Crochet Potholders-do they work?

[stpeteyarngirl]

I have been finding several cute patterns for crochet potholders and I would love to make some, since they would be quick and easy. But, I'm wondering from anyone who has made one or who has one--do they actually work? Can you actually take something out of the oven with them? Or are they just for setting a pot on a table? Or are they just for decoration? And, do you have to make them from cotton yarn, or can you use acrylic (seems like it might burn)? Thanks for any insights!

[karenarp]

I have made several pot holders over the years, I found a pattern long ago for a magic square? Ugh, can't think of the name right now, but it is basically a square you crochet that ends up double sided then you seam one side together at the end and it is the perfect thickness to handle hot pots. I would never trust a single thickness, but I am essentially a wimp. I made mine out of cotton, also wouldn't trust acrylic for the extreme heats it may touch.

[dogfoster]

The crocheted potholders that I have made consisted of two pieces that were sewn or crocheted together for double thickness. One side was the "decorative" side of the pattern, the other side was one color and the pattern for that was easier but matched the shape of the decorative side. I used cotton yarn and because they were of double thickness, they are fine to use. Some of the patterns were smaller though, so I used the larger patterns that I could find.
Also, Bernat has a pattern for a double thick oven mitt. Might be fun to try with the potholder as set.
http://www.bernat.com/pattern.php?PID=2243
I made my potholders for gifts, and made matching dishcloths. No one I gave them to used a dishcloth nor knew what they were!

[stpeteyarngirl]

Thanks for the info, ladies! Sounds like using cotton yarn and making them double-thick is the way to go, which makes sense. I'm ready to try some now!

[zhanie]

Yes, they do need to be double thick and with not too many holes. I have made pot holders with a sc where you sc in the front loop then turn around and sc in the back loop and so on. They work very well.

[tjwjlove]

I love making any kind of potholder. I make them all the time. For holidays, months in the year and just because they are cute. I gave a set of baking pans to my niece for a wedding gift and included 2-round, 2-square, and 2-large oblong (for the cooking sheets), Now married and using them all the time she loves them.