Crochet Peppermint Potholder

Bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen with this classic peppermint candy potholder. This project uses a tapestry crochet technique, where you carry two yarn colors simultaneously to create clean, alternating red and white swirls.

By crocheting two identical discs and joining them together, you will create a thick, durable, and heat-resistant hot pad complete with a handy hanging loop.

Materials Needed

• Hook: 3.0 mm (US Size C / UK Size 11)

• Yarn: DK weight (Light, Size 3) 100% cotton yarn in two colors:

  • Color A: Cream or White

  • Color B: Deep Red or Wine

• Tools: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors.

Finished Measurements & Gauge

• Diameter: Approximately 6.1 inches (15.5 cm)

• Gauge: 6 rounds of double crochet should measure 4 inches (10 cm) across.

Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)

• Ch: Chain

• St(s): Stitch(es)

• Sl St: Slip stitch

• Sc: Single crochet

• Dc: Double crochet

• Inc (Increase): Work 2 stitches into the exact same stitch to expand the round.

• BLO: Back loop only

• MC: Magic Circle (Magic Ring)

Essential Pattern Notes

1. Color Changes: Switch colors on the final yarn-over of the previous stitch. For example, before completing the last pull-through of Color A, drop A, pick up Color B, and pull through the loops with B.

2. Carrying Yarn: Do not cut the yarn between color changes. Simply lay the unused color along the top of the previous row and crochet right over it, trapping it inside your stitches.

3. Round Transitions: The starting chains (Ch 2) at the beginning of each round do not count as a stitch. Always close each round by making a slip stitch into the very first double crochet of that round.

Step-by-Step Directives

The Swirled Body (Make 2 Discs)

Using the double crochet tapestry method, follow these rounds:

Round 1: Start with Color A and form a Magic Circle. Chain 2. Work [1 dc with Color A, then switch and work 1 dc with Color B]. Repeat this alternating pattern 6 times total around the ring. Slip stitch to the first stitch to close. (Total: 12 dc)

Round 2: Chain 2. Work [2 dc using Color A into the next stitch, then 2 dc using Color B into the next stitch]. Repeat this sequence 6 times around. Slip stitch to close. (Total: 24 dc)

Round 3: Chain 2. Work [2 dc into the next stitch using Color A, followed by 1 dc in Color A. Switch to Color B: work 2 dc into the next stitch, followed by 1 dc in Color B]. Repeat this sequence 6 times around. Slip stitch to close. (Total: 36 dc)

Round 4: Chain 2. Work [2 dc into the next stitch using Color A, then 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches using Color A. Switch to Color B: work 2 dc into the next stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches using Color B]. Repeat this sequence 6 times around. Slip stitch to close. (Total: 48 dc)

Round 5: Chain 1. Work [2 dc into the next stitch using Color A, then 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches using Color A. Switch to Color B: work 2 dc into the next stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches using Color B]. Repeat this sequence 6 times around. Slip stitch to close. (Total: 60 dc)

Round 6: Chain 2. Work [2 dc into the next stitch using Color A, then 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches using Color A. Switch to Color B: work 2 dc into the next stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches using Color B]. Repeat this sequence 6 times around. Slip stitch to close. (Total: 72 dc)

Round 7: Chain 2. Work [2 dc into the next stitch using Color A, then 1 dc in each of the next 5 stitches using Color A. Switch to Color B: work 2 dc into the next stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next 5 stitches using Color B]. Repeat this sequence 6 times around. Slip stitch to close. (Total: 84 dc)

Round 8: Chain 2. Work [2 dc into the next stitch using Color A, then 1 dc in each of the next 6 stitches using Color A. Switch to Color B: work 2 dc into the next stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next 6 stitches using Color B]. Repeat this sequence 6 times around. Slip stitch to close. (Total: 96 dc)

Round 9: Chain 2. Work [2 dc into the next stitch using Color A, then 1 dc in each of the next 7 stitches using Color A. Switch to Color B: work 2 dc into the next stitch, then 1 dc in each of the next 7 stitches using Color B]. Repeat this sequence 6 times around. Slip stitch to close. (Total: 108 dc)

Cut the yarn, secure the final loop, and use your tapestry needle to weave all loose ends into the back of both discs.

Assembly & Putting it Together

1. Align the two completed discs right-sides facing outward (the neat sides should be on the outside, back sides facing each other).

2. Attach Color B to the back loop only (BLO) of any stitch on the top disc, piercing through the matching inner loop of the bottom disc.

3. Slip stitch the two layers together all the way around the edge through these inner loops to join the discs.

Adding the Hanging Loop

Once you return to your starting joining stitch, do not cut the yarn.

1. Chain 25.

2. Turn your work, skip the first chain from the hook, and slip stitch into the next chain down to secure the loop base.

3. Chain 1, turn your work again, and crochet 25 single crochets directly inside and around the chain loop to make it sturdy.

4. Slip stitch back into the edge of the potholder to secure. Cut the yarn, pull it through, and weave in the remaining end securely.