Cook’s Pot Holders
These Cook’s Pot Holders are the perfect project for relaxing during your relaxing! They’re portable and easy enough to accompany you on a daytrip to the beach, on a weekend to the country, or just on a jaunt to the neighborhood park for an afternoon of sun.
Using a three skeins of our Cotton Pure and a skein our Line Weight merino and holding a strand of each, there’s lots of freedom for play here. We offer three pattern ideas, but beautiful materials make it hard to go wrong!
We love the heirloom quality of our Cook’s Pot Holders, the feeling that they could have existed almost anywhere, anytime. And we love the fun of making them… anywhere, anytime! -Jake
Materials
- 1 skein of Purl Soho’s Line Weight, 100% merino wool. Each skein is 494 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 494 yards required.
- 3 colors of Purl Soho’s Cotton Pure, 100% organically grown cotton. Each skein is 279 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 210 yards required for two of the colors, and 75 for the third.
- A size G (4.5mm) crochet hook
HONEY PINK VERSION (shown above left)
- Line Weight in Honey Pink
- Cotton Pure in Egret White, Pale Almond and Red Nectar
KILN RED VERSION (shown above right)
- Line Weight in Kiln Red
- Cotton Pure in Egret White, Pale Almond and Red Nectar
NOTE: One skein of Line Weight and one Cotton Pure Bundle make 6 Cook’s Pot Holders with some Cotton Pure leftover.
Gauge
22 single crochets and 24 rounds = 4 inches
Size
Finished Dimensions: 8 inches in diameter
Note
When you make these Pot Holders, hold together one strand of Line Weight and one strand of Cotton Pure.
Pattern: Solid Colored
NOTE: For these Pot Holders we used…
- Honey Pink Version: Line Weight in Honey Pink + Cotton Pure in Egret White
- Kiln Red Version: Line Weight in Kiln Red + Cotton Pure in Pale Almond
Holding one strand of Line Weight and one strand of Cotton Pure…
Round 1: Chain (ch) 1 into an adjustable loop, make 6 single crochets (sc) into the loop, tighten loop. [6 stitches]
Round 2: Make 2 sc into each stitch. [12 stitches]
NOTE: For the rest of the pattern, mark the first stitch of the each round with a removable stitch marker. Be sure to reposition the marker at the beginning of each round to mark the new first stitch.
Round 3: *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [18 stitches]
Round 4: 1 sc into next stitch, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 2 stitches, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into last stitch. [24 stitches]
Round 5: *1 sc into next 3 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [30 stitches]
Round 6: 1 sc into next 2 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 4 stitches, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 2 stitches. [36 stitches]
Round 7: *1 sc into next 5 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [42 stitches]
Round 8: 1 sc into next 3 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 6 stitches, repeat from * to last 4 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 3 stitches. [48 stitches]
Round 9: *1 sc into next 7 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [54 stitches]
Round 10: 1 sc into next 4 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 8 stitches, repeat from * to last 5 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 4 stitches. [60 stitches]
Round 11: *1 sc into next 9 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [66 stitches]
Round 12: 1 sc into next 5 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 10 stitches, repeat from * to last 6 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 5 stitches. [72 stitches]
Round 13: *1 sc into next 11 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [78 stitches]
Round 14: 1 sc into next 6 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 12 stitches, repeat from * to last 7 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 6 stitches. [84 stitches]
Round 15: *1 sc into next 13 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [90 stitches]
Round 16: 1 sc into next 7 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 14 stitches, repeat from * to last 8 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 7 stitches. [96 stitches]
Round 17: *1 sc into next 15 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [102 stitches]
Round 18: 1 sc into next 8 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 16 stitches, repeat from * to last 9 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 8 stitches. [108 stitches]
Round 19: *1 sc into next 17 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [114 stitches]
Round 20: 1 sc into next 9 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 18 stitches, repeat from * to last 10 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 9 stitches. [120 stitches]
Round 21: *1 sc into next 19 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, repeat from * to end of round. [126 stitches]
Round 22: 1 sc into next 10 stitches, *2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 20 stitches, repeat from * to last 11 stitches, 2 sc into next stitch, 1 sc into next 10 stitches. [132 stitches]
Hanging Loop
Make a 3-inch chain, and keeping the chain untwisted, slip stitch into the base of the chain.
Cut the yarn and pull the tail through the last stitch to secure.
Weave in the ends. Wet block and lay flat to dry.
