Crochet A-Long: Ripple Potholders

August 1, 2010

An idea popped into my head about hosting a CAL. In ravelryland, CAL stands for Crochet A-Long. It is an event in which the participants follow the same pattern to create individual finished projects. My thought was that we could do a CAL on the Ripple Potholder pattern I had been developing in previous weeks. August seemed like a perfect time as we were between swaps in one of the potholder groups with the next exchange scheduled for October. I put the idea out to a few of my ravelry friends, namely LubbockArmadillo and Braydenbugsmom. They seemed amenable.

Well, I figured, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain by proposing the idea to our group's moderator, Yarnfreak75. It sounded to me, at least, like the CAL had the potential to be a fun and creative event and perhaps others would be interested, too. It also seemed like the Ripple Potholder CAL might be an interesting focal point for our group and a further means to get to know others better though our posts and our creations. A CAL event might also be a forum to experience individual interpretations of the same pattern, an opportunity for sharing crochet tips and tricks and an excellent way to test and improve my "hot-off-the-press" pattern directions.

August 2, 2010

I messaged Yarnfreak75 (Tia), our moderator in the Crochet Potholder Swap group (one of many knitting and crocheting groups open to ravelry.com members), and proposed the idea. Tia said, "Sounds great. Just post to a new thread..."

August 3-4, 2010

I had a few more potholders to make to be sure that I covered the different densities of cottons that participants might use to crochet their potholders. I had originally written the pattern for lighter and moderate density cottons and knowing that several of the participants might choose heavier cottons, I needed to make a few test potholders in this heavier weight and then write up an additional set of pattern directions. After using Pisgah's Sugar 'n Creme, Lily's Sugar 'n Cream and Lion Brand Lion Cotton, to make the necessary potholders, I asked Braydenbugsmom to test the pattern and provide some input. With her more succinct crochet shorthand suggestions taken into consideration, I updated the blog with the newest pattern version.

Now I was ready to initiate the new thread and invite participants to join in the fun and games. Well, I should say that I was "sort of" ready. You see, I had never participated in a CAL before, let alone hosted one!

August 5, 2010

I posted the above examples of the pattern to the first post on the new thread I called, "Something Fun We Can Do Together!!" I messaged individuals with personal invitations who were members of our potholder swap group or who had expressed an interest in the pattern. It wasn't long before a few participants posted to the thread and indicated they were ready to join the proposed CAL. In all, about 20 of us from all over the U.S. (and a few from other countries) signed on for the event.

Soon ravelry members were indicating they had suitable yarn in their stashes or would make trips for specific yarns to Wal-mart, Hobby Lobby, Michaels or their favorite local yarn stores. Some event participants began posting their proposed project yarn types, colors and themes. A few were off and running right away, or I should say, off and crocheting. Feylind launched right in and caught a few omissions and errors on the pattern, so I dubbed her a trailblazer. PWitherspoon was close behind.

In two and a half weeks, the "CAL Gals" made 21 potholders.* Here is a compilation picture of all 21. Pretty impressive! And all so unique!

While this is an interesting visual overview of our CAL, these little pictures do not do justice to the individual creations so each potholder will be described and attributed to its creator.

*All of these potholders are double-sided to protect hands when holding hot pans or dishes and they are made of cotton so that the fibers do not melt.

Week 1 Potholders: August 5-12, 2010

Feylind, a.k.a. Bethie, as mentioned, was a trailblazer. She launched right in using heavier cotton and was the first to post her completed potholder a few days after initiating the CAL. She caught some omissions and pattern goofs. Her contributions made it easier for others to follow.

This is the front side of her crocheted creation. She did something unique, she made a completely different backside. She calls this the "sun side" and the back the "sunflower side." The back suggests a sunflower by the colors in the variegated colors she used.

Braydenbugsmom, a.k.a. Christina, made this "Forget-me-not Ripple Potholder" to test the pattern in heavier density cottons as a means of assisting me in writing up the alternate pattern. The heavier cottons require using a larger hook and making fewer ripples. Christina made this one with a G hook and Pisgah's Peaches 'n Creme. She used this one to send to the featured monthly recipient in another group called the Dazzling Dozen Potholder Swap. Of her experience in the CAL, Christina said, "I had a wonderful time getting to chat with everyone and seeing all of the beautiful creations. For such a quick and easy potholder to make, getting it to that point was not as quick and easy to pen. It was a fun and inspirational experience. I look forward to another CAL."

PWitherspoon, a.k.a. Trish, made two ripple potholders the 1st weekend. Thinking of her own kitchen cupboards that are painted/stenciled with English ivy leaves, she embellished this one with a single ivy leaf. In the end, she decided to gift both potholders rather than keep them. Trish says, " I loved how quick these potholders were to make up." She plans to make more for other swaps. She concluded with, "Thanks for including me in and for the wonderful pattern."

