Over the years, mine have been used and used and used. They finally have worn too thin and I've given them to the kids to use with their toy kitchen.
So I decided to make myself some new ones. The last time I attempted this as a teenager, my hotpads were not square. I must have missed a bunch of stitches or something.
I think I have gotten a little better at crocheting over the years, because this time they turned out fairly well.
Hot pads, potholders, or trivets are handy to have around the kitchen. I keep mine in a drawer right by the stove. When I need to pull something hot out of the oven, they're easy to grab.
I always use them when placing hot pots or pans on the table or counter. This protects the surfaces from burning.
These would be the perfect project for the beginning crocheter. The only stitches are chain and single crochet.
I like them, because you don't have to count {except the chain}. It's perfect for when I'm waiting for my kids at their various activities, or while watching tv.
Because of the way that they work up, they are sometimes called a "magic" hotpad.
You begin with a chain and single crochet and you continue around and around. Somehow it magically turns into a double layer square potholder.
Note: I've now added a fabric hotpad tutorial to the blog. It's super easy too, although it looks pretty fancy for only sewing 4 straight seams!
This is a great project for beginners - it was my daughter's first sewing project at 4H.
I've also recently added a roundup of a dozen super EASY crochet projects, when you're done making this hot pad head over to find your next easy project.
Need a gift for a crochet lover? Try this big list of over 50 gift ideas.
How to Crochet a Hotpad - Super Easy Version!
I had to call my mom to remember how to do this. And after I tell you how, you might laugh that I couldn't remember. It's so easy!!Note 9-6-18: I originally published this post in April of 2013. To date, it is one of my most popular posts, so I decided to create a video tutorial to walk you through making the hot pad. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to view. If you are visiting from Pinterest: Welcome! I'm glad you're here!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
Supplies Needed to Crochet a "Magic" Hotpad
- G or H crochet hook
- Yarn
{cotton is best, a 3 oz skein is enough. I like sugar n cream yarn!}
- Scissors
- Needle
{cotton is best, a 3 oz skein is enough. I like sugar n cream yarn!}
Scroll to the bottom of the page for a printable version
Crocheted Hot Pad Pattern
- Chain 42
- Single crochet in each chain stitch
- When you get to the end, continue around and single crochet in each stitch of the unused side of the chain.
- Continue as if you are crocheting in the round, with a single crochet in each single crochet.
- Your hotpad will first look like a strip, then it will slowly turn into a boat shape, then "pockets" will begin to form. Once the two sides of the potholder are touching, it's time to finish it off.
- Cut off the yarn leaving a 12-15 inch tail. Fasten off the end of your last crochet stitch with a small knot.
- With a large eye needle, sew the two flaps together.
- Weave the yarn through a few additional stitches to prevent unraveling and clip off excess.
Crocheted Potholder Visual Tutorial
For those of us who need a visual, keep reading, I'll walk you through each step. Or skip ahead to the video at the end of the post.To begin, chain 42. This is going to end up being the diagonal of the hotpad. For this first one I made, I only did 32 and it's too small.
It's usable, but I like the bigger one I made better. I should have just believed my mom when she told me how many to chain.
Then you will single crochet in each chain until you get to the end.
Note of clarification from one of my readers: Do NOT chain one at the beginning of each round as you normally would, just continue one single crochet in each stitch.
When you get to the point where your two sides are touching, it's time to finish it off.
Take a needle and sew the hotpad together. I sewed in each stitch. When you get to the end, weave in the yarn through a few stitches. Cut off yarn.
And there you have it! A brand new hot pad.
↓↓ Watch the video! Click the link ↓↓
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How to Crochet a Hot Pad
Yield: 1
Estimated cost: $5
prep time: perform time: 3 hourtotal time: 3 H
An easy crochet hotpad ideal for beginners!
materials:
- cotton yarn
tools:
- G or H crochet hook
- scissors
- needle
steps:
- Begin by chaining 42.
- Single crochet in each chain stitch.
- When you get to the end, continue around and single crochet in each stitch of the unused side of the chain.
- Continue as if you are crocheting in the round, with a single crochet in each single crochet.
- Your hotpad will first look like a strip, then it will slowly turn into a boat shape, then "pockets" will begin to form. Once the two sides of the hotpad are touching it's time to finish it off.
- Cut the yarn off, leaving a 12-15 inch tail. Fasten off the end of your last crochet stitch with a small knot.
- With a large eye needle, sew the two flaps together.
- Weave the yarn through a few additional stitches to prevent unraveling and clip off excess.
