Wagon Wheel Potholder

Wagon Wheel Potholder Crochet Pattern

What is Being Made

The Wagon Wheel Potholder is a functional kitchen accessory designed by Alex from You Should Craft. This finished potholder measures 8.5 inches in diameter, making it an ideal size for handling hot cookware. The design features a classic wagon wheel motif created through strategic color changes and post crochet techniques, combining both aesthetic appeal and practical heat protection for everyday kitchen use.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs several foundational and advanced techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance. The pattern begins with a magic ring, a technique that creates a tight center point for circular projects. Crafters will use slip stitch and invisible join methods to seamlessly connect rounds and maintain a polished finished edge. Color changing is incorporated throughout the pattern to create the wagon wheel design using two contrasting colors. Post crochet techniques, specifically front post treble crochet, add dimensional texture and visual interest to the potholder's surface.

Stitches Used

The Wagon Wheel Potholder utilizes a range of crochet stitches to build its structure and design:

• Chain (ch) – Used to create foundation stitches and turning chains throughout the pattern
• Single Crochet (sc) – The foundational stitch that creates a tight, dense fabric; the gauge is 14 rows of 13 single crochet stitches per 4 inches x 4 inches
• Half Double Crochet (hdc) – Provides medium height and structure for certain sections
• Double Crochet (dc) – Used to build height and create the initial magic ring foundation
• Treble Crochet (tr) – Adds taller stitches for texture variation
• Front Post Treble Crochet (fptr) – A dimensional post stitch that creates the wagon wheel's distinctive raised pattern
• Slip Stitch (sl st) – Used for joining rounds and securing stitches invisibly

Materials and Tools

The Wagon Wheel Potholder pattern calls for worsted weight yarn in two contrasting colors. The designer recommends Lily Sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn, specifically Color A in Stone Wash (approximately 50 yards) and Color B in Hot Blue (approximately 75 yards). Alternatively, any worsted weight cotton yarn in two colors may be substituted. The project requires an H (5.0 mm) crochet hook and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing. The total yardage needed is approximately 125 yards, making this an economical project suitable for using yarn scraps or stash yarn in complementary colors.