Crochet potholders are quick, simple, and very useful projects to make, and they’re an ideal first project because they are small and often use easy stitch patterns.
They’re great to give as a gift or part of a gift for a housewarming or wedding shower, because everyone needs more potholders! And cute, homemade potholders like these free crochet potholder patterns make for a useful gift that’s also filled with love.
Why Crochet a Potholder?
Potholders are a practical and important everyday kitchen tool. They can be used to protect yourself and your counters from a scalding hot pot/pan/dish, when taking something hot out of the microwave or oven, or even as a coaster for hot drinks.
It’s always a good idea to have lots of potholders on hand to keep near the oven, and they make great gifts for family and friends. It’s a fun touch to make crochet potholders to match your decor.
Can Beginners Crochet Potholders?
Yes, beginners can learn how to crochet a pot holder. They’re great projects for any skill level because there are many options that are simple rectangles with repetitive stitch patterns, as well as patterns that use more complex stitches, colors, and shapes.
Crochet potholders can be made with virtually any stitch, but most include basic stitches and variations of the basics to make the crochet fabric thicker to help insulation.
How Long Does Crocheting a Potholder Take?
Since crochet potholders are typically simple patterns, they can take a little as half an hour or as long as a couple of hours to make. You can probably make one or more in a day if you want.
Of course your speed will depend a bit on your skill at crochet, the stitches and other techniques being used, the weight of the yarn, and the size of the potholder.
Speaking of projects that can be completed in a day or less, our Done in a Day pattern bundle includes more than 90 projects you can start and finish in about a day. They’re perfect for gift giving or when you want the gratification of a speedy project.
How Can I Make an Effective Crochet Potholder?
If you’re worried that a crochet potholder won’t be as effective as a fabric one, consider these factors when making your project.
Choose the right yarn: cotton yarn is the best choice for potholders because it won’t melt (like acrylic yarn might) or smoulder (like wool might) when you put something hot on it. Some of our favorite yarns for dishcloths are listed below.
Make it thick: most potholders are double thickness, and they use stitches that are tight so they are better at protecting hands and surfaces.
Consider thermal stitch: thermal stitch, or double thick crochet stitch is a variation of single crochet or double crochet. It creates a thick, warm, and cozy fabric that is suitable for garments, potholders, and any other crochet project that needs a sturdy and thick fabric.Check out the tutorial at Heart Hook Home to learn how to make it yourself.
Materials and Supplies to Make Crochet Potholders
Yarn
As mentioned above, cotton yarn is ideal for crocheting pot holders. It’s durable, washable, and won’t be harmed by the heat. Here are some recommended yarns to use for potholders:
DK Weight (3)
Medium Weight (4)
While gauge isn’t essential when it comes to making crochet potholders, you’ll want to stick to the suggested weight of yarn from the pattern you’re using if you want yours to come out roughly the same size as the sample.
Other Supplies
- Crochet hook: you may choose to use a slightly smaller hook than the yarn would normally call for to make your stitches tighter
- Yarn needle or tapestry needle
- Scissors
- Stitch marker (optional, but helpful if you’re working in rounds)
Easy Crochet Potholder Patterns
Who doesn’t want an easy and dependable crochet project? Crochet a bunch of these simple crochet potholders to fill your cabinets with. Check out 15 free crochet potholder patterns to get your started.
Easy Double Thick Crochet Potholder Free Pattern
Designer: Sarah Maker
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
This is the crochet pot holder pattern you’ll want to crochet over and over again. It’s simple, quick, and easy, and a durable potholder pattern. It’s worked in rounds of single crochet and folded on itself to make it extra thick.
Mosaic Potholder
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter
This beautiful combination of single crochet stitches and spike stitches will give you a beautiful and useful potholder that’s perfect for gifting. This is great practice for working with two colors, too.
Best Modern Hot Pad Crochet Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
If you are looking for a heavy-duty crochet hot pad, then this is the pattern for you! It’s worked in the round entirely with slipped stitches, which makes a dense fabric that almost looks like knit garter stitch.
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Potholder
Designer: Yarnspirations
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
This simple single crochet potholder is two patterns in one. In you work just one layer you have a dishcloth, or you can make two layers and stitch them together to make a thick and durable square potholder.