© 2019 Adventures of a DIY Mom
I always wondered how those were made! Thanks so much for sharing this pattern, I will make a few for myself :)
ReplyDeleteI did also wonder how they were done. These will be great holiday gifts and for my self
DeleteI also wondered how they were made. I am so going to do this and teach my daughter how to do it too. She is 9 and loves to do the chain stitch. She has even managed to make some things with a couple of rows. This would be a great project for her. I'm pinning! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Nici
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing how to make crocheted hot pads. I will try and make one for the future. I am new to your blog and love it. I have a blog too if you would like to pop over and take a look at julieslifestyle.blogspot.com Take care and have a good weekend. Julie
ReplyDeleteWhat size crochet hook do you use? People in nursing homes that still crochet would love to make these.
ReplyDeleteI have these Pot Holders (with loops to hang)& I've used them as Hot Pads. I have wanted to make some but hadn't come across any pattern even close to being similar. I believe mine are crocheted in a non-cotton yarn (I'll change that) and will have to play with Hook sizes since the size you used wasn't mentioned. The center, diagonal seam was stitched up just a bit farther inward but no matter; can't tell you how excited I am, after searching for so long, to be able to make these myself. I love the colorway you used too. Thank you so much for sharing this pattern.
ReplyDeleteI think I used an H hook, but G or I would work well too.
DeleteI am moving out in October (first time living on my own) and don't have any pot holders and have been looking for patterns (I'm also trying to use what I have and not spend unnecessary money!), this one is fabulous! From one of the photos it looks like you are using yarn that I have extra spools of. Mine is acrylic, is that what you used? If not, would they work as well or should I bite the bullet and purchase cotton yarn for it?
ReplyDeleteONIY USE cotton, lily SUGAR & CREAM, OR lion BRAND peaches & cream , arcylic yarn melts or flattens with hot pans
DeleteThese are the best hot pads in the world. Very forgiving in hook size and yarn type. Make them larger for placing on a table or smaller for holding the pot handle. I love mine and they are no brainers to make. :)
ReplyDeleteThank You I had seen my grandma doing these but didn't understand her instructions as to how she was doing them. Thank You for sharing this pattern. Margaret
ReplyDeleteMy Grandma showed me how to do this 40+ years ago. Over the years I've made a gazillion of these for myself, family and friends. I use 38 chains. Good way to used the leftover yarn from other projects. I take the number of ch sts I use for the foundation ch, divide that number by 2 and that's how many rounds/rows I have to make plus 1/2 a row to the corner, then I stitch it together. I've made anything from coasters to hotpads to larger ones for hot skillets. I even made a chair pad once. Just measure from corner to corner how big you want your project to be, then crochet that many chains for your measurement. I use an F or G hook.
ReplyDeletedo you use cotton yarn for these, or regular worsted weight yarn?
ReplyDeleteI usually use regular worsted weight yarn, but cotton should work too.
DeleteNice photo tutorial. Only thing I would change would be to slip stitch crochet the edges together. Much easier.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! Thanks!
DeleteRachel, Absolutely what I was looking for. I am going a bit bigger for a hot pad which I will give to my camping buddies. Hot pans and pots coming out of the RV will now have a pretty and durable pad to prevent melting the plastic table cloth. I was looking for a thick pad that was easy. Your directions and pictures where so helpful. I love the yarn and color you chose for the tutorial. Would you mind sharing the yarn choice? I am multiple pads. One with Lily Sugar n Cream cotton yarn Sonoma print and then Earth Ombre. Thanks you so much. I am excited to give these away as gifts.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you find the tutorial helpful. I'm sorry that I don't recall the yarn I used - I made that set almost 3 years ago. It was Red Heart brand, but I don't know the name of it. Good luck with your gifts.
DeleteI have made dozens of these since I learned how to do them from another poll worker during the election Reagan won. I personally prefer an H or I hook and ALWAYS use cotton yarn because acrylic will melt if it touches a burner or flame by accident. Cotton stays thicker and doesn't flatten the way acrylic would. Cotton does fade faster (don't bleach it) but....it's better than having all your work ruined or getting a burn because the acrylic wasn't enough insulation to protect you. I use them for pot holders and hot pads. They are fast and easy! The lady who taught me the pattern taught me to put three sc in each of the 2 end chain stitches. I am going to try one without the extra two sc and I have a hunch your way will be a more perfect square. Great share... Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMost of the yarn companies have a worsted size pure cotton yarn. I personally prefer "Sugar and Cream" or the equivalent by Lion Brand. "Peaches and Cream" is a little cheaper and is the easiest to find but it has a stiffer feel to it and it's rough on your hands while crocheting. I don't think it will last as long either. Anyway, do try to use cotton for the best result. You can also make them a little smaller and use them for coasters.
