I am learning how to read and write patterns as I go, so I’m starting small on this new venture. I hope that my dumbing down and explaining of things to learn myself will help some of you guys out as well. I have looked at a few patterns for things that just blew my mind, and they actually deterred me for some time from learning more about crochet patterns. I would have started sooner with this had I not been turned off to the entire thing with my lack of knowledge.
Start small, and build from there, I say.
I do a little more explaining than a lot of written patterns I have seen do, but I appreciate explanations when trying to learn something, and I hope you do to.
This pattern can also be used to make rags, which is what you end up with before crocheting the two pieces together to make the potholder. You can adjust the width by adding or removing chains at the start, or make it longer by adding rows. You can also follow the pattern, but remove chains and rows, and make a little pot scrubber. Just make sure you are using 100% Cotton yarn for these things.
Cotton is more durable. Acrylic will stretch, and not return to its original form, and I personally don’t like the way it feels wet. Cotton will stretch when wet, but return to its form better than other material. You can use blends if you want, but I prefer 100% Cotton.
You can find yarn specific for making wash cloths, which would work for this, but most of the time, products cost more when tailored to specific purposes. I use Peaches & Creme 100% Cotton yarn from Walmart. A 2 oz. skein where I live in east Texas is under $2. A large cone of it is a little over $8, so it is very affordable. If you can find it locally, you will more than likely save money. Amazon had the same cones of yarn for almost $11, so check your local shops before resorting to the internet. You would be surprised what you may find.
Also, Thrift stores are AMAZING. My local thrift store, whose proceeds go to my local library, almost always has a decent selection of yarn, although mostly acrylic, for around 50 cents to $1 for entire skeins. You will pay more than double that for the same thing at the big box stores. Unfortunately with all the hoopla of “the rona”, some Thrift stores may be closed. It is worth a shot to look into though.
Abbreviations used:
- Beg-beginning
- Ch-chain
- Sc-single crochet
- Rep-repeat
- Sk-skip
- Sl st-slip stitch
- St-stitch
First row:
Slipknot with 2-3 inch yarn tail, ch19.
2nd Row:
Sk 1 ch(#19), sc1 into ch#18 to #1 back to beg, ch1, turn work.
3rd Row:
*Sc into 1st st at the base of ch1, +17sc to end, ch1, turn work.
—Each row will have a total of 18sc and a ch1 at each end.
4th–21st Row:
Rep from * 18x’s.
22nd Row:
Sc into 1st st at the base of ch 1, +17sc to end. (Stop point should be in corner diagonal from the start point.)
Finishing Off:
Cut yarn 2-3” or so away from hook, pull tail through last sc. *Weave forward and back through a few stitches back to corner.
Rep from *at beg. Yarn tails should be coming out of the same side of the work when done.
—Repeat all of the previous steps to make a 2nd square. Make sure stitch count is right or they will not line up when you crochet them together.
—Put finished squares back to back, with yarn tails between them, one tail at each corner. You will crochet the squares together, with the yarn tails inside where they cannot be seen.
To crochet squares together:
With squares together, pick a corner to start on. I find it easier to start on the right corner of a row, and not a side.
Put hook through 1st st of each square, pull yarn through to make a loop with a 2-3” tail.
*Sc18 to other corner, catching both squares with you hook. (Loop first made to attach squares is first half of your first sc, so grab the yarn and pull through to complete the first sc.) At the corner, rotate work and sc into end of each row, catching both squares on your hook. You will end up with 22sc on the side.
Rep from * back around to the starting point, but do not sc though the starting st.
—Hanger loop is optional, and can be added with a ch6, or more depending on the size of loop you want. You can add a loop anywhere you would like by making the ch# and then continuing on with your sc, or if adding at the end, just continue to next step.
—Sl st into starting st. Cut yarn 2-3” or so from hook, and pull tail rest of the way through the sl st.
*Weave forward and back to secure, and tuck tail inside of pouch created by the squares.
Rep from * to secure other tail.
Drop a comment and let me know what you think of this pattern!
Many blessings,
Emma Lee
Red Hawk Ridge 