How to Make the Easiest, Double-Thick Potholder Ever (No More Burned Hands!)
This crochet pot holder project is perfect for practicing your skills and relaxing.
With just basic stitches, it’s ideal for beginners looking for a quick, stress-free craft.
Practical and calming—what’s not to love?
Whether you gift them, sell them, or keep them, this pattern is sure to become a favourite.
Let’s dive in—you’ve got this!
Get the free pattern below or purchase the printable PDF which includes step by step images here.
The Potholder Design
This design is simple at first, with a clever twist. You begin with a basic starting chain, and then continue crocheting it in continuous rounds. As you work, the fabric naturally folds in on itself, creating that beautiful diagonal pattern. It’s an easy, yet effective way to make a stylish and functional potholder.
New to crochet? Start here: A Beginner's Guide to Crochet
A Perfect Beginner-Friendly 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 have a finished potholder. I actually made 4 last weekend and could not stop! They’re that addictive.
They 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. The extra thickness 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.
Don’t use Acrylic yarns used 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 Double-Thick Potholder
Now that we’ve covered the "why" behind double-thick pot holders, let’s dive into the "how."
Skill Level – Easy / Beginner
Materials:
About Strings 100% Organic Cotton No.3 Light DK Yarn. You need less than one skein per potholder.
Tapestry needle
Stitch marker
Optional Insulation: For extra protection, you can add a layer of heat-resistant fabric or batting between the layers of the hot pad.
Finished Potholder Dimensions:
Approximately 15 cm square /5.9" square.
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
8 sts and 8 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 a spiral throughout. Mark the first stitch of each round with a stitch marker.
hdc (US) = Half Double Crochet
htr (UK) = Half Treble Crochet
Crochet stitch alternatives: I love the look and feel of the Half Double 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.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Round 1:
Create a foundation chain of 36 chain stitches.
1 hdc (1htr UK) in the 2nd ch from the hook (Add a stich marker in this stitch. This marks the beginning of each new round.)
Continue to work 1 hdc (1htr UK) and in each ch across to the end. (35 sts)
Rotate your work so the row you just completed is now facing downward. Continue by working 1 hdc (1htr UK) into each stitch along the opposite side of the foundation chain all the way across.
Move the stitch marker to the first stich of the next round. (70 sts).
Step 1: Foundation chain.
Step 4: Rotate work and work your stitches into the opposite site of the foundation chain.
Rounds 2 – 15:
Work in continuous rounds
1 hdc (1htr UK) in each stitch all the way round. (70 sts).
After round 15, the potholder should be half as tall as it is wide.
Now it’s time to fold our potholder. Fold the potholder by bringing the top edges toward the centre, forming a neat diagonal seam. Ensure the edges align perfectly when folded. If needed, add a few extra stitches so your final stitch lands cleanly in the corner for a seamless finish.
Round 16:
We are now create the loop.
Work 1 hdc (1htr UK) in next 17 sts, halfway across.
Slip stich in the next stitch
Chain 25
Work a slip stich in the first stitch of the chain
Continue to work 1 sc (1 dc/UK) into each stitch all the way around. (70 sts).
Slip stitch into the first stich of the loop.
Fasten off leaving a 20 cm/ 8" tail for seaming.
Use a tapestry needle to stitch the potholder closed securely.
Weave in ends.
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?
You can get a beautifully formatted, printable version of this pattern in my shop for easy, on-the-go crocheting!
Get it here.
Wrapping It Up – You’ve Got This!
This project is simple, practical, and perfect for easing into crochet without feeling overwhelmed. No fancy stitches, no special tools—just you, some yarn, and the joy of creating something useful.
Crochet isn’t just about making pretty things; it’s about the journey. It’s calming, rewarding, and an instant stress-buster.
Think about it: with just yarn and a hook, you’re crafting a potholder that’s both beautiful and functional. The sense of accomplishment when you finish? Unmatched.
But it’s more than the end product. It’s the peace you feel as you work, the way the world quiets down, and the stress melts away. For a little while, it’s just you, the yarn, and your creativity.
So grab your materials, take a deep breath, and let the world wait.
Happy crocheting!
➤ Don’t forget to save this post for later! Pin it to your favourite Pinterest board so you can easily find it when you’re ready to crochet.
Or
More inspiring posts
Looking for the perfect gift for a craft lover? Whether they’re into crochet, sewing, painting, or knitting, we’ve rounded up 10 books that’ll have them saying, “This is exactly what I needed!” From inspiring creativity to promoting mindfulness, these books are more than just guides—they’re transformative tools for the craft-loving soul. Dive into our list to discover thoughtful gifts that will spark joy and creativity!