Everyday Thermal Potholder – Free Crochet Pattern

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If you’re after a super thick and sturdy crochet stitch for your next potholder, this one’s a winner! This pattern uses the Thermal Single Crochet stitch – one of the best stitches I know for creating extra-thick crochet pieces. It’s incredibly dense, almost double the thickness of a regular single crochet, making it ideal for potholders or anything that needs that extra layer of protection.

About Thermal Stitch

Thermal Single Crochets are single crochets that are worked into the back loops of current and previous rows at the same time. That’s what creates the thickness.

There are also half double crochets and double crochets that can be used as Thermal stitches. Take a look at my Extra Thick Potholder and Thermal Stitch Crochet Potholder where I used half double crochet thermal stitches in different ways.

Difficulty

Easy/Intermediate.

The Thermal stitch isn’t hard, but it can be a little tricky at first. The most challenging part when you’re just starting out is figuring out exactly where to insert your hook – it’s all about finding the right loops to crochet into.

The Thermal Stitch is a fun technique, but it might take a little practice at first – especially since you’ll be working into both the current and the previous rows at the same time. It’s important to keep an eye on your stitches in each row to make sure everything lines up.

One common mistake when starting out is accidentally skipping a stitch or working into the same one twice. The best way to avoid that is by counting your stitches at the end of each row. It really helps keep your edges straight and your project looking neat.

Need a visual guide? My step-by-step video tutorial on YouTube walks you through the entire process – from the very first row all the way to the final row, where I show you how to close the thermal stitches properly.

Once you’ve had some practice with the Thermal Stitch, try adding a few contrasting colours to make your potholder stand out! In my striped potholder pattern, I show you how to change colours and carry the yarn inside the thermal stitches, so there’s no need to cut the yarn every time you switch colours.

Crochet Thick Potholder – Free Pattern and Video Tutorial

Scroll down for the free pattern or get the ad-free & print-friendly version with step-by-step photo and written instructions for a small fee from my Etsy or Ravelry stores.

Or get all three versions of the Thermal Stitch Potholder as a bundle from Etsy here.

This post may include affiliate links, view my disclosure policy for details.

Materials:

• Yarn: any 100% Cotton, medium worsted weight #4 (10ply/Aran) approx. 120yds/109m. Cotton yarn options: Lion Brand Pima Cotton Yarn or 24/7 Cotton yarn.
• Hook: H-8 (5mm)
• Yarn needle
• Scissors

Dimensions:

This potholder measures 8.25 x 8.25 inches (21cmx21cm)

Abbreviations:

• Ch = chain
• SC = single crochet
• St = stitch
• Th st = Thermal stitch 

Special Stitches

Thermal stitch: Insert your hook into the back loop of the next stitch plus the parallel loop on the row below. Work a single crochet as normal through both of those loops. (Watch the video demonstration)

Crochet Potholder Written Pattern

Ch 33 (or any number of chains for your desired size)

Row 1: Sc in the second chain from the hook and across (32 stitches total in each and every row).

Row 2: Ch 1 and turn your work so that you’re still facing the same side you were just working on (see picture below for reference). Insert your hook into the back loop of the first stitch and into the first unworked loop from the foundation chain. Yarn over and complete a regular single crochet through both loops – that’s your first Thermal Stitch! Continue working one Thermal Stitch into each stitch across the row.

Row 3: Ch 1 and turn. Work Thermal Stitches across the row just like you did in the previous row – into the back loop of the current stitch and the parallel loop from the row below. Don’t forget the very last stitch – it can be easy to miss, as it sometimes hides along the edge. Count the stitches at the end, it should be 32 stitches in every row.

Rows 4- until you reach a perfect square or your desired size: Repeat Row 3.

After the first few rows, you’ll start to notice the thickness building up – it will look a bit like a cord at first. Just keep repeating the rows as described, and you’ll see your potholder slowly grow in length. It’s a slightly slower process than regular single crochet because each row folds over to create that extra thickness. But that’s exactly what makes it so sturdy and perfect for potholders! 🙂

Last Row / Optional Loop: Before starting the final row, you can chain 15 if you’d like to add a hanging loop. If not, just chain 1 as usual.

To close the thermal stitches, insert your hook under both the front and back loops of the current stitch (as you would for a regular single crochet), plus the parallel loop from the row below. You’ll have four loops on your hook (see photo below). Work a slip stitch (like shown in the potholder video) into each stitch across the row to finish. Or, if you prefer, you can use single crochets (like shown in the thermal stitch tutorial) instead. Repeat this for every stitch until the end of the row.

Fasten off and weave in all ends! Done 🙂

Crochet Potholder Video Tutorial

https://youtu.be/pVEwIKCuGV0

Do you like this potholder pattern?

Let me know in the comments what you think of this pattern! 😊 Did you enjoy working with the Thermal Stitch? I’d love to hear what else you’d make using this thick, sturdy stitch.

If you’d like to print this pattern or save it to your computer, you can grab the printable PDF version from my Etsy shop. Or grab a bundle of three patterns that includes all the Thermal Stitch variations!

Be sure to check out the Half Double Crochet Thermal Stitch Potholder – the texture on that one is one of my favourites!

And don’t miss the Thermal Stripes Potholder, where I show how to carry yarn and switch colours while working the Thermal Stitch.

More Free Crochet Potholder Patterns

• Houndstooth Crochet Potholder Pattern
• Single Crochet Cross Stitch Potholder
• Crochet Christmas Tree Potholder
• 16 Free Crochet Potholder Patterns

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