Every grandma seems to have had a version of this potholder in her kitchen. The double-thick diagonal potholder by Andrea Mielke of Mielke’s Fiber Arts is that pattern — and it deserves its legendary status.
It’s worked diagonally (corner to corner, but for a square), which creates a naturally striped look even in a single color. More importantly, it folds in on itself to create double-thick protection. Two layers, one continuous piece of crocheting, no sewing. Cotton yarn, so it’s actually heat-resistant and machine washable. This is the potholder that stays in the kitchen for years.
What You’ll Need
Hook: 4.0mm.
You’ll also need: a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and scissors.
Shop the supplies: cotton yarn · ergonomic crochet hook set · tapestry needles · small craft scissors · locking stitch markers
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Pattern Details
- Pattern: Double-thick Diagonally Crocheted Potholder (Diagonal Hotpad)
- Designer: Andrea Mielke of Mielke’s Fiber Arts
- Yarn: 100% cotton yarn — the key is cotton, which handles heat safely
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G)
- Finished size: Approximately 5″ square (easily adjusted by changing the starting chain)
- Great for: Scrap yarn, stripes, using up cotton odds and ends
Get the free pattern at Mielke’s Fiber Arts →
Also listed free on Ravelry if you like to save your patterns there.
Tips Before You Start
- Use 100% cotton, not acrylic. Acrylic yarn can melt near heat. For anything that goes near a stove or oven, you want pure cotton every time.
- Great scrap project. Because it’s worked in diagonal stripes, you can use up small lengths of cotton yarn in coordinating colors. Each color change is just a few rows.
- Spike stitches for texture: The original pattern notes you can add occasional spike stitches for interest. Totally optional but fun if you want something a little more interesting than plain rows.
- Sizing: 32 chain for a smaller potholder, 40 chain for a larger trivet size. Both work great.
- Perfect for craft fairs and gifts. These use minimal yarn, take very little time, and everyone wants one. A stack of these in assorted colors sells out fast at markets.
If you love kitchen crochet, you’ll also enjoy our waffle stitch dishcloth pattern — another quick kitchen project that’s great for selling or gifting.
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Happy hooking!
