Shapes & Patterns

• Potholders provide the perfect canvas for patterns. Square in shape, the potholder can handle checkerboard or stripe patterns. A circular potholder can handle a pattern like polka dots. Sewing is easiest because the material can come with the pattern stamped on it. To crochet or knit the pattern on the potholder is a bit more difficult because of the interchanging of yarn.
  
  

Food

• Apply the simple shapes of triangle, squares and circles to make the potholder resemble food. Use yarn to crochet a basket full of French fries. Cut out the pattern of a triangle, add some red circles and sew a piece of pizza to help handle hot pots and pans (see Resources). The level of difficulty rises because this requires the layering of yarn or fabric.
  
  

Characters

• Re-create favorite cartoon or iconic characters to help pick up hot pots. These characters are mostly recognized by their faces, so the circle or oval is usually used. A face is so easy to re-create that crocheting can be used, though sewing will allow for a more detailed result. Using the circle shape, crochet Betty Boop's face (see Resources), or use the square shape to create SpongeBob.
  
  

Animals

• Animal potholders are a big hit. A cat, dog, cow or even a fish can be achieved by using the basic shapes of circles and squares. Crocheting is perfect for creating the faces of cats and dogs. Sewing allows for more difficult shapes, like a turkey, to be attempted.