Pattern: Color Blocked, Small Center
NOTE: For these Pot Holders we used…
- Honey Pink Version: Line Weight in Honey Pink + Cotton Pure in…
- Red Nectar for Center
- Pale Almond for Middle
- Egret White for Outer
- Kiln Red Version: Line Weight in Kiln Red + Cotton Pure in…
- Pale Almond for Center
- Egret White for Middle
- Red Nectar for Outer
Follow the Solid Colored Pattern, switching Cotton Pure colors for the following rounds…
- Center: Rounds 1 – 6
- Middle: Rounds 7 – 18
- Outer: Rounds 19 – 22
Pattern: Color Blocked, Large Center
NOTE: For these Pot Holders we used…
- Honey Pink Version: Line Weight in Honey Pink + Cotton Pure in…
- Pale Almond for Center
- Egret White for Middle
- Red Nectar for Outer
- Kiln Red Version: Line Weight in Kiln Red + Cotton Pure in…
- Red Nectar for Center
- Pale Almond for Middle
- Egret White for Outer
Follow the Solid Colored Pattern, switching Cotton Pure colors for the following rounds…
- Center: Rounds 1 – 12
- Middle: Rounds 13 – 20
- Outer: Rounds 21 – 22
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free crochet patterns and crochet tutorials, buy one of our many kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next crochet or knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Love your patterns and projects! Thank you! Have not found anything similar in Europe yet. Are you considering giving measurements in cm? Would be great!
Best from Vienna, Irene
Hi Irene,
Thanks for writing in! We totally hear you regarding including metric sizes and measurements. This is something that is currently under consideration so we really appreciate your input!
When I need to translate a pattern from metric to US imperial, I like to use Google’s conversion tools. I type “convert cm to inches” into Google and a purpose built calculator will appear. You can certainly do the same thing in reverse to convert all of the measurements you seek into metric!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Please send patterns to knit
Pot holders/mats, etc
ANY patterns to knit
Thank you very much!!
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for writing in! All of our knit patterns for housewares can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/knit-housewares/
Best,
Cassy
Hi there do u have a tutorial for these pot holders? I don’t know how to work in the round yet but I love them!
Thank you so much.
Hi Marie,
Thanks for writing in! We do not have a tutorial specifically for these lovely pot holders. We do have a variety of tutorials for different crochet techniques. They can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet/tutorials/
Best,
Cassy
These look so cute and rustic! What Line Weight shade would you recommend to coordinate with the Haystack bundle of Cotton Pure?
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for writing in! I would suggest either Wheat Flour or Ginger Orange!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you for this pattern! My grandmother had potholders just like these hanging next to her stove. Fun!
These have a lovely old-timey look. Is there a comparable pattern that is knit?
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing in and for the kind words! We do not have a knit version of this pattern! We do, however, have an older pattern for knit potholders that are in a similar shape. It can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2010/08/14/whits-knits-fruity-trivets-pot-holders-the-knitted-version/
Best,
Cassy
Can they be washed? If so, how?
Hi Teri,
Thanks for writing in! Due to the merino content of the Line Weight, we would suggest hand washing these lovely potholders using a leave in wool wash such as Soak!
Best,
Cassy
Do these have to be hand-washed because of the merino wool?
Thank you
Hi Joni,
Thanks for writing in! Due to the merino content of the Line Weight, we would suggest hand washing these lovely potholders using a leave in wool wash such as Soak!
Best,
Cassy
Hi,
Love the look of these potholders. I don’t do a lot of crocheting so I too would like a tutorial on how to make these. I am also curious on what the weight of each of these yarns might be.
Thanks, N
HI Nancy,
Thanks for writing in! We do not have a tutorial for these lovely potholders but we do have a variety of tutorials for crocheting and they can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/crochet/tutorials/
Our Cotton Pure is roughly a sport weight with a gauge of 5-6 stitches per inch and our Line Weight is a fingering weight with a gauge of 7 – 8.5 stitches per inches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
On my knitting gauge a 4.5mm hook is a 7, not a G.
HI Becca,
Thanks for writing in! Good question! In US measurements, crochet hooks and knitting needles are classified on two different scales. Knitting needles use numbers (eg. US 1, Us 4, Us 7) and crochet hooks use letters (eg. A, G, Q). A 4.5 mm knitting needle is a US 7 and a 4.5 mm crochet hook is a G hook.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi, what is the weight of the cotton yarn?
Hi K,
Thanks for writing in! Our Cotton Pure comes in at 5-6 stitches per inch which makes it a Sport weight yarn!
Best,
Cassy
Hi K,
The weight of the Cotton Pure yarn is 100 grams (3.5oz)
Best,
Melissa
This is a beautiful pattern and I’m so excited to make these potholders! However, I am having trouble with the stitch count, I keep trying over and over and it doesn’t seem to be matching up with the count you have listed. This could be because I’m new to crocheting – but the instructions are fairly straight forward. Any thoughts on why this may be happening?
Thank you!
-Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for writing in! I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties here. I am not sure what could be happening. It might be helpful to use a removable stitch marker to mark you beginning of round to help you get the correct number of stitches. I also find it helpful to write rows out fully when I am having difficulty with counts.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Maybe this will help Sarah: When I have trouble with counts, I use one color removable marker for the beginning of a round, and a second color at every increase point (if a pattern doesn’t have increases, then if there are a lot of stitches, I would mark every 10 stitches). It helps me keep count one section at a time, and I know to make an increase at the marker (in this case, to crochet two into that marked stitch). I use those removable markers, orange at the beginning of the row, and blues to keep count. I know some people find working with markers unhandy, but they work for me. Good luck, Sarah!
These potholders are so attractive. I , also, can just knit. Do the knitted potholders give as much heat protection as the crocheted ones. Do the crochet ones give good heat protection or are they just for decoration?
Hi June,
Thanks for writing in! These crocheted pot holders do, indeed, protect from heat when picking up a pan or pot, while also being quite beautiful! We have made knit pot holders in the past but generally they have been felted (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2011/01/23/whits-knits-four-felted-hot-pads/). Crocheted fabric is quite a bit thicker than knit fabric and the felting of the knit fabric helps make them more insulating!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I really like the pattern for these potholders and I want to thank you for making it available for no cost. However, the printed copy was too long with too many pictures, in my opinion. It took 10 pages to print it up. Three would have been plenty.
Hello Patricia,
Thanks for writing in. I have a solution for you! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials.
Best,
Marilla
Would it be too bulky to make these potholders using two strands of cotton? This way they would be machine washable.
I do love Purl Soho!
Hi Michele,
Yes two strands of the cotton held together would work very nicely for this pattern.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Can you recommend a color in cotton pure that is comparable le to the merino honey pink?
Hi Michele,
Thanks for writing in! The color that is the closest to Honey Pink in Cotton Pure is Teacake Pink. It is a little pinker than Honey Pink but it is the closest color in my opinion.
Best,
Cassy
Love these!
I am very experienced with crocheting in the round using markers and your spiral technique.
I usually begin with working 8 sc into the magic loop. I continue with 2 sc in each stitch for the second round for a total of 16 sc. For the third round 1 sc, 2sc, 1sc, 2sc, in each stitch for a total of 24 sc . Fourth round -1 sc in first 2 sc, 2sc in next sc and repeat for total of 32. I continue increasing in this same progression resulting in an 8 st increase in each round. Every few rounds i might skip the increase to maintain the flatness of the circle
I am looking forward to trying your pattern. Interested in hearing your thoughts on the advantages of your approach. Thanks so much.
PS Would these work as well with a Cotton Pure:/Linen Quill combo?
Hi Gaia,
Thanks for writing in! These beautiful pot holders would work beautifully using Cotton Pure and Linen Quill together. You would not need to modify the pattern if you used this combination. Both 6 stitches increased and 8 stitches increased will work to make a circle, but with 6 stitches you shouldn’t need to ever skip an increase round to make the circle lay flat. So the advantage here is that you would not need to skip and increase to get a flat circle.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I love these … in theory …. but after making 2 of them I think they are too thin to actually be effective. I was planning to give them as gifts but I have a feeling they won’t get used. Though they’ll look pretty on display.
Any thoughts on how to make them thicker?
Thank you,
Donna
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! We have been able to use them successfully but totally appreciate that a thicker version might be preferable for you! You could certainly hold 2 together a crochet around the edge, giving you a double thick pot holder. You could also try doubling up on the yarn (holding 2 strands of each yarn) but you would also need to go up a few hook sizes.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I am wondering if I purchase the skeins just as you suggest, how many potholders can be made?
Hi Debra,
Thanks for writing in! One skein of Line Weight and one Cotton Pure Bundle make 6 Cook’s Pot Holders with some Cotton Pure leftover.
Best,
Cassy
Cassy, I’d like to do this 2017 pot holder project. They’re beautiful! One of the comments mentioned that they turn out to be thin using the materials in the pattern. Can you suggest an alternative combination of yarns that will make the pot holders thicker? I dunno, maybe 2 worsted instead of fingering /sports?
Thank you.
Nena
Hi Nena,
Thanks for writing in! I think using two strands of worsted weight held together would be a wonderful way to make a thicker pot holder! Blue Sky Worsted Cotton held double on a US J or K hook would work out quite well, and since the pot holder is worked from the center out, you can follow the pattern as written and stop increasing when you are happy with the size.
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
Hi- I’m interested in making these, but it seems either the color names have changed, or you’re out of the colors originally used. Could you suggest alternate colors using what you’re currently stocking?
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, most of the colors we used for these pot holders have been discontinued – I’m so sorry about that! I’m happy to suggest some alternate combinations! For the Honey Pink set, I would try using Line Weight in Peony Pink, paired with Cotton Pure in Heirloom White, Warm Rock, and Rosy Red. For the Kiln Red colorway, Line Weight in Kiln Red is still available, and I think it would go quite well with Cotton Pure in Heirloom White, Peach Peony, and Rosy Red.
I hope that helps, and happy crocheting!
Julianna
Thank you!