Materials Needed:
- Suggested yarn options:
- Scheepjes Bloom
- Scheepjes Skies Heavy
- Yarn Weight: Aran (8 wpi), which is medium weight yarn.
- Hook Size:
- 4.0 mm (G) for the larger hook.
- 3.75 mm (F) for the smaller hook.
- Yarn Yardage: 93 – 98 yards (85 – 90 meters) in total for the project.
- Pattern Finished Size: Typically around 8 inches (20 cm).
- Needle: Yarn needle will be needed for weaving in ends.
Abbreviations:
- Abbreviations commonly used in crochet patterns like this one might include:
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- dc: double crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
Stitching Instructions for The Potholders Pattern:
Foundation Row:
- Step 1: Chain the starting number of stitches.
- Begin by creating a foundation chain with a number that matches the width you want for your potholder.
For example, if you want an 8-inch wide potholder, you may chain around 30-35 stitches, depending on your tension.
- Step 2: Work into the foundation chain.
- Turn your work, and in the second chain from the hook, insert your hook and work a single crochet (sc) stitch. Continue to work a sc into each chain across the row.
- Tip: Try to keep your tension even; if your stitches are too tight, it may be difficult to work into them in subsequent rows.
- Step 3: Turn your work.
- After reaching the end of the foundation row, turn your work 180 degrees, preparing to start the next row.
Starting the Body of the Potholder:
The main body of the potholder will alternate between rows of single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) stitches to build a sturdy fabric.
The sc rows will provide a dense texture, and the dc rows will give the potholder a little more flexibility and visual texture.
- Row 1 (Single Crochet Row):
- Turn your work and chain 1 (this is your turning chain).
- Work sc into each stitch across the row. Be sure to work into both loops of each stitch to keep your work neat and even.
- After reaching the last stitch, turn your work again to begin the next row.
- Row 2 (Double Crochet Row):
- Turn your work and chain 2 (this counts as the first dc stitch).
- In the next stitch, work a dc. To do this, yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over again, pull through so you have 3 loops on your hook, yarn over again, and pull through the first 2 loops, then yarn over again and pull through the last 2 loops.
- Continue working dc into each stitch across the row.
- When you reach the end of the row, turn your work.
- Row 3 (Single Crochet Row):
- Turn your work, chain 1 to start, and work sc in each stitch across.
- Turn your work at the end of the row.
- Row 4 (Double Crochet Row):
- Turn your work, chain 2, and work dc in each stitch across the row.
- Turn your work at the end of the row.
Building the Body:
Continue alternating between sc and dc rows, repeating Row 1 and Row 2, until the potholder is the desired height.
The height will typically be around 8 inches (20 cm), but you can adjust the number of rows based on your preferences.
- Tip: Keep the pattern consistent by making sure each sc row is worked tightly and each dc row is worked with a bit more space between stitches. This helps the potholder maintain its shape and creates an attractive texture.
Creating the Potholder’s Shape:
- Once you’ve completed the body of the potholder, you may want to check the shape to ensure it’s square and even.
Adjust the number of rows if necessary to make sure your potholder is approximately 8 inches by 8 inches.
- Tip: If your potholder starts to curve or becomes uneven, try to adjust your tension. A tighter tension will keep the fabric more stable.
Adding the Border:
Now that the body of the potholder is finished, you’ll add a border to give it a neat and finished look, as well as reinforce the edges for durability.
- Round 1 (Single Crochet Border):
- Change to your larger hook (4.0 mm) to help you work a slightly looser border.
- Start at any corner of the potholder and work sc stitches around the entire perimeter.
- For each corner, work 3 sc into the same stitch to create a smooth, rounded corner.
- Continue to work sc into each stitch along the sides of the potholder, making sure you have 3 sc in each corner to maintain the square shape.
- Round 2 (Optional Extra Border):
- If you want to add a more decorative touch, you can work another round of sc or even a round of dc around the border.
- Tip: A round of dc can give the potholder a bit more structure, but it’s not necessary if you prefer a simpler look.
- Continue to work around, making sure to keep your tension even.
Finishing the Potholder:
Once you’ve completed the border, it’s time to finish off the potholder.
- Step 1: Cut your yarn, leaving a small tail (around 6 inches) to weave in.
- Step 2: Use a yarn needle to weave in all loose ends from the foundation chain and the border. Make sure to tuck the ends neatly into the work so they don’t unravel.
- Weave in the ends through the stitches on the backside of the potholder for a clean look.
- Step 3: After all ends are woven in, trim any excess yarn.
Special Stitch Variations:
If you want to add more texture or personalize the potholder design, consider using additional stitch patterns such as:
- Granny Square: To add a decorative element to the center or corners.
- Shell Stitch: For a more lacy and decorative border or body.
- Bobble Stitch: For added texture on the surface of the potholder.
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