Mini Mitts Potholder

Keep your hands safe from hot pans with this clever, double-stranded crochet potholder designed like a mini pinch mitt.

Have you ever grabbed a hot baking sheet only to feel the heat burning right through your thin, store-bought potholder? It is a painful surprise. I have been there more times than I care to admit.

Traditional flat potholders often lack the thickness we actually need. Even worse, they have a terrible habit of slipping out of your grip or catching fire on the stove burners.

That is why I fell in love with silicone pinch mitts. But as a crocheter, I knew I could make a softer, prettier, and equally protective version using my favorite cotton yarn.

This unique design features two separate pockets. One pocket holds your thumb, while the larger one cradles your fingers.

By holding two strands of cotton yarn together, we create a dense, heat-resistant barrier. It works up incredibly fast, too.

If you love making practical items for your home, this project is a perfect companion to a Block Stitch Kitchen Towel or a textured Crochet Dishcloth. Let us grab our hooks and get started!

Why You'll Love This Pattern

• Double Thickness: Holding two strands of yarn together ensures maximum heat protection.
• Ergonomic Design: The pinch-mitt style gives you a secure grip on hot handles and lids.
• Quick Project: Simple stitches and thick yarn mean you can finish one in an afternoon.

Materials You'll Need

• Yarn: Sable Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton worsted weight (Size 4) yarn (samples shown in Tea Rose, Jute, and Ecru).
• Hook: Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch marker.
• Yardage: Approximately 80 yards of yarn per potholder.

Gauge & Sizing

• Gauge: Not critical for this project, but stitches should be tight to prevent gaps.
• Sizes included: One size fits most hands.
• Finished measurements: Large pocket is 3-3/8 inches tall and 4-3/8 inches wide; small pocket is 2-3/4 inches tall and 3-1/2 inches wide.

Abbreviations & Stitch Instructions

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single Crochet (Insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops).
• sl st: Slip Stitch (Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook).
• st(s): Stitch(es)

Note: This pattern uses US terms. If you are more familiar with British terminology, check out our handy US to UK Crochet Chart.

Pattern Notes

• Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner.
• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The item is worked in the round.
• Tension Tip: Keep your stitches tight, especially during the first two rounds, to avoid any gaps where heat could slip through.
• Customization Tip: You can easily adjust the height of either pocket by adding or subtracting rounds before fastening off.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Small Pocket (Thumb)

Using two strands of yarn held together, chain 5 tightly.

Round 1: Work 1 sc in the 2nd chain from your hook. Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 chains. Work 3 sc in the very last chain. Do not turn your work. Rotate your piece to work along the opposite side of the foundation chain. Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 free loops. Work 2 sc in the last free loop. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.

Round 2: Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Place your stitch marker in the very first single crochet you just made. Work 2 sc in every stitch around to the end. Do not join with a slip stitch. (20 sc)

Pro Tip: Before you go any further, use your starting yarn tail to sew shut any small gaps or holes in Round 1. Fasten off this tail securely inside. It is much easier to do this now before the pocket gets too deep!

Round 3 and beyond: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch. Continue working in a continuous spiral, placing 1 sc in each stitch around. Keep going until your pocket measures 2-3/4 inches tall. Slip stitch to the side of the pocket to level it off, then fasten off. Weave in this tail on the inside.

Making the Large Pocket (Fingers)

Using two strands of yarn held together, chain 5 tightly.

Round 1: Work 1 sc in the 2nd chain from your hook. Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 chains. Work 3 sc in the last chain. Without turning, rotate your work to crochet into the free loops of the foundation chain. Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 free loops. Work 2 sc in the last free loop. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.

Round 2: Chain 1. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. Place your stitch marker in this first single crochet. Work 2 sc in each stitch across to the end. Join with a slip stitch to the marked stitch. (20 sc)

Pro Tip: Just like before, use your starting tail to close up any tiny gaps in the center of Round 1, then secure and trim it.

Round 3: Chain 1. Work 1 sc in the next stitch and place your marker here. Work 1 sc in each of the next 2 stitches. Work 2 sc in the next stitch. *[Work 1 sc in each of the next 3 stitches, then 2 sc in the next stitch]. Repeat from * 3 more times to the end of the round. Do not join with a slip stitch. (25 sc)

Round 4 and beyond: Work 1 sc in the marked stitch. Continue working in a continuous spiral, placing 1 sc in each stitch around. Keep going until your pocket measures approximately 3.5 inches tall. Slip stitch to the side of the pocket, but do not fasten off this time. Keep your yarn attached!

Assembling Your Potholder

Slide the smaller pocket directly into the center of the larger pocket, making sure the open edges align neatly.

Using the yarn still attached to your large pocket, slip stitch into the next stitch of the large pocket to reach the edge of the small pocket.

Now, work slip stitches through both layers (the top layer of the large pocket and the bottom layer of the small pocket) to join them securely together.

Once you reach the far corner of the small pocket, continue working slip stitches only along the edge of the large pocket.

Slip stitch into the next stitch of the large pocket, then chain 6 to create your hanging loop.

Slip stitch into the very next stitch to secure the loop.

Continue to slip stitch in each remaining stitch along the bottom layer of the large pocket until you return to your starting point.

Slip stitch to the first slip stitch, fasten off, and weave in your remaining tails.

Easy Variations & Custom Ideas

• Striped Style: Change colors every few rounds to create a fun, striped look. You can learn how to transition smoothly with our Seamless Color Change Technique.
• Contrasting Pockets: Make the small pocket in one solid color and the large pocket in a contrasting shade for a modern color-blocked aesthetic.
• Textured Edging: Instead of a simple slip stitch join, try a single crochet join for a slightly thicker, more pronounced border.
• Leather Loop: Skip the crocheted hanging loop and sew a small strip of leather to the corner for a high-end, boutique-style finish.
• Gift Set: Pair a set of these mitts with some Floral Face Scrubbies and a nice soap for a lovely housewarming gift.
• Colour ideas: Try earthy tones like sage green and cream, or bright kitchen colors like mustard yellow and teal.
• Yarn substitutions: Any 100% cotton worsted weight yarn will work beautifully. Avoid acrylic, as it can melt when exposed to high heat!

Common Troubleshooting & Fixes

• Problem: My pockets have holes in the bottom where I started.
  Fix: Make sure to pull your starting tail tight and use a tapestry needle to sew the initial chain loops closed before the pocket gets too deep.
• Problem: The pockets are too tight for my hands.
  Fix: You might be crocheting too tightly. Try switching to a slightly larger hook, or add an extra increase round to the pockets.
• Problem: The mitt feels too floppy and thin.
  Fix: Ensure you are holding two strands of yarn together and keeping your tension firm. Cotton yarn can stretch, so tight stitches are key.
• Problem: My hanging loop is too small.
  Fix: Simply increase the number of chains in the loop step from 6 to 8 or 10 to fit your kitchen hooks.

Care Instructions

Because these are made from 100% cotton, they are fully machine washable. Wash them in cold water with like colors, and lay them flat to dry to prevent shrinking.

Final Thoughts

These mini mitts are a total game-changer in the kitchen. They make wonderful, practical gifts, and they are a fantastic way to use up leftover cotton yarn from your stash. Happy crocheting!