Potholders are a practical addition to any kitchen or dining area. Not only are they practical and a true must-have in your kitchen for handling hot pots and pans, but they can also add a personal touch to your overall decor.
So, if you want to knit or crochet a potholder, what yarn should you use?
The best yarn for potholders is going to be one which does not transfer heat. Cotton is the best choice for potholders. Wool is also a great option for crochet potholders.
Acrylic and polyester yarns are not suitable for potholders since they can melt when they come into contact with heat. I’ll touch more on that later!
Yarns for Knitting or Crocheting Potholders: Factors to Consider
Read on for some factors to consider, frequently asked questions, as well as reviews of best yarns for knitting or crocheting potholders.
1. Color
When it comes to yarn colors and potholders, there is no restriction to the colors you can opt for. You can select color combinations that complement your kitchen furnishings.
If your kitchen is natural wood or pine, then a splash of color from kitchen accessories like potholders can give a homey touch and feel.
2. Size
Potholders are traditionally square or rectangle. In terms of size, they need to be big enough to protect the hand, but not so big that they are potential fire hazards when using them over the stove.
Knitting or crocheting a potholder is usually considered a small-sized project and is a great way of using up any wool yarn lying around.
3. Material
Due to this, yarns that are made from 100% natural fibers, such as wool and cotton are natural fire retardants. They can withstand high temperatures, which make them perfect for potholders.
Cotton and felted wool are also both machine-washable which is useful since your potholders may frequently become soiled with food and drink in the kitchen.
If your wool does not felt, then it is better to wash your potholder by hand. It will also need to be dried flat. If you’re looking for something that washes easily then cotton is usually the safer option.
4. Durability
Potholders have to be able to withstand heat. They also have to survive frequent washing and drying.
Durable and hardy yarn is crucial to making potholders that will last. Light cotton is usually a safe option, and then felted wool.
5. Stitch pattern
It is important to select stitch patterns which are closer together since they won’t allow heat through. Loose knitting or stitches are not ideal for potholders.
The Best Yarn Knitting or Crocheting Potholders
Below are the best heat-resistant yarns for knitting or crocheting potholders.
| Rank | Product | Yarn Type: |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lily Sugar 'N Cream Super Size Solid Yarn | Cotton |
| 2. | Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Ombre Yarn | Cotton |
| 3. | Patons Classic Wool Roving Yarn | Merino wool |
| 4. | Gismo Merino Wool Yarn | Merino wool |
| 5. | Etrofil Re-Public Cake Yarn | Recycled cotton |
1. Lily Sugar ‘N Cream Super Size Solid Yarn
This 100% cotton by Sugar ‘N Cream comes in a wide range of colors, but whichever one you choose, it’s sure to bring life and beauty to any kitchen. The cotton is sturdy, making it ideal for kitchen dishcloths and potholders.
The cotton is suitable for machine washing, which is important for anything that is likely to get soiled easily. The skein size could be considered small, however, it is plenty for the average sized potholder.
Key Features
- Many colors available
- 100% sturdy cotton
- Machine washable
2. Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Ombre Yarn
This yarn comes in beautiful ombre is attractive and ideal for any kitchen.
The yarn is 100% cotton, meaning it is heat resistant and you don’t have to worry about it melting. It doesn’t twist and is easy to work with.
Potholders made with this yarn can be expected to last long, wash well, and add character and color to your kitchen.
It is also absorbent but non-elastic so you don’t have to worry about it losing shape.
Key Features
- Attractive blend of colors
- 100% cotton ideal for kitchen
- Heat resistant
- Machine washable
3. Patons Classic Wool Roving Yarn
This 100% Merino Wool yarn is ideal for kitchen use. Naturally heat resistant, it will protect your hands, as well as kitchen surfaces.
The wool yarn felts well to make the perfect potholder that will last a long time. Unfelted, the potholder would need to be dried flat.
Key Features
- 100% wool, naturally heat resistant
- Flame retardant
- Pleasant to work with
- Neutral color
- Durable
4. Gismo Merino Wool Yarn
This beautiful yarn is 100% wool. Made into the perfect potholder, it will turn into a sturdy and durable piece that will able to withstand heat.
It is soft on the hands and pleasant to work with. The wool is fine, but with small stitches that are close together, it will make the ideal potholder. The price is a bargain for wool yarn.
Key Features
- Variety of colors
- 100% natural fiber ideal
- Easy to work with
- Value for money
5. Etrofil Re-Public Cake Yarn
If you’re looking for something a little different then this eco-friendly yarn will not disappoint. It is made from recycled cotton that is soft and not prone to pilling.
The 100% cotton is durable and strong and is dyed in a variegated ombre style that’s perfect for creating intricate and gorgeous designs. There are several different color options available as well.
Key Features
- 100% cotton
- Machine washable
- Ombre colors
- Eco-friendly
Related Questions
1. Is it possible to make potholders with acrylic yarn?
Since potholders are for practical use in the kitchen, acrylic yarn is not suitable for this purpose. Acrylic, polyester, or similar fibers can melt when in contact with hot pots and pans. This will not only damage your kitchenware but may also hurt your hands.
2. How long do potholders last?
Cotton and wool potholders are generally durable and can withstand multiple washes. You can use them until the stitches show gaps or are starting to fall apart, in which case they may no longer be safe to use.
3. Which pattern is best for potholders?
Flexible potholders are useful for picking up hot panhandles.
To this end, thin knits may be tempting. Unfortunately, though, thin knits may transfer heat too quickly. Knits or crochet stitches with a bit of thickness, like a garter stitch, are ideal.
You also want to ensure that the knits are close together. Open stitches will allow heat to transfer easily and are not suitable for this purpose. If you habitually knit loosely, opt for smaller needles. This will make your work tighter. You can also knit two pieces and sew them together to close gaps.
When it comes to wool, you may want to opt for wool that felts since this will make sturdier and more heat resistant potholders.
4. Why is cotton the best yarn for potholders?
Cotton yarn is durable and heat resistant. It won’t melt. This is one of the most important factors to consider when making potholders or dishcloths that will be used in the kitchen.
Cotton yarn is easy to wash and keep clean. You will need to frequently wash them, and cotton yarns hold up well with frequent washes. It is also absorbent so it can quickly soak up any spills without losing shape.
Best Yarn for Knitting or Crocheting Potholders
Potholders are practical essentials for the kitchen. They can protect your hands as you hold hot handles, and they can protect kitchen surfaces as you place pots and pans on them.
Cotton and wool are ideal yarn materials for potholders. This is because they are naturally heat resistant and will not melt when in contact with high temperatures.
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