Half Double Herringbone Free Crochet Potholder Pattern
Designer: A MOre Crafty Life
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
If you’ve never worked the half double herringbone stitch before, here’s your chance to learn! It’s a variation of hdc that creates a fabric that is thick and durable.
Potholder in Waffle Pattern
Designer: Tine Sommer Hansen, via Hobbi
Yarn weight: (1) Super fine
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Sock-Ease
Cute and stylish, this waffle patterned potholder is a beautiful and sturdy project you’ll love to add to your kitchen hot pad collection. It’s worked with two strands of yarn held together so it works up faster than you would think.
Double Thick Crunch Stitch Potholder Crochet Pattern
Designer: A More Crafty Life
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Crunch stitch is an easy stitch combination made up of slip stitches, chains, and half double crochet stitches. This is an easy double thick crochet potholder that works great and is quick to make.
Ribbed Potholder
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
The simple ribbing design in this crochet potholder gives it a sleek and modern look. It’s worked in the round to get the double thickness, and uses third loop hdc for the ribbed look.
Crochet Cast Iron Handle Cover & Double Thick Hot Pad Free Pattern
Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Looking for a gift idea for someone who loves to cook? Crochet a handy handmade potholder and handle cover with this beginner-friendly pattern that can be worked in one or two colors.
Stine Potholder
Designer: Milla Billa
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Bernat Handicrafter
This fun potholder uses bobbles on one side and single crochet on the other. The pattern has you work them separately and sewn them together to make your pot holder extra thick.
Free Thick Crochet Potholder Pattern with Envelope Border
Designer: Nicki’s Homemade Crafts
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Using the thermal single crochet stitch variation you can create a thick crochet potholder. This special stitch creates a nice, thick fabric that’s great to protect your hands and furniture surfaces from hot pans and dishes.
Fairy Dust Pot Holder
Designer: Dayna Perry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
If you are looking for an easy crochet potholder pattern, this is the one for you! It uses half double crochet worked in the front loop and back loop only to get the fun texture, and it’s worked in the round and seamed to make a double thickness.
Double Thick Potholders
Designer: Sewrella
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Using two strands of yarn held together and the thermal stitch, these pot holders are super thick and up for any kitchen task. The loop makes them easily accessible in your kitchen.
Farmhouse Potholder
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
Use color blocking to create a collection of modern potholders for your kitchen counter. The Farmhouse Potholder is a double thick and textured crochet potholder pattern using herringbone half double crochet.
Thermal Stitch Potholder
Designer: My Crochet Space
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
If you’re wanting to learn thermal stitch but need a little more help with the technique, this pattern includes a video tutorial to make it easy. Once you understand how it works, it’s totally easy and makes a great potholder pattern.
Colorful Crochet Potholder Patterns
If you have some leftovers from other crochet projects, or just want to add more color to your kitchen, these multicolored crochet potholder patterns are a great option.
Country Crochet Hot Pad Pattern
Designer: Stitching Together
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
This pretty project uses spider stitch, or single crochet, chain 1, sc in the same stitch, and is worked from the center out, changing colors every round. Making it double thick hides your yarn carrying so you don’t have to weave in a bunch of ends.
Potholder Color Block Style
Designer: Anna Burton Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
This project is basically the classic double thick pattern shared above, but made fancier looking by working it in three colors. You could also use leftovers from other projects to make it even more colorful. This is a video tutorial.
Woven Potholder Crochet Pattern
Designer: Petals to Picots
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
Remember making little loom projects when you were a kid? This project has that same retro feel made in crochet. The base is solid with a layer of woven pieces sewn to the top.
Easy Bobble Stitch Hot Pad
Designer: Colorful Christine
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Did you know that bobble stitches work well for potholders? This fun stitch adds texture and thickness, and a bit of personality, too. This project uses a multicolored yarn but you could also make it solid or striped.
Buffalo Check Potholders
Designer: Yarn and Chai
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Perfectly stylish and sturdy, the buffalo check potholder will bring that classic American charm in your kitchen. Use classic plaid colors or whatever you like to suit your kitchen decor.
Textured Border Potholder
Designer: Winding Road Crochet
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Adding a border to your pot holder pattern just makes it a little more fun, and gives you an opportunity to use a contrasting color. The center portion uses sc and dc, and there’s a video tutorial if you need help with the project.
