12 Crochet Pot Holder Free Patterns
A crochet pot holder is one of the best small projects you can make. It takes an evening, uses a little cotton yarn, and you get something you will use every day. They also make sweet housewarming and hostess gifts.
Below are 12 free patterns we checked one by one. You will find simple double thick squares for beginners, round hot pads, a vintage thread pot holder, and a few fun shapes like a daisy and a pineapple. Every pattern is free to read on the designer’s page.
Crochet Pot Holder Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- 100% cotton worsted weight yarn
- Crochet hook set (4 mm to 5.5 mm)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Small sharp scissors
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
1. Easy Double Thick Crochet Potholder
Photo: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
This square is worked in continuous rounds, then folded so you get two layers of fabric. It uses single crochet and back loop single crochet, so the stitches stay simple while the fabric gets thick. If you have never made a pot holder, start here.
- Designer: Sarah Stearns / Sarah Maker
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4) cotton
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Hexagon Potholder
Photo: Julie Oparka / Red Berry Crochet
A six-sided pot holder worked in the round. The free PDF includes written instructions and a full symbol chart, which helps if you like to follow diagrams. Cotton is recommended for best results.
- Designer: Julie Oparka / Red Berry Crochet
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4) cotton
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free Ravelry download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Fanciful Flower Potholders
Photo: Claudia / Delights-Gems
Round pot holders with layered petals in bright, bold colors and a scalloped white edge. They are about 7 inches across and use basic stitches. The center can be dressed up or left plain.
- Designer: Claudia / Delights-Gems
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: DK (#3) cotton
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Double Thick Cotton Potholder
Photo: Crochet ‘n’ Create
At about 11.5 inches square, this is the largest pot holder here, so it protects hands and tables well. It is double thick, 100% cotton, and has a pointed corner with a loop. The pattern is written in US and UK terms.
- Designer: Crochet ‘n’ Create
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Light worsted (#3) cotton
- Hook: 4.5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Crochet Potholder (Bumpy Rows)
Photo: Alnaar Harnish / Leelee Knits
Rows of single and double crochet make a bumpy, textured square in bright colors. The texture helps keep heat away from your hand. It finishes at 8 x 8 inches and is a nice scrap buster.
- Designer: Alnaar Harnish / Leelee Knits
- Skill level: Beginner
- Yarn: Knit Picks Dishie cotton (see pattern)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Mosaic Potholder
Photo: Yarn + Chai
This one pairs worsted cotton with thin cotton thread to make a light background with a darker mosaic design. Single crochet spike stitches create the pattern, and the look is very farmhouse.
- Designer: Yarn + Chai
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4) cotton + #10 cotton thread
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Daisy Potholder #32
Photo: Maggie Weldon
A classic round pot holder with a yellow center and white shell stitch petals on the front, and a solid back. It is 8.5 inches across and has a sweet, old-fashioned look for a farmhouse or vintage kitchen.
- Designer: Maggie Weldon
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5.5 mm (I)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Waterlily Hotpad
Photo: Stacey LW Lee
Front post stitches build overlapping petals on this 8-inch round hot pad. It is made in two layers, so it is thick enough for hot dishes on the table or counter.
- Designer: Stacey LW Lee
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free Ravelry download
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Old Fashioned Potholders
Photo: Cathy / My Little Kitchen
Just like the ones in grandma’s kitchen. Two round pieces in size 10 cotton thread, with a dark center, a white middle and a dark border, are joined together. Yellow and white or red and white are the classic colors.
- Designer: Cathy / My Little Kitchen
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Size 10 cotton crochet thread
- Hook: Steel size 7
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Pineapple Crochet Hot Pad
Photo: Petals to Picots
A yellow pineapple with green leaves, about 15 inches tall. Five double crochet clusters give it a thick, bumpy texture that looks like real pineapple skin. A fun summer project.
- Designer: Petals to Picots
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted cotton
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Puff Stitch Heart Potholder
Photo: Dayna Perry / This Pixie Creates
Columns of puff stitch hearts cover this pot holder. It is worked in the round as a seamless double thick pouch, so there is no sewing and both sides can be used. Lovely for Valentine’s Day.
- Designer: Dayna Perry / This Pixie Creates
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Worsted (#4) cotton
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Winter Opulence Round Hot Pad
Photo: Kirsten Holloway Designs
This round floral hot pad is thick but lacy, using post stitches, puffs and clusters. It is 9 inches across and pretty enough to leave out on the table. Pick this one when you want a challenge.
- Designer: Kirsten Holloway Designs
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Yarn: Worsted (#4) cotton
- Hook: 5 mm (H)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First pot holder ever? Start with #1 or #2. Both use basic stitches.
- Want to use up scraps? Try #3 (flowers) or #5 (bumpy rows).
- Making a gift? #7 (daisy) and #8 (waterlily) look great on a hook in any kitchen.
- Love vintage? #9 is a true old-fashioned thread pot holder.
- Ready for a challenge? #11 and #12 use puffs and post stitches.
FAQ
What yarn is best for a crochet pot holder?
Use 100% cotton. Cotton handles heat well and does not melt. Acrylic can melt when it touches a hot pan, so save it for decorative pieces. Worsted weight cotton like Lily Sugar’n Cream or Dishie is the most common choice in these patterns.
How do I make a pot holder thick enough?
Pick a double thick or two-layer pattern, like #1, #4, #8 or #11. Thin, lacy fabric lets heat through. If your pot holder feels thin, go down a hook size or hold two strands of yarn together.
What size should a crochet pot holder be?
Most are about 7 to 9 inches across. That is big enough to grab a pan handle or set under a dish. For big baking dishes, choose a larger pattern like #4, which is about 11.5 inches.
Pick one, grab some cotton, and you could have a new pot holder hanging in your kitchen by tonight.