Saturday, September 14, 2013

Dawn's Flower Pot Holder




one version during practice--full of petals


A version of my pot holder, but it is much fuller.


I like to use the pot holders under tea pots.  This potholder reminds me of the fall.                                                                 



I've been doing the domestic goddess thing around the house this week. I am still on the potholder making kick.  Most of them are being given away or will be given away.  Eventually I will place a few on the website.  I made one using red as the base color and on the last row and the center row.  It is very bright, but I like brightness in a dull day, especially when the winter is here and all of the exterior natural beauty has become dull and dormant in the winter.

I have pumpkin spice fragrance melts transporting our home to fall.  Bruce is eating Snickerdoodle ice cream.  It is going to be fall soon and we are in the mood.  I made a batch of peach butter and a small batch of bread and butter pickles so far this weekend.   I will be canning tomatoes next.

I wanted to show you how I make my crocheted flower potholders and provide you with the pattern in case you wish to make one.  I have tried several ways, experimenting with colors, fullness, and method.  My favorite method is the following one:

Dawn's Flower Pot Holder

Materials:  I am using a fingering weight cotton and a size E crochet hook, but use the size you are comfortable with.  There is not a gauge to this pattern.  If it is too big, leave off the last 2 rows.  If it is too small, add two more rows.   If you want a less crowded look between the rows, make triple crochet stitches instead of double crochet stitches on the base of the potholder.  I can't tell you how many yards of yarn you will need since it depends on the way you wish design the colors.

I start with a chain of 6 and I slip stitch it together forming a circle.  You are making the base of the potholder with these 10 rows.


Flower potholder base.

Flower potholder base up close and personal.
Second row of petals.
Third row of petals.
Fourth row of petals.
Last row of petals and the loop.  Next to new batch of bread and butter pickles.
Back .  The back is lacy looking and as pretty as the front.
If the potholder does not lay down well enough, add a little steam from your steam iron, or place a hot pot of tea on top.

Row 1:  In this circle, chain 3 and follow this by 13 double crochet stitches.  Like usual, the chain 3 will count as the first double crochet stitch.  Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3, completing the circle.

Row 2:  Chain 3 and single crochet in that same stitch,  double crochet two stitches in each of the nest stitches.   Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 stitch, completing the circle.

Row 3:  Chain 3 stitches, skip one stitch and slip stitch into the next stitch.  This will form a loop.  Continue this all of the way around the circle making loops.  You should have 14 loops.  If you make a mistake and end up with an extra stitch, just make one loop longer or shorter.  Not all flower petals are the same size and shape.  Relax and enjoy the process.  Don't just focus on the product.

Row 4:  In the next row, slip stitch around the corner of the first chain, going into the center of the and slip stitch into the first skipped stitch.  Chain3.  Double crochet two more times in this same stitch.  *In the next skipped stitch double crochet three times.  Continue from the *throughout the row.  Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 stitch, completing the circle.

Row 5:  Repeat row 3.  You will have 21 loops.

Row 6:  Repeat row 4.

Row 7:  Repeat row 3.  You will have 31 loops.

Row 8:  Repeat row 4.

Row 9:  Chain 4 stitches, skip two stitches and slip stitch into the next stitch.  This will form a loop.  Continue this all of the way around the circle making loops.  You should have 21 loops.

Row 10:   In the next row, slip stitch around the corner of the first chain, going into the center of the loop and slip stitch into the first skipped stitch.  Chain3.  Double crochet one more time in this stitch. In the next slipped stitch make two double crochet stitches.  Now you will *go on to the center of the next loop and in each of the 2 skipped stitches, make 2 double crochet stitches.  Continue from the *throughout the row.  Slip stitch into the top of the chain 3 stitch, completing the circle.

Row 11:  Repeat row 9.  You should have 28 loops.

You have completed the base.  At this time, clip off and tuck in or weave in the ends.

Center of the flower:  You can skip this step or even sew a button on the center of the flower.  Choose the same color as the base or use a contrasting color.  Attach yarn around one of the post of one of the center 14 double crochet stitches on the front of the potholder.  Chain 10 stitches and slip stitch around the center of the next double crochet post.  Chain 10 stitches and slip stitch around the center of the next double crochet post.  Continue in this manner all the way around the circle.  Clip the threads and tuck in or weave in the ends.

The petals:  Each petal will be made in the loops.  Each petal may be made the same color, or  you may want to change colors in every row.  If you really get brave, switch colors after completing half of the petals in a row, or switch back and forth with two colors throughout a row.  Each petal is made the same way, the only difference is the amount of the center stitches.

First petal row:  Attach the color you desire to the first loop on row 3.  In this loop and every loop on this row, you will make one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 4 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.  Do the stitches in the order listed.  Slip stitch into the first petal to form a complete row.  Clip the threads and tuck in or weave in the ends.

Second petal row:  Each petal should be made as follows:  one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 5 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.

Third petal row:  Each petal should be made as follows:  one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 6 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.

Fourth petal row:  Each petal should be made as follows:  one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 7 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.

Fifth petal row:  Each petal should be made as follows:  one single crochet stitch, one half double stitch, 8 double crochet stitches, one half double stitch, and one single crochet stitch.

Clip all loose threads and tuck or weave in the ends.

Loop:  The loop is optional.  You may choose to make a chain loop by chaining 14 stitches on the last row after you finish the last petal and slip stitch into the beginning of the first chain.  I like to use plastic rings.  I sometimes sew them on and at times I single crochet around the ring and fasten it on the outer edge of the potholder.  My brother prefers not to have the plastic rings because he feels they will melt during use.  If you plan to use this potholder as an object of desire and do not wish to use it.  I would add the ring for hanging and also for dangling a charm.

I hope the directions are understandable.  I try to be specific when writing out patterns so less experienced crocheters will be able to understand the directions.  If you find a mistake or have a question, please give me an email.  dawn@custercottage.com

Please let me know what you think of my blog and/or pattern.  What would you be more interested in, if this post is not helpful in some way or at least an interesting read?

I should sign off like my son does.  It just makes me chuckle a little.  " I am there for you if you need something or just want to talk.  Good night to all of my friends and Facebook fans."


Thank you for viewing!  Blessings to you and yours!  Dawnie

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