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If you can single crochet, you can make this heavy double thickness potholder. 
Approximate Time: Two hours.
This is a great way to use up scrap yarn and the potholders are very sturdy when going through the washer.
Since first posting this project, I found that in the last three rows, If you use a contrasting yarn, the potholder looks so much better. See top photo.
By Tedebear from San Jose, CA
I have been making these for a lot of years. It is my way of using leftover scraps of yarn. I save any piece of yarn scrap that is 10 inches or longer. I start with a piece of yarn and begin rollilng it into a ball. When I get another piece, I just tie it to the first piece with a knot. It doesn't matter what color or how long the piece is. Just keep tying pieces and rolling it into a ball. Then use this multicolored ball of yarn to make your potholders.When you come to a knot, just push it to the inside of your potholder. They will be "no two alike" and make great stocking stuffer gifts, or for gift exchanges with friends.
Harlean from Arkansas
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This is a super easy pattern for a potholder that is easy enough for a beginner. It works up into a nice thick potholder that can be made larger for a table heat mat. This potholder is worked in the round so there is no increases or turning. It works up fast and easy so that even a child learning to crochet can accomplish this pattern. It would make a great Christmas present for a grandmother, Aunt or Mommy or anyone who bakes. This project is also a great portable project so when you are at your doctors or any where you have to wait you can work on it, it can slide right into a purse.
Time: About 2-3 hours
Round 1 single crochet in each stitch across, now single crochet across the bottom of the row you just made. You now have an oval piece.
Round 2 until finished: Continue to single crochet in each stitch around. With each round that you do the ends will start to fold in. This is what you want. Continue until both ends meet in the center. Now on my last row I just pulled the two sides together and slip stitched the opening closed but you could cut the yarn at this point and whip stitch the potholder closed.
Loop for hanging: At one corner attach yarn and chain six. Attach to corner with a slipstitch. Turn and single crochet in each stitch across. Cut and weave in ends.
Final Note: I worked this up in a variegated blue yarn I had left over from another project and it worked up into a nice diagonal striped pattern.
By Debra Frick
Feedback:
Sorry, but I think it's important to note that it's a REALLY bad idea to use acrylic yarn for potholders. Plastic MELTS, and I learned that the hard way. It is not fun to sit in the ER while the doctor pulls melted yarn out of your skin. (09/17/2008)
By Moon
I have been making these potholders for years. They are very simple. I have given a lot away for gifts. I usually change colors at different stages for the stipe effect. (09/18/2008)
By Arnie.
By daisylover
I have used worsted weight yarn for many many years for potholders and have never had one melt yet. Burn yes, when my kids left it on the stove on a lit burner but I guess it could be a concern, I am so sorry to hear that you got hurt. (10/01/2008)
By Debra Frick
I also have been making these for several years. I save all my scraps of yarn. Just wind your scraps into a big ball. I use any leftovers that are 6 inches or longer. Just tie the new piece onto the end on your ball, and continue to wind. I use mostly 4 ply, but in some cases I have scraps of sport yarn, and I just double it and tie it to my ball. I have made many "one of a kind colors" by this method. And as another reader mentioned, I have never had one actually melt, but if this is a worry to you, just use cotton yarn to make them. It comes in many pretty colors. (10/01/2008)
By Harlean
