How to Crochet a Potholder in One Evening

Looking for a simple and quick crochet potholder pattern?

This beginner-friendly design is made with basic single crochet stitches and a clever increase to create a chevron pattern potholder. By using two strands of cotton yarn together, you get a thick and durable finish—perfect for handling hot pots and pans!

crochet potholders easy crochet pattern
crochet potholder pattern for beginners

Prefer To Download?

In this post, you’ll find the full written pattern for free, along with step-by-step instructions. If you prefer a printable version, you can get the premium PDF, which includes:
✅ A beautifully formatted, easy-to-read pattern
✅ Step-by-step photo instructions for adding the hanging loop and edging
✅ A customization guide to adjust size, color, and texture

Get the free pattern below or purchase the printable PDF

The Crochet Potholder Design

This design is simple at first, with a clever increase. You begin with a basic starting chain, and then continue crocheting it in rows. By increasing the stitches every row, the potholder takes on its chevron shape.

To add extra thickness and durability, I crocheted with two strands of cotton yarn held together, creating a sturdy fabric that provides excellent heat protection.

Once the main piece is complete, we finish with a neat single crochet edging and add a small hook loop for easy hanging.


New to crochet? Start here: A Beginner's Guide to Crochet


A Perfect Beginner-Friendly Crochet Pattern

This crochet potholder is an ideal project for beginners, and here’s why:

  • The pattern uses a simple combination of basic crochet stitches, making it easy to learn. It's perfect for a relaxing, mindful crochet session where you can lose yourself in the rhythm of your hook and yarn.

  • It works up fast, too. With just one ball of cotton yarn, you’ll quickly complete one potholder in an evening.

  • Crochet potholders make amazing gifts! You can customize them with different colours to suit any kitchen style. Whether you're gifting them to friends or keeping them for yourself, they’re a win all around.

  • Durability. Working with two strings of yarn at the same time creates extra thickness. This not only gives you better heat resistance but also means your pot holder will last longer. A thicker fabric resists wear and tear better than a single layer. Plus, you’re less likely to get those annoying holes that form from repeated use.



Best Yarn For You Potholder

The key to making safe, effective potholders is choosing the right yarn. 100 % Cotton is perfect for pot holders because it’s naturally heat-resistant and easy to work with. It’s the best choice for withstanding high heat and will keep you safe in the kitchen.

If used a DK cotton for this project and I used two strands of yarn at the same time for extra thickness.

If you prefer not to use two strands of yarn at once, I recommend Lily Sugar'n Cream worsted cotton for a thick, sturdy potholder—perfect for this project! 👉 Check it out here.

📌Don’t use Acrylic yarns for kitchen items since it melts under heat. As a general rule, stick to cotton yarn for anything that will be exposed to heat—it’s the safest and most reliable option.


Prefer to download the Pattern?
You can get a beautifully formatted, printable version of this pattern in my shop for easy, on-the-go crocheting!
Get it here.


How to Crochet a Potholder?

Now that we’ve covered the "why" behind double-thick pot holders, let’s dive into the "how."


Are you a crochet beginner? This might be useful: How to create a foundation chain and a single crochet stitch


Skill Level Easy

Materials:

Finished Potholder’s Measurements:

Approximately: 20 cm square /7.87" square.

Hanging Loop: 6 cm height /2.36" heigh

Your final measurements may vary slightly depending on your yarn and individual stitch techniques.

If you use a chunkier yarn or work with two strands of yarn together you make a thicker fabric and your potholder will turn out larger. Increase or decrease the size of your potholder by by making a longer or shorter foundation chain. 

Gauge

7 sts and 7 rows = 5 cm/1.96 inches square.

Gauge is not important for this project unless you want a specific size.

Pattern Notes

This pattern uses US crochet terms. The UK equivalent is provided in parentheses.

Work in rows throughout.

  • sc (US) = Single Crochet

  • dc (UK) = Double Crochet

Crochet stitch alternatives: I love the look and feel of the Single Crochet for this project because it’s super easy to work with, creates a dense fabric with no holes, and has a beautiful texture.

