and right handed crocheters.
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.
Tapestry needle
ABBREVIATIONS
ch = chain
Tsc = thermal single crochet
st(s) = stitch(es)
If you need a refresher, be sure to check out my How to Crochet series!
GAUGE 19 sts x 36 rows in 4” (10 cm) in thermal single crochet stitch
SKILL LEVEL Easy+
MEASUREMENTS 8″ x 8″ (20 x 20 cm)
NOTES
To resize this pattern lengthen or shorten your beginning chain.
INSTRUCTIONS
Chain 37.
Thermal Foundation Row: Sc into second chain from the hook in the BACK LOOP only. Sc in the back loop in next chain to end of row. [36 sts]
Row 1: Ch1, turn, Tsc in next st to end of row.
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 8” or until desired length.
Final row: Ch1, turn, insert hook through BOTH loops of the next st AND the UNWORKED loop from the row below (under all three loops), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook to single crochet. Single crochet through both loops of next st and unworked loop from row below to end of row.
Cut yarn, pull loop through and weave in ends.
PIN IT!
How to Crochet the Thermal Stitch Tutorial Videos
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