ReplyDeleteLove this pattern! Thank you
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving us this pattern. I've always wanted to try it but it look too complicated so I never would try it. I made one and plan on making many many more.
ReplyDeletehow much yarn does it take ...do you need more than one ball of sugar and cream yarn to make this size? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI have not used sugar and cream yarn to make one of these before. However my guess is that one ball would be enough to make one. I can get two out of a skein of red hart yarn. I'd love for you to reply back to this comment if you decide to go for it and let us know for sure. Happy Crocheting!
DeleteThank you for posting this pattern. I have some that my grandfather made.I love them. Now I can add to my collection.
ReplyDeleteive been making these for over 60 yrs, i use Lily cotton yarn sugar & cream or another brand called peaches & cream, use a hook size G or H so its tight . they are awesome, when my son had a liver transplant 13 yrs ago i had found the yarn on sale at Micheals for a dollar a ball i can get 4 out of three balls & every nurse on his ward had a set, & their friends from other floors was asking to buy some, the crocheting kept me from going crazy all the many months of being in& out of the hospital before getting the transplant, by the grace of God & crocheting i servived, & MY SON IS FINE.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your son is well. I'm glad that you had your crocheting to help you during that hard time.
DeleteBeginner crochet'er here....why are mine never square? They are always a rectangle. LOL
ReplyDeleteMy first hotpad turned out more of a trapezoid than a square - so you're not alone:) It's hard to say without being able to watch you crochet, but my thought is that maybe your stitches aren't all the same size. This is a common issue with beginners because it's hard to keep the tension of the yarn the same. You might start out with loose stitches and as you get into the flow of crocheting, your stitches may become tighter {or vice versa}. I would just keep working on it - it eventually becomes second nature and is much easier to keep the tension the same throughout your projects.
DeleteWhen mine have been rectangular it was because I thought the edges had met but I really needed another row or two. Doing too many rows will cause the same thing. Fortunately being a little off doesn’t matter, they still work great.
DeleteRachel....may I suggest you add to your instructions that you do not chain 1 before going around each time? Some might be confused and do that. I'd also like to share with you that I've been doing this pattern for years, and if you chain 21 or 25, you can make a nice size coaster. We call them mug rugs :) I also use an H hook, but a G does work. It was really kind of you to share this!
ReplyDeleteYes, I'll add that clarification. Mug rugs sound fun - I'll have to give them a try
DeleteHow can you turn this pattern into a lap blanket? I love the pattern and have attempted blankets but would just increasing in the corners keep it in a square? I do not have the expertise to figure that out.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried a lap blanket with this pattern. I would suggest that you figure out how long you want the blanket to be from corner to corner diagonally, then chain that long. Then continue with the single crochets around and around as in the hotpad pattern. Please leave any feedback about how you end up doing it and what works or doesn't. Good luck with your project!
DeleteL-O-V-E!!! Christmas is coming. Thank you, Rachel!!!
ReplyDeleteL-O-V-E!!! Christmas is coming! Thank you, Rachel!
ReplyDeleteWool is even better than cotton. It withstands very high temperatures and is flame resistant. It won't melt like acrylic and is less likely to catch fire than cotton. The wool shrinks and "felts" when washed/dried, making it even more heat resistant.
ReplyDeleteI especially like the colors in this yarn...can you please tell me what color/name brand you used? I love this pattern and will be making several!!
ReplyDeleteI don't recall the color, but it was red heart yarn. Good luck!
DeleteGreat pattern I've made bunches of these. But do not use acrylic yarn for a hot pad! A hot pan or dish can melt it. 100% cotton isn't as soft, but it works well and it's much safer.
ReplyDeleteI am most interested in using this pattern for rectangular hot pads. Please help me on this as I am in need of hot pads...
ReplyDeleteThe nature of this pattern creates a square hot pad. If you would like a rectangle hotpad, may I suggest this tutorial: https://www.adventuresofadiymom.com/2013/04/crocheted-scalloped-edged-hot-pad.html
DeleteOr you can search "crochet scalloped edged hotpad" in the search bar above my picture.
I have made these for years...I Love them :-) Love your aqua one..
ReplyDeleteThank you! They're kinda fun to make, aren't they?
DeleteDoes it matter which side is the right side when you are done? As you start crocheting and the boat appears, it tends to fall in so the back side is the outside? Am I making any sense?
