This week, I wanted a quick and easy project to make when the children were in bed. I always struggle to know what to crochet in the height of summer, because obviously hats and jumpers are out of the picture, and they are my two most crocheted things! I decided to focus on something for the home and, after a lot of scrolling through Pinterest, I decided I wanted to make a potholder for the middle of our dining table. I looked through lots of designs and originally started on a basic square one. I really did not like the way it was turning out, and decided I wanted something a bit more summery and a bit prettier. I pulled out all of my stitches and started working on a round design. I wanted something a bit more than just a plain circle so I started messing around with adding chain spaces to make the holes in the design. It took me a good few attempts and lots of pulling stitches to get a design that I was happy with, but I really love the way it turned out. It definitely did not end up being a quick and easy project for me, design wise at least, but I made a second one when the pattern was finished, and it made up really easily and very quickly. I love the pop of colour it adds to our neutral tablecloth and this will be used every day! I am also planning on making some to gift to people, in a variety of colours.

To make your own, you will need a 5mm crochet hook, 50g double knit yarn, a pair of scissors and a yarn needle.

Potholder Hot Pad (Free Crochet Pattern)

1. with a 5mm hook and two strands of double knit yarn held together, make a magic loop, ch2, work 12dcs into the loop, join with slst in top of 1st dc (12)
2. ch1, turn, sc in st at base of ch, ch1, *sc in next st, ch1*, repeat from *-* across to end, join with slst in top of 1st sc
3. turn but do not chain, slst into 1st chsp, ch2, work 3dcs in each chsp around, join with slst in top of 1st dc (36)
4. ch1, turn, sc in st at base of ch, ch2, skip next st, *sc in next st, ch2, skip next st*, repeat from *-* across to end, join with slst in top of 1st sc
5. turn but do not chain, slst into 1st chsp, ch2, work 3dcs in each chsp around, join with slst in top of 1st dc (54)
6. ch1, turn, sc in st at base of ch, ch3, skip next 2sts, *sc in next st, ch3, skip next 2sts*, repeat from *-* across to end, join with slst in top of 1st sc
7. turn but do not chain, slst into 1st chsp, ch2, work 4dcs in each chsp around, join with slst in top of 1st dc (72)
8. ch1, turn, sc in st at base of ch, ch4, skip next 3sts, *sc in next st, ch4, skip next 3sts*, repeat from *-* across to end, join with slst in top of 1st sc
9. turn but do not chain, slst into 1st chsp, ch2, work 5dcs in each chsp around, join with slst in top of 1st dc (90)
10. ch1, turn, sc in st at base of ch, ch3, skip next 2sts, *sc in next st, ch3, skip next 2sts*, repeat from *-* across to end, join with slst in top of 1st sc
11. ch1, turn, *sc, hdc, dc, hdc, sc* in each chsp around, join with slst in top of 1st sc
12. bind off and weave in ends

I hope you like this free pattern and make your own summery potholder. Let me know if you do make one, I love to see your work. You can tag me on social media (@adeleuyancrochet) so I can see what you have made, or why not join our Facebook group to show off your creations.Happy crocheting!