Colorama Pot Holder
Designer: This Pixie Creates
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
Stunning and useful, the Colorama Pot Holder is a colorful free crochet potholder pattern that utilizes moss stitch with the classic double thick technique. No matter what color combination you use it will end up in a beautiful kitchen accessory.
Striped Potholder
Designer: Crochet ‘n' Create
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
Simple stripes may just be what your kitchen needs. This striped single crochet potholder is worked in the round so there’s no finishing, and includes a loop for hanging.
Potholder Patterns with Unique and Fun Designs
Let your pot holders make a statement with these fun, colorful designs. These are great to give as gifts or to add a bit of pizzazz to your own kitchen.
Modern Granny Square Crochet Pattern
Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Mini granny squares worked in bold black and white make an accessory that’s both classic and modern. The back side of the potholder is solid for extra protection from the heat.
Citrus Fruits Potholder
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
Add a refreshing kitchen accessory to your kitchen. The Citrus Fruits Potholder isn’t just adorable but also a great way to learn tapestry crochet. Your color selection will determine what kind of fruit you’re stitching.
Winter Opulence Round Crochet Hot Pad Trivet
Designer: Kirsten Holloway
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Make your potholder double as a centerpiece with this lovely round trivet pattern. Despite having a lacy look it’s still thick enough to protect your holiday table.
Bobble Heart Potholder Free Crochet Pattern
Designer: You Should Craft
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
Add texture and color to your potholder with this project with a bobble heart worked in a contrasting color. The back layer is worked in a flat stitch so it’s still as functional as it is decorative.
Front Post Frenzy Crochet Potholder
Designer: Look at What I Made
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
Get comfortable with working post stitches with this amazing boho potholder. If you find you love this technique there’s a larger mandala version you can make to hang on your kitchen wall.
Sea Waves Potholder
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
This fun tapestry crochet pattern is perfect for a beach house or someone who lives near the ocean or a lake. It’s worked in rows in single crochet and the whole pattern is written out in words so it’s easy for beginners.
Flower Potholders
Designer: Jennifer Martin, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Pima Cotton
Embrace the flower power with these funky flower potholders. Using a multicolored yarn for the petals gives them a perfect boho look, but solid colors are pretty, too.
Scrappy Dots Potholder
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn weight: (3) DK
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks CotLin
This project is the perfect stash buster project to use up your leftover cotton yarn. The tiny dot squares don’t take long to stitch, but the result is charming.
Tutti Frutti Potholders
Designer: Marinke Slump
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie Multi
Here’s another crochet hot pad that can look like different fruit depending on the colors you use. Make it an orange, lemon, or lime, or even a watermelon. You can have a whole fruit salad to protect your table!
It's Boiling Potholder
Designer: Camilla Baroe, via Ravelry
Yarn weight: (2) Sport
Suggested yarn: DROPS Safran
This pretty pattern starts from the ring and includes popcorn stitches and double croche on the front and single crochet on the back. Use a contrasting color for the border.
Darlin' Plaid Potholder
Designer: Grace Lehman
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Knit Picks Dishie
Darling is the best way to describe how adorable this crochet potholder pattern is. This is also the easiest way to get a plaid look, because the base is worked in plain single crochet in the round, with the stripes added after with surface crochet.
Tresca Potholder
Designer: Raffamusa Designs
Yarn weight: (4) Worsted
Suggested yarn: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream
Practice your Tunisian crochet skills with the Tresa Potholder. It uses simple stitch and cross stitch, and is a great skill-building pattern if you’re new to Tunisian crochet.
Are You a Beginner and Interested to Know What Else Can Be Made with Crochet Rectangles?
Most of the pot holders on this list are squares or rectangles, but there’s so much you can do with this simple shape!
Unlock even more projects you can make with rectangles with our Crochet Anything with Rectangles workshop. If you can crochet a potholder, you can crochet a dishcloth, sweater, blanket, shrug, tote, slippers, hat, bags, cardigans, and so much more!
Need More Help Building Your Crochet Skills?
If you’re new to crochet and all the different terms and techniques are intimidating you, not to worry. Our Crochet Fundamentals workshop is full of quick videos that will help you with all the basics and more.
In no time your projects will be looking as good as the ones in the pictures, and you’ll be trying new things with confidence.
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