ReplyDeleteWhere should the starting tail be from the original chain 42 on the inside or outside?
As I'm crocheting the starting tail is usually on the outside of my hotpad. I either pull it through to the inside, or flip the whole thing inside out when done. I've done it both ways and it works well either way. Each side has a different look to it, so decide which you prefer and tuck in the tail if needed.
DeleteHello, I have been making these for several years. I found the original pattern and I have never seen this pattern crocheted with the right side facing inward. When the coners start turning inward I turn these corners outward so you are crocheting with the right side out. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteHow much yarn does it take to make one hotpad?
ReplyDeleteA 4 ounce skein of yarn would be enough. I usually buy large skeins and make multiple.
DeleteHi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteHow many inches on each side was your hotpad with the ch 42?
Thank you,
Deb Casey
Hi Deb, beginning with 42 chains my finished hot pads end up being between 7 1/2 and 8 inches in each side. This will vary depending on how tight or loose you crochet, but that’s how mine end up.
DeleteWhere exactly is the printable version of this pattern? I've looked a few times & just can't seem to find it. If it would make it easier to email it to me instead of trying to explain where it is, that would be awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh!! I'm glad you asked this, because I had forgotten to add the printable card. I just added it. If you look at the bottom of the post, there is a grey instruction box. Right under the picture, before any instructions, there is a print button. Clicking that should allow you to print the instructions with or without the picture. Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
DeleteI had received two of these as a gift from a friend years ago. I was just enchanted with them. They look hard to make since they are two layered. I decided to look for patterns for them and the first one I saw was yours. Thanks for the good directions and for the wonderful video. Thanks for posting. Now I can make my own and give them for gifts, too, like so many of you do.
ReplyDeleteAhh thank you for the kind words! Happy crocheting!
Deleteafter finishing my piece, sewing the two sides together, I turned over the hot pad and there is a line of holes diagonally down the piece. Is that normal or do I need to close it up a bit?
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that those holes are from the original chain. Sometimes working the single crochet down both sides of the chain enlarges the holes in the chain. This has happened to me before too. I'm not sure exactly how to close it up more at this point. (I just use mine anyway if this happens.) My suggestion for future hotpads would be to chain just a little tighter than you normally would, it will help keep those "holes" smaller as you work the single crochets into them.
DeleteMine is about 90% done but it is much larger, wish I could send you a photo. When I lay it flat down, the sides don't come together as yet, but it measures 12" across. WOW this is way to large. Not sure what I did wrong. I watched your tutorial and have done the same this. I guess I rip it all off and start again.
ReplyDeleteMy hotpads generally end up about 9 inches across, so yes, yours is much larger. The two things I can think of is that either the yarn you are using is much thicker(I use a medium weight yarn)
DeleteOr your crochet stitches are looser. If that is the case, there's an easy fix (at least for next time). Chain as you normally do until your chain is 12 inches long. Keep track of how many chains that is for you and that will be your starting point. Does that make sense? The starting chain actually ends up being the diagonal of the hot pad.
My sister made me an extra large hot pad that measures 15" X 10" (using a different pattern) and I actually use it ALL the time. It's great for setting hot cookie sheets on. Just something to consider - if you'd rather unravel and start over for the size you want, go for it. If you don't want to unravel all that work, it might be worth keeping.
Thank you Rachel. Unraveled the first one and in the middle of the second one. It again looks rectangle but will continue working on it.
DeleteI use Sugar'n Cream 2 oz, 4-ply. The cotton is rough and not soft. It's the only cotton yarn Michaels is selling. You recommended Red Heart yarn. Will look for it on Amazon.
I just finished the first 2 oz skein of Sugar 'n Cream (The original L'Original El Original). I also noticed while crocheting that I crochet tight and not lose. Now when I lay the pot holder down, it is 10.5" across, with a gap between the sides of 2 3/4". So it is larger once again. Not sure what to do or how to proceed?
DeleteThe sugar'n cream yarn is great for hot pads. I've learned that cotton yarn is better than the red heart acrylic yarn I used to use. The only thing I can think of is to start with even less chain stitches to begin with to find your sweet spot and get the size you would like.
DeletePlease anyone tell me which brand of cotton yarn you are using.
DeleteI use the sugar'n cream yarn.
DeleteBought new cotton yarn today: Loops & Threads. Followed your recommendation to chain until 12". The chain had 48 stitches. Now it will be even larger than my previous hot pad that had 42 stitches?
