This potholder is worked flat in rows using single crochet for the body, then finished with a clean border and an integrated hanging loop worked in rounds. All odd rows represent the Right Side (RS), and even rows represent the Wrong Side (WS). The initial chain-1 at the start of each row simply gains height and does not count as a stitch.
Materials & Specifications
-
Hook: 3.5 mm (US E/4)
-
Yarn: Aran weight cotton (Medium #4). You will need approximately 48 yards of Main Color A (Red) and 21 yards of Contrast Color B (White).
-
Finished Size: Roughly 6.2 inches by 6.3 inches.
-
Gauge: 22.5 stitches by 21 rows equals a 4-inch square.
Color Change Technique
To keep the bunny image sharp, change colors on the last pull-through of the previous stitch. When you are about to switch colors, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop with the current color.
Then, drop the current yarn, grab the new color, and yarn over, pulling it through both loops on your hook to complete the stitch. Carry the resting color along the top of your previous row, crocheting over it as you go.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Main Body (Potholder)
Using Color A, start by making a foundation chain of 35.
-
Row 1 (RS): Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and work 1 single crochet in each chain across using Color A. (34 stitches)
-
Row 2 (WS): Work 10 stitches in A, switch to B for 14 stitches, switch back to A for 3 stitches, change to B for 4 stitches, and finish with 3 stitches in A.
-
Row 3 (RS): Work 4 in A, 5 in B, 1 in A, 15 in B, and 9 in A.
-
Row 4 (WS): Work 8 in A, 10 in B, 1 in A, 3 in B, 2 in A, 5 in B, and 5 in A.
-
Row 5 (RS): Work 6 in A, 6 in B, 3 in A, 12 in B, 1 in A, 2 in B, and 4 in A.
-
Row 6 (WS): Work 3 in A, 1 in B, 2 in A, 14 in B, 1 in A, 6 in B, and 7 in A.
-
Row 7 (RS): Work 7 in A, 6 in B, 1 in A, 13 in B, 4 in A, 1 in B, and 2 in A.
-
Row 8 (WS): Work 2 in A, 1 in B, 4 in A, 12 in B, 1 in A, 8 in B, and 6 in A.
-
Row 9 (RS): Work 6 in A, 9 in B, 1 in A, 12 in B, 2 in A, 1 in B, and 3 in A.
-
Row 10 (WS): Work 4 in A, 2 in B, 1 in A, 8 in B, 3 in A, 10 in B, and 6 in A.
-
Row 11 (RS): Work 7 in A, 19 in B, and 8 in A.
-
Row 12 (WS): Work 8 in A, 18 in B, and 8 in A.
-
Row 13 (RS): Work 11 in A, 14 in B, and 9 in A.
-
Row 14 (WS): Work 10 in A, 10 in B, 3 in A, 4 in B, and 7 in A.
-
Row 15 (RS): Work 6 in A, 8 in B, 1 in A, 7 in B, and 12 in A.
-
Row 16 (WS): Work 19 in A, 10 in B, and 5 in A.
-
Row 17 (RS): Work 4 in A, 12 in B, and 18 in A.
-
Row 18 (WS): Work 18 in A, 13 in B, and 3 in A.
-
Row 19 (RS): Work 3 in A, 16 in B, and 15 in A.
-
Row 20 (WS): Work 14 in A, 3 in B, 1 in A, 13 in B, and 3 in A.
-
Row 21 (RS): Work 3 in A, 4 in B, 1 in A, 9 in B, 2 in A, 3 in B, and 12 in A.
-
Row 22 (WS): Work 10 in A, 3 in B, 3 in A, 14 in B, and 4 in A.
-
Row 23 (RS): Work 5 in A, 9 in B, 1 in A, 4 in B, 3 in A, 3 in B, and 9 in A.
-
Row 24 (WS): Work 8 in A, 2 in B, 4 in A, 4 in B, 1 in A, 7 in B, and 8 in A.
-
Row 25 (RS): Work 14 in A, 2 in B, 1 in A, 5 in B, 2 in A, 3 in B, and 7 in A.
-
Row 26 (WS): Work 7 in A, 2 in B, 2 in A, 4 in B, 2 in A, 2 in B, and 15 in A.
-
Row 27 (RS): Work 16 in A, 2 in B, 3 in A, 6 in B, and 7 in A.
-
Row 28 (WS): Work 10 in A, 1 in B, 3 in A, 3 in B, and 17 in A.
-
Row 29 (RS): Work 19 in A, 5 in B, and 10 in A.
-
Row 30 (WS): Work 10 in A, 3 in B, and 21 in A.
-
Row 31 (RS): Work all 34 stitches using Color A.
-
Row 32 (WS): Work all 34 stitches using Color A.
Do not turn yet. Cut Color B and secure it, leaving only Color A active. Chain 1 and turn to face the Right Side.
Border and Hanging Loop
The border is worked in a single round around the entire square using Color A.
-
Top Edge & Loop: Single crochet into the first 17 stitches across the top. To build the hanging loop, chain 15, then slip stitch back into the last single crochet you just made. Chain 1 and turn your work slightly to access the loop. Crochet 18 single crochets directly into the loop space. Slip stitch back into that same 17th base stitch to secure the loop. Complete the top edge by single crocheting in the remaining 17 stitches.
-
Corners and Remaining Sides: At the corner, chain 1 to turn. Work 32 single crochets down the left side, chain 1 at the corner, work 34 single crochets across the bottom foundation edge, chain 1 at the corner, and work 32 single crochets up the right side.
-
Finishing: Chain 1 at the final corner, join with a slip stitch into the very first stitch of the round, fasten off your yarn, and weave in all loose ends.
