This striped square potholder features a timeless design with alternating bands of Ecru and Steel Blue, creating a visually appealing and practical kitchen accessory. The pattern begins with a sturdy center ring and expands outward in a square formation, using a simple stitch repeat that makes it easy to follow. The structured rounds ensure a uniform shape, while the changing colors add depth and contrast to the piece.
The potholder is worked with size 10 crochet thread held double or substituted with lightweight #1 yarn for a similar effect. The combination of single crochet and chain spaces results in a dense yet flexible fabric, making it both decorative and functional for handling hot dishes. The color transitions every two rounds give the potholder a crisp, striped pattern that enhances its vintage charm.
Finishing touches include a neatly sewn-in lining for added heat resistance and a secure ring for hanging, ensuring durability and easy storage. Whether made as a standalone project or paired with other matching kitchen accessories, this striped potholder is a beautiful and practical addition to any home.
About the Images
To help bring this design to life, we’ve included an AI-generated image of the finished pattern alongside the original vintage illustration. The original image highlights the charm and craftsmanship of the vintage design, while the AI rendering provides a detailed and colorized view of how the completed sweater will look. This combination ensures you have both a historical reference and a modern interpretation to guide you in your crafting journey.
This pattern is transformed, adapted, and expanded from a public domain design originally published in Potholders by The Spool Cotton Company Book No. 222 (1945). While the original design is in the public domain, the rewritten instructions and supplementary content on this site are ©Tiffany Bliss Mullins, 2025. All rights reserved. Have questions about this pattern, public domain, or copyright? Visit the FAQ page for answers and resources.
Striped Square Potholder
Materials:
- Size 10 crochet thread – 1 ball each of Ecru and Steel Blue (the pattern originally used J. & P. COATS or CLARK’S O.N.T. Pearl Cotton, Size 3).
- Steel Crochet Hook No. 7
- 1-inch ring for hanging
Instructions:
Center Ring:
- With Ecru, chain 6. Join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
Round 1:
- Chain 3 (counts as first dc), make 17 double crochets (dc) in the ring.
- Slip stitch in the top of the starting ch-3 to join.
Round 2:
- Chain 1, sc in the same place as the slip stitch, ch 1, sc in the next dc.
- Repeat from * around, ending with ch 1, sl st in the first sc.
Round 3: (Color Change to Blue)
- Insert hook in the first ch-1 space, pull a loop of Blue through (drop Ecru).
- Chain 1, in the same space make (sc, ch 1, sc) (corner formed).
- (Ch 1, sc in next space) twice, ch 1, in next space make (sc, ch 1, sc) for next corner.
- Repeat from * around. Join with sl st in the first sc.
Round 4:
- Slip stitch in the next space, chain 1, in the same space make (sc, ch 1, sc) (corner).
- (Ch 1, sc in next space) around, making (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner space.
- Join.
Rounds 5 & 6: (Switch back to Ecru)
- Change color to Ecru and work 2 rounds in the same manner as Round 4.
Continue Pattern:
- Repeat the color changes every two rounds until the potholder measures 6½ inches from side to side, ending with two rounds of Blue.
- Break off and fasten securely.
Finishing:
- Padding: Cut padding in two pieces, allowing ¼ inch of crocheted fabric to extend beyond padding. (For padding details, see page 15 if referencing original instructions.)
- Ring Attachment: Sew the 1-inch ring securely to one corner for hanging. (A plastic, wooden, or bone ring may be used.)
This Striped Square Potholder is a simple yet stylish kitchen accessory, featuring alternating colors for a classic look.