Trish's second potholder, in similar colors, is also seen here to the left. She used Lily Sugar 'n Cream ombres and solids and a size G hook.

delights, a.k.a. Claudia (that's me) made the next potholder (right). I call this one the "Sunny Side Up Ripple Potholder." I used heavier cottons (Lion Brand Lion Cotton and Pisgah's Peaches 'n Creme) for the fronts and backs. The center embellishment was crocheted using a size 2 hook and DMC cotton floss. The little frying pan is complete with a raised ridge going around to assimilate pan sides and the yellows of the eggs are dimensional, too.

Spookycuddles, a.k.a. Brenda, enchanted us with her love of all things Halloween. Here, on the left is her first Ripple Potholder that she dubbed the "Jackie-Lantern Ripple Potholder." After this one, the ideas continued to bubble up. I think she has 4-5 more Halloween and fall potholders planned. Brenda wrote, "I've had so much fun meeting everyone in this CAL and sharing, not only our potholder creations, but our day-to-day comings and goings, that it will be sad for it to come to an end."

Ellblo, a.k.a. Ellen, was next to post a completed potholder. I called it the "Got the Blues Ripple Potholder." Ellen crocheted her potholder with Reynolds Saucy cotton yarn. As this was a type new to most of us, Ellen offered this descriptive information for us, "Reynolds Saucy is 100% mercerized cotton. My LYS** carries many colors of this cotton. It's a sturdy, kinda rough cotton, twisted, not as shiny and soft as Tahki Stacy but thinner than Lion Brand, Elmer-Pisgah Peaches 'n Creme cotton. Also the colors are more saturated and varied." ** [Ed note: LYS is ravelry shorthand for Local Yarn Store.]

This was another benefit of the CAL, learning about new yarns!

delights, a.k.a. Claudia. I was back with another potholder. The "Strawberry Ripple Potholder" [Sounds like a cheap, fruity wine, doesn't it?!] was made using heavy cottons and embellishments of DMC cotton floss. Normally I prefer the moderate density cottons, like Tahki Cotton Classic and Omega Sinfonia, but because most of the participants were using the heavier cottons and because I had already made more in the lighter weights before initiating the CAL, I chose to make this one with Pisgah Peaches 'n Creme in white and ecru.

LubbockArmadillo, a.k.a. Cindy was next to post her potholder. (right) Cindy said, "I haven't decided what embellishment to add, or even if I am going to keep it or give to a swap partner. I have really been liking the blue-greens this summer and have been adding touches of that color in the kitchen and living room, so I might just keep it for me." Of her CAL experience, Cindy added, "I have enjoyed everyone's creativity! Parting IS such sweet sorry, indeed! Let's all keep in touch 'til the next CAL!"

Cindy used a 2.25 mm hook and Red Heart, Ltd. "Creme de la Creme," another yarn new to most of the rest of us.

danisboots, a.k.a. Dani created the potholder to the left. The colors are so yummy, they look like sherbet—good enough to eat. Dani said, "I loved learning a new technique/stitch."*** She continues, "This has been a really fun CAL, lots of great ideas and participation. There is much that you can do with this pattern. I enjoyed it immensely! :) And, YES, do another CAL."

*** [Ed note: the raised ridge stitch.]

delights, a.k.a. Claudia. I made this Christmas potholder due to Spookycuddles' influence talking about all of her holiday plans and creations. The body of the potholder is made of Sugar 'n Creme and Lion Brand Lion Cotton and embellished with a gingerbread man cookie, a peppermint candy and a tiny green gumdrop. The center of the backside of this potholder also resembles a large peppermint candy. This Christmas potholder rounded out the final potholder for week one.

Week 2 Potholders: August 13-20, 2010

Melanie702, a.k.a. Melanie, came in just on the cusp between weeks one and two with her completed ripple potholders. Here is the first one she posted in red, fuschias and purples with a dark olive green outline. Melanie used Lion Brand Lion Cotton solid colors and a 4.5 mm hook.

Melanie's second ripple potholder was this one (above, right) in rich, fall colors. Melanie wrote of her CAL experience, "I really had fun with this CAL also, and will be waiting for the next. This was my first, and can't wait to have a 2nd."

delights, a.k.a. Claudia. This one started because I needed to take some step-by-step photos of the raised ridge stitch to add to the blog pattern. (That's the raised ridge stitch in blue surrounding the acorn.) As long as I had a start, I decided to just finish it. This "Acorn Ripple Pothoder" was made using medium density cottons: Tahki Cotton Classic (rust) and Omega Sinfonia (blue and green) and a size G hook. The acorn embellishment was made with DMC floss.

Knitastitch, a.k.a. Melissa made this "Lemon/Lime Ripple Potholder." She used Lily Sugar 'n Cream and a G hook for the main body of the potholder. For the embellishment she used DMC floss and a B hook. Her little citrus fruits are so perfect.

Spookycuddles, a.k.a. Brenda, using an H hook, made this wintery potholder that she named the "Snowflake Ripple Potholder." She crocheted it especially for her sister-in-law who is