But any other stich will work, just keep in mind that you’ll want to use a short stitch to create a dense fabric with no holes.
A tight stitch is key for dense, heat-resistant fabric. Smaller hooks create denser fabric, larger hooks make it looser.

how to crochet a potholder


Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Crochet the Potholder

Foundation Row: Chain 6

Row 1:

  • Single crochet US/(dc UK) in the second chain from hook

  • Single crochet US/(dc UK) in the next stitch

  • 3 single crochet US/(dc UK) in the next stitch (center increase)

  • Single crochet US/(dc UK) in the next two stitches (7 stitches total)

  • Chain 1, turn

Row 2

  • Single crochet US/(dc UK) in the first three stitches

  • 3 single crochet US/(dc UK) in the next stitch (center increase)

  • Single crochet in the last three stitches (9 stitches total)

  • Chain 1, turn

Row 3 - Row 24

  • Single crochet across until reaching the center stitch

  • 3 single crochet in the center stitch

  • Single crochet US/(dc UK) to the end of the row

  • Chain 1, turn

(Each row will increase by 2 stitches. By Row 24, you should have 53 stitches across.)


Step 2: Add A Hanging Loop

To add a hanging loop, follow these steps:

  • Attach the Yarn: Slip stitch into the first stitch of Row 1 -which is the top of your potholder

  • Create the Loop: Chain 25 (or adjust the length as needed for your preference).

  • Secure the Loop: Slip stitch into the opposite side of Row 1, ensuring the loop lies flat and is centered.

  • Reinforce: For extra durability, you can slip stitch back along the chain or work single crochet stitches over it before fastening off.

  • Finish: Cut the yarn, pull through, and weave in the ends securely.


Step 3: Finishing Details

Edging

A simple single crochet border gives the potholder a clean, finished look. For this project I used a simple single crochet edging.

Start the Edging:

  • Join yarn to any corner with a slip stitch.

  • Chain 1, then work 1 single crochet (sc) (UK: dc) into the same stitch.

Work Along the Edges:

  • Straight edges: Make 1 single crochet into each stitch.

  • Corners: Work 3 single crochet in each corner stitch to help the border lay flat.

Crochet Along the Sides (Row Ends):

  • Evenly space single crochet stitches along the sides where the row ends are.

  • Adjust the stitch count as needed:

  • If the edge flares, reduce stitches.

  • If the edge puckers, add stitches.

Incorporate the Hanging Loop:

  • When you reach the loop, continue single crocheting around it, ensuring a secure and even coverage.

  • Once you’ve crocheted around the loop, continue the edging along the potholder’s edge.

Finish:

  • Join to the first single crochet with a slip stitch.

  • Cut the yarn, pull through, and weave in all loose ends securely using a yarn needle.

  • Your potholder is now complete, with a neat border and a reinforced loop, making it both functional and beautiful!

Made to last

Pot holders take a beating, especially in a busy kitchen like mine, where something’s always simmering or baking. I use my pot holders constantly, and let me tell you—durability is key. That’s why double-thick potholders tick so many boxes. They’re built to last. With sturdy cotton yarn these pot holders can handle the heat, spills, and daily use and washing machines with ease.

In the end, crochet potholders don’t have to be complicated or frustrating—they just need to work.

And these definitely do.


Prefer to download the Pattern?

In this post, you’ll find the full written pattern for free, along with step-by-step instructions. If you prefer a printable version, you can get the premium PDF, which includes:
✅ A beautifully formatted, easy-to-read pattern
✅ Step-by-step photo instructions for adding the hanging loop and edging
✅ A customization guide to adjust size, color, and texture

Get the free pattern below or purchase the printable PDF


Wrapping It Up – You’ve Got This!

Crocheting your own potholder isn’t just about making something useful—it’s about slowing down, enjoying the process, and creating something with love. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or gifting a handmade piece to someone special, each stitch carries a little bit of care and mindfulness.

If you enjoyed this pattern, why not take your crochet experience to the next level?

📌 Grab the Premium PDF! Get the printable version with step-by-step images, bonus tips, and customization ideas

Click here to download it now!

Happy crocheting! 😊

What’s Next?

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  • Leave a comment: We love to hear your feedback. Tell me in the comments below!



Additional Resources: Skillshare Classes For Crochet Beginners

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