ReplyDeleteAnn, A 12" chain is certainly going to be much larger than what it sounds like you want. You must be getting pretty frustrated with this at this point. Are you using a G or H hook? I use a G hook with Sugar n Cream cotton yarn. The one that I use most often was made with 33 chains and it measures 6 1/2 " square. If you want it a little bigger, add a few chains. I hope this helps.
DeleteApparently my guess was wrong ��. So my next thought is to start with maybe 35 or 30 chains. You’ll have to play around with it until you get the size you wish for.
ReplyDeleteMine did not create a boat. It kept its square shape and I kept going until it was as long as it is wide. The stitches are all horizontal not diagonal. It looks nice but I would like to know what I did wrong. I never got the pockets.
ReplyDeleteWithout seeing it or watching what you did, it's hard to say. But I wonder if you turned at the end of each row instead of going around and around the chain. You can watch my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXr679vwoa0&t=3s. Maybe you can determine what you did differently. I hope that will help you.
DeleteSo the pandemic started and I got hooked (!) on crocheting all over again. Thank you Rachel for all your help and advice. Was very helpful. I have given lots and lots of potholders away and everyone just loves them.
ReplyDeleteRachel: you recommended them as hot pads but my friend also uses them in the microwave. She puts a dish that usually gets hot on the pad and has no problem removing it. THANK YOU for all your help.
That's a great idea to use them in the microwave!
DeleteJust remembered my question: what do you do with the loose ends inside the potholder? Do you weave the ends in or just leave them as is before closing the potholder?
ReplyDeleteI just leave the loose end from the beginning of the hotpad. It wouldn't hurt to weave it in, but I haven't had a problem, so I don't worry about weaving it.
DeleteWell thank you Rachel. This will make my life a whole lot easier. I was taught to always "clean it up" but who will ever look inside the potholder?
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I remember that you are connected to Amazon. How do I find you there? Do you recommend certain cotton yarn?
My thoughts exactly! I like the sugar n' cream yarn, but any cotton yarn will work. I am an affiliate for Amazon. If you go to the "supplies needed" section, you can find my affiliate links. I need to set up a storefront, but haven't done it yet.
DeleteI first started out at 42, and they turned out great! But then I wanted to make them bigger, so I went up to 50. But now they are turning out like they are blown up and crooked? Not sure why, guess I should just stick to 42?
ReplyDeleteThat is so odd! Are you using a different type of yarn or anything?
DeleteI know it's not cotten, it's a mixed type, polyester and or acrylic ? I've learned to flatten them out a little bit by setting some books on top. I know cotten would be better, but hard to find in my area right now. I know not to set anything hot on top of them, but they do work for taking pans out if the oven.
DeleteThank you for posting this pattern. I have been looking for this pattern for a long tims. My mother-in-law made some of these potholders me and I asked for the pattern but she passed away before sending it to me.
ReplyDeleteI am new to crochet, and I love these potholders. The first one I made came out so nice... but now the next three are rectangular... not a square what am I doing wrong? I used a G hook for one and a 5.5 for the other. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteUsually the reason they come out rectangular is because there are either too many or too few rows. I recently made 3 hotpads and they were all rectangular too! I don't worry about it too much.
DeleteHowever if you really do want them to end up square, you can try the advice of a fellow reader who said, "I take the number of ch sts I use for the foundation ch, divide that number by 2 and that's how many rounds/rows I have to make plus 1/2 a row to the corner, then I stitch it together."
I love this pattern. Thanks for sharing! I'm on my 2nd one, getting ready to start a 3rd one. Gave my first one to my Mom for Mother's Day. She loves it!
ReplyDeleteMaybe a dumb question, but I'm a beginner - can I do this same pattern if I do a foundation single crochet row first? I am terrible with chaining and SC into the chains, but I can do fsc fine. Will this work?
ReplyDeleteYes, that should work just fine.
DeleteSorry if I missed someone saying this already, however, I would never use cotton to make these. There is too much danger in starting a fire. Better to melt a little than to end up burning yourself or setting the house on fire. I have melted mine but the have never gone up in flames.
ReplyDeleteWould it make sense to grab a small part of yarn on the underside when sewing together? If you don't want it lose its shape when it's washed?
ReplyDeleteYou could do that if you'd like. I haven't had any problem with them losing their shape in the wash without it though.
DeleteI love mine and made several more to give as gifts. I just bought one of those big cones of cotton yarn and went to town! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI love mine and have made several more to give as gifts. I just bought one of those big cones of cotton yarn and went to town! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear! They're fun to make, aren't they?
Delete