How to Crochet a Hotpad - Super easy version! (2024)

When I first got married, my grandma made me several hotpads. That was one of the things she would make all the grandkids. It seems that she was always working on some when we went to visit.

Over the years, mine have been used and used and used. They finally have worn too thin and I've given them to the kids to use with their toy kitchen.

So I decided to make myself some new ones. The last time I attempted this as a teenager, my hotpads were not square. I must have missed a bunch of stitches or something.

I think I have gotten a little better at crocheting over the years, because this time they turned out fairly well.

Hot pads, potholders, or trivets are handy to have around the kitchen. I keep mine in a drawer right by the stove. When I need to pull something hot out of the oven, they're easy to grab.

I always use them when placing hot pots or pans on the table or counter. This protects the surfaces from burning.

These would be the perfect project for the beginning crocheter. The only stitches are chain and single crochet.

I like them, because you don't have to count {except the chain}. It's perfect for when I'm waiting for my kids at their various activities, or while watching tv.

Because of the way that they work up, they are sometimes called a "magic" hotpad.

You begin with a chain and single crochet and you continue around and around. Somehow it magically turns into a double layer square potholder.

Note: I've now added a fabric hotpad tutorial to the blog. It's super easy too, although it looks pretty fancy for only sewing 4 straight seams!

This is a great project for beginners - it was my daughter's first sewing project at 4H.

I've also recently added a roundup of a dozen super EASY crochet projects, when you're done making this hot pad head over to find your next easy project.

I had to call my mom to remember how to do this. And after I tell you how, you might laugh that I couldn't remember. It's so easy!!

Note 9-6-18: I originally published this post in April of 2013. To date, it is one of my most popular posts, so I decided to create a video tutorial to walk you through making the hot pad. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to view. If you are visiting from Pinterest: Welcome! I'm glad you're here!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see myfull disclosure policyfor details.

Supplies Needed to Crochet a "Magic" Hotpad

• G or H crochet hook
• Yarn {cotton is best, a 3 oz skein is enough. I like sugar n cream yarn!}
• Scissors
• Needle

Scroll to the bottom of the page for a printable version

Crocheted Hot Pad Pattern

1. Chain 42
2. Single crochet in each chain stitch
3. When you get to the end, continue around and single crochet in each stitch of the unused side of the chain.
4. Continue as if you are crocheting in the round, with a single crochet in each single crochet.
5. Your hotpad will first look like a strip, then it will slowly turn into a boat shape, then "pockets" will begin to form. Once the two sides of the potholder are touching, it's time to finish it off.
6. Cut off the yarn leaving a 12-15 inch tail. Fasten off the end of your last crochet stitch with a small knot.
7. With a large eye needle, sew the two flaps together.
8. Weave the yarn through a few additional stitches to prevent unraveling and clip off excess.

Crocheted Potholder Visual Tutorial

For those of us who need a visual, keep reading, I'll walk you through each step. Or skip ahead to the video at the end of the post.

To begin, chain 42. This is going to end up being the diagonal of the hotpad. For this first one I made, I only did 32 and it's too small.

It's usable, but I like the bigger one I made better. I should have just believed my mom when she told me how many to chain.

Then you will single crochet in each chain until you get to the end.

When you get to the end you will not turn back like you normally do when crocheting something. Instead you will continue around and single crochet in each stitch of the unused side of the chain.

You will continue around and around, as if you were crocheting in the round.

Note of clarification from one of my readers: Do NOT chain one at the beginning of each round as you normally would, just continue one single crochet in each stitch.

A few shots of how it looks along the way.

When you get to the point where your two sides are touching, it's time to finish it off.

Measure your yarn so that it is long enough to go from one corner of the hotpad to the other and add several inches. Cut.

Take a needle and sew the hotpad together. I sewed in each stitch. When you get to the end, weave in the yarn through a few stitches. Cut off yarn.

And there you have it! A brand new hot pad.

↓↓ Watch the video! Click the link ↓↓

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