This Two Color Potholder Crochet Pattern is a timeless project, offering both beauty and functionality. The combination of intricate shell stitches and contrasting colors creates a visually appealing design, making these potholders perfect for any kitchen. With cream and skipper blue crochet thread, the double-thread technique ensures durability while maintaining a delicate aesthetic. Plus, the alternating color options let you personalize the set to complement your space.
The pattern’s structure is simple to follow, starting with shell stitch rows that gradually form a square, finished with a neat, decorative edging. The addition of a bone ring on each potholder adds a practical touch for hanging storage while enhancing its vintage charm. The option to reverse colors for the second potholder ensures a cohesive yet varied set.
This pattern also accommodates modern materials. Substitute two strands of size 10 crochet thread with a single strand of lightweight #1 yarn for ease without compromising texture or size. These potholders are a perfect blend of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary functionality, ideal for gifting or enhancing your own kitchen collection.
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 This combination ensures you have both a historical reference and a modern interpretation to guide you in your crafting journey.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.
Two Color Potholders
Materials:
- Size 10 crochet thread, 1 ball each of Cream and Skipper Blue (the pattern originally used J. & P. Coats Knit-Cro-Sheen)
- Alternative to 2 strands of #10 thread: If the pattern calls for using 2 strands of size #10 crochet thread, you can substitute it with a single strand of lightweight #1 yarn. Be sure to check your gauge and adjust the hook size as needed to achieve the correct dimensions.
- Steel Crochet Hook No. 5
- 2 bone rings
- Use double thread throughout.
Instructions
- Starting Row:
- With Cream, make a chain approximately 6½ inches long.
- Row 1: Work 4 dc in the 4th ch from hook (shell). Skip 2 ch, sc in the next ch, ch 3, 4 dc in the same ch as the sc (another shell). Repeat from * across, ending with sc in the last ch. Ch 3, turn.
- Main Pattern:
- Row 2: Work 4 dc in the 1st sc, sc under the ch-3 space of the next shell, ch 3, 3 dc under the same ch-3 space where the sc was made, dc in the next sc. Repeat from * across, ending with sc under the last turning ch. Ch 3, turn.
- Repeat Row 2 until the piece forms a square, ending with a ch 3 and turn. Do not break off.
- Edging:
- Work 4 dc in the next sc, sc under the next ch-3 space. Repeat from * across, ending with sc under the turning ch.
- Now work in rounds:
- Round 1: Sc closely around the entire square, making 3 sc in each corner. Join with a sl st in the first sc. Break off.
- Round 2: Attach a double strand of Skipper Blue. Sc in each sc around, making 3 sc in each corner. Join with a sl st.
- Round 3: Sc in the next sc, ch 3, work 4 dc in the same sc as the last sc, skip 2 sc. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st and break off.
- Finishing:
- Sew a bone ring to one corner of the potholder for hanging.
- Second Potholder:
- Make another potholder using the same instructions, but reverse the colors (start with Skipper Blue and edge with Cream).
Notes:
- These potholders can be made with #1 yarn as an alternative, but be sure to check the size after completing the first few rows and adjust the chain length if necessary.
- The double-thread technique helps to create a sturdier fabric for heat resistance.
Enjoy creating your classic yet modern set of potholders!
