How to Crochet a Potholder

Potholders make great handmade gifts and they are quick and easy to make. A potholder can be crocheted in 1-4 hours depending on experience. This crochet pattern requires only two basic stitches: the chain stitch and the double crochet.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Worsted (medium) weight cotton yarn. - Found in most discount stores. Peaches & Cream is a popular brand.
• 4-6 mm crochet hook

1. Chain 25 stitches loosely. If you do not know how to chain stitch, refer to the resource section below.

2. If you are right handed, you will probably hold the crochet hook in your right hand and work from right to left. Spread the chain out to your left and begin double crocheting back accross each of the chain stitches. If you are left handed, you may want to work from left to right.

3. To work a double crochet wrap the yarn around the crochet hook. This is called a "yarn over." Insert the hook into the top loop of the forth chain stitch. When you are finding the forth chain stitch, do not count the stitch your crochet hook is in. Bring the yarn over the crochet hook again and pull the yarn up through the chain stitch. This is called a "yarn over" but is actually simply hooking the yarn to pull a loop and then pushing the loop onto the crochet hook after it is pulled up through the chain stitch. You should now have 3 loops on the crochet hook. Yarn over again (hook the yarn) and draw this yarn through the first two of the three loops. You should now have two loops on the crochet hook. Yarn over one last time (hook the yarn) and pull this yarn through the remaining two loops. This is your first double crochet. Continue working double crochets until you reach end of the chain.

4. At the end of each row of double crochets, chain 3 and then turn the work. Continue double crocheting rows until you have a square. If you are new to crocheting, it takes approximately 3 rows before the potholder begins to take on a definite shape. Do not become discouraged. This pattern will make a standard sized potholder. The weight of the yarn used, the size of the crochet hook, and the tension used throughout the work will effect the overall size of the potholder.

Resources

• How to Crochet a Chain Stitch
• Squidoo: Free Beginner Crochet Patterns