How to Crochet a Pot Holder: Step-by-Step Guide

For beginner crocheters, potholders, dishcloths, and similar simply-shaped items are the perfect learning opportunities. Their square shape and usually uniform texture mean that, in most cases, crocheting them takes a lot of repetition, which is the best way to practice stitches. Are you looking to learn how to crochet a potholder? You’ve come to the right place!

Materials Needed to Crochet a Potholder

Choosing the right yarn for potholders is crucial because you want a fiber that won’t burn or melt. That’s why cotton yarn might be your best choice. We recommend Premier Home Cotton Yarn or similar worsted-weight cotton blends.

In addition to the yarn, you will also need a crochet hook (for this pattern, you will need a size I-9 hook). Lastly, you will need a finishing needle and some scissors.

Stitches Used

For this beginner-friendly pattern, the only stitches you need to know are the basic single crochet stitch and the slip stitch. However, as you get more comfortable with different kinds of stitches, you can play around and, for instance, crochet a moss stitch potholder. 

Size

With this pattern, you will create a 9.5 in x 10 in potholder. However, the great thing about regular-shaped projects like this is that sizing up and down is as easy as crocheting more or fewer rows. 

Gauge

The gauge we’re going for in this potholder crochet pattern is 12 sc x 14 rows every 4 inches. This is the gauge you should be able to obtain using worsted-weight yarn and an I-9 hook. However, always swatch before beginning your project to stay on the safe side.

How to Crochet a Pot Holder: Instructions

Step 1: Making the Foundational Chain

Since a thicker potholder will do a better job of protecting your surfaces from heat, we will be making two squares and connecting them together. We will start our crochet potholder project by making a foundational chain of 30 stitches. Of course, if you want to make your potholder bigger, make a bigger chain, and if you want it smaller, do a smaller chain.

Keep in mind that the size of the two squares should be the same, so remember how big of a chain you’re making. To make this more fun, you can do the two squares in different colors.

Step 2: First Row

Now that we have the foundational chain, it’s time to start working in rows. For the first row, make a single crochet stitch in the second chain from the hook, and then in each chain across the entire length. Turn.

Step 3: Rows 2-25

For the second row, do a chain 1, sc in each sc, and turn. Repeat this process 33 more times, and fasten off. Now is also the time to make the second square following steps 1 to 3. This, however, is optional – a single-layer potholder is just fine, too.

Step 4: Loop for Hanging

When you’re done doing rows, your hook should be in one of the corners of the potholder. This corner will be the one with a loop for hanging. Make a 12 chain and make a sl st in sc to create a loop.

If you’re planning on doing edging, skip this step – you’ll make the loop with the yarn you edge with following the same steps from above.

Step 5: Optional Edging

Pick a color to edge with. If you made two squares, this edging will also serve to connect them together. Hold the squares together and join the new yarn in the top left corner. Work through both layers with single crochet stitches evenly distributed all around. Work three single crochet stitches into each corner. In the last corner, create a loop with a 12 chain.

Step 6: Weave in Ends

Finally, weave in loose ends using a finishing needle. Your potholder is now done! If you happen to have some cross-stitching experience, consider making the project even more fun, such as in this Free Holiday Potholder Pattern.

Enjoy Your Potholder or Gift It to a Friend

Whether you’re crocheting a potholder for personal use or to gift it to somebody, the most important thing is that you have fun along the way. As you get more comfortable with simple, repetitive patterns, you can sprinkle your own ideas into the mix, create color patterns, or cross-stitch various shapes.

How to Crochet a Pot Holder: Frequently Asked Questions

What crochet stitch is best for potholders?

Most potholders are made using simple repetitive stitches, such as single crochet stitches, moss stitches, or lemon peel stitches. However, you’re free to try any other stitch combination that comes to mind.

What size crochet hook to use on potholders?

The crochet hook size you should use for your potholder project depends on the weight of the yarn you’re using, as well as the gauge you want to obtain. Always swatch your gauge before you begin working to save time.

What kind of yarn do you use to crochet potholders?

The most important thing when choosing the best yarn for potholders is that it is made of fiber that won’t melt or burn. Cotton and wool are common options for this type of project.

Do you need special yarn for potholders?

While you don’t need a special type of yarn for potholders, it is still important to be careful when choosing a yarn. Otherwise, you may end up with a potholder that looks pretty but is pretty much unusable.

How long does it take to crochet a potholder?

The time it takes to crochet a potholder will depend on the size of the potholder, the stitches being used, the skill and experience of the crocheter, the roughness of the yarn, and so on. In general, however, it probably won’t take more than a few hours, if that.