Waistcoat Stitch Potholder Free Crochet Pattern

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Looking for a sturdy, beautiful potholder design? This Waistcoat Stitch Potholder is the perfect project to learn the waistcoat stitch while creating a thick, durable fabric. Made with Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn, it offers strength and heat resistance, ideal for handling hot pots and pans. Follow along with the step-by-step video tutorial and add this unique knit-like stitch to your crochet skills.

Waistcoat Stitch Potholder Pattern

Pro Tip: It is very important to work your stitches loosely, otherwise it will be difficult to get your hook into the V of the stitch. You may benefit from moving up a hook size if you are struggling to make the stitches.

Supplies

• Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton. 1.5 oz (42.5 g) and 68 yds (68 m). 85% Cotton, 15% Polyester. Worsted Weight Yarn [4]. Machine wash and dry.
• Color: 2 skeins Lemon Swirl Ombre (Shade: 16210202008)
• Crochet Hook: 5 mm (H)
• Scissors, Tapestry Needle (yarn needle)

Difficulty Level

• Easy

Finished Sizes

• Potholder width approximately 6.5 inches X 6.5 inches length with edging.

Gauge

• Approximately 7 v-st per 4 inches and 9 rows per 4 inches, worked in pattern.

You can substitute any yarn and hook for this stitch pattern – just remember when you substitute if your gauge is different, the finished size, and amount of yarn used for your project will also be different.

Abbreviations

US Crochet Terms

• bet – between
• ch – chain 
• g- grams
• m – meters
• oz – ounces
• RS – right side
• rem – remaining
• rep – repeat
• Rnd – round
• sc – single crochet
• sk – skip
• sl st – slip stitch
• sp – space
• st/sts – stitch/stitches
• WST – waistcoat stitch
• yds – yards
• * to **– Repeat the instructions between the asterisks the number of times indicated. This repeat will contain multiple instructions.
• [] – at the end of the row – the total number of stitches
• () – important notes AND sets of stitches to be worked within one stitch, or space

Helpful Tutorial

• Crochet Stitch Guide 
• Waistcoat Stitch Video

Notes:

• Just increase the starting chain to the width you wish for your potholder and follow the pattern below (ignoring the stitch counts at the end of the rounds) and working to the length you wish 🙂
• When I work into the foundation chain, I prefer working into the back bar (back bump) of the chain. You can work under the back loop only if you prefer.
• This potholder is 1-cm thick and very dense (no holes).
• Stitch Multiple 1+1
• This project is crocheted in continuous rounds. This means you do not slip stitch to join. You may wish to use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round and move it up for each round you work.
• Add your Waistcoat Stitch Potholder to your Ravelry library here.
• The premium version of the pattern is available on Ravelry and includes a stitch diagram.

Waistcoat Stitch Potholder Crochet Pattern

This project is crocheted in continuous rounds.

Rnd 1: Ch 21, sk the first ch and work 1 sc in each ch across to the last ch. Make 2 sc in the last ch. Rotate your work to continue around the bottom of the foundation chain and make 1 sc in each ch across to the last ch. Make 2 sc in the last ch. [42 sc]

Rnd 2: 1 WST in each st around. [42 WST]

Rnd 3: Rep Rnd 2 until your potholder measures 6.5 inches in height. [42 WST]

Do not finish off.

Proceed to the finishing instructions.

Finishing Instructions

• Flatten the potholder.
• You will now work through both layers to close the potholder. Line up your stitches from the last round so you have 21 WST across.
• Make 1 sl st through both layers, in each st across. This will close the top of your potholder. [21 WST]
• To add the hanging tie, ch 21 and make 1 sl st into the corner edge of the potholder.
• Finish off and weave in ends.

Did you remember to make your Ravelry Project Page? (How to Make a Ravelry Project Page.)

Add a project page for your Waistcoat Stitch Potholder on Ravelry here.

If you enjoyed using the Waistcoat stitch you will also enjoy these free patterns:

• Is it Knit Headband?
• Waistcoat Stitch Cowl
• Your Giant Yarn Basket
• The Small Project Yarn Basket

The next 2 patterns are available to purchase from my shops:

Waistcoat Stitch Photo Tutorial

The waistcoat stitch is exactly like a single crochet stitch except it is worked in between the two legs of the stitch, instead of under the top two loops of the stitch.

In order to make this stitch it is important to have a relaxed gauge (tension). I always recommend using a larger hook size than the yarn calls for – it will save your hands.

Here is a look at the stitch from the front and the back (so you can see the difference).  It is extremely important to keep the hook in the correct placement under the horizontal bar on the back of the stitch. This will create a completely reversible fabric. If you do not place the hook under the horizontal bar (seen on the back of the fabric) the inside stitches will not look as similar to the front of your work. This is ok for some projects like our potholder!

You may also enjoy these posts:

• One Piece Crochet Christmas Stocking Patterns Free
• Must Make October Scarves (free patterns)
• Beginner Crochet V Stitch Washcloth (free pattern)

Socials:

Master the waistcoat stitch with this sturdy potholder pattern! Free photo and video tutorials included. 🧶 Durable, thick, and practical for your kitchen!

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