Page Text: August 14, 2019
This is a fun, easy “Lay Flat Circle” crochet pattern project that is great for beginners. Crocheting these potholders was one of my first projects as a little girl. “Lay Flat” means just that. As you are crocheting a circle, be sure the circle will lay flat on a surface. Create one or a whole fruit bowl of potholders and give as a bright birthday or bridal shower gift.
For these I used Clover size I & J crochet hook, a darning needle, scissors and an assortment of yarn (4.5 and 7 oz.) and some “unidentifiable” balls of scrap yarn.
I suggest you use at least 3 colors of yarn – one for the main color, yarn for the trim, a color for the seeds or embellishments. Use your imagination on color choice, try something wild like purple apple slices or even a daisy or sunflower. Get adventuresome and make frogs, emojis, pumpkins, penguins or just about anything you’re enthusiastic about.
You will need one of the following to heat proof the potholders for safety: Insul Bright or Ironing Board material.
Here are the basics for a Lay Flat Double Crochet Circle:
Refer to the Learn to Crochet section for additional information on the chain / double crochet stitches used below
To start: Chain 3. Slip stitch back into the first chain to close the circle.
Round 1: Chain 3; Double crochet 11 stitches in the circle (a total of 12 including the chain 3)
Round 2: Chain 3; Double Crochet 2 stitches in each stitch around the circle. Slip stitch into top of chain three to close the round
Round 3: Chain 3; Double crochet into the next stitch; 2 Double crochets into next stitch, repeat around.
Round 4: Chain 3; 2 Double crochets in next stitch; 1 Double crochet in following stitch, repeat this around until you get to the chain 3 at the beginning and slip stitch.
Now, get creative, throughout crocheting this circle adjust your count. If your circle is laying-flat continue following the pattern, if the circle is curling up, Double crochet in two consecutive stitches to spread out the circle. The difference can be caused by tension, or the size of the hook for the yarn you are using, but remember, crocheting potholders and many other projects are for relaxation and fun. We can get into more exacting and intensive Crochet projects later.
Round 5: Chain 3; 2 Double crochets in next stitch, 1 Double crochet in following stitch, repeat around and remember to occasionally put down the circle and test for flatness (and take a bite of chocolate if you’d enjoy a break). Slip stitch into the top of the beginning chain 3.
Round 6: Chain 3, 1 Double crochet in each stitch around. End the first yarn color (in this case white)
Now, let’s add the peeling to the fruit slice.
Round 7: Attach Red yarn, chain 3. Then Double Crochet in each stitch around and slip stitch at the top of the beginning chain 3. You can also crochet a loop (a chain of 8 and a slip stitch to finish off, this creates a loop to hang your potholder).
Fold your circle in half; cut your heat protection insulation in the shape of your half circle or cut it into a full circle and fold in half for extra heat protection. Tuck the insulation fabric between your circle halves.
Using a slip stitch, stitch shut the circle to create a half circle shape sealing in the insulation fabric.
Now let’s add seeds to your apple or embellishments to your circle. Using your large darning needle; Cut a length of seed color (24” should be enough for 3 seeds on each side of the apple slice) Use a Single Chain or Lazy Daisy embroidery stitch to complete your seeds. (So now you’re a beginner embroiderer as well as crochet crafter).
Tuck in any yarn tails using your darning needle and your apple wedge potholder is complete.
Hope you enjoy making these as much as I do! What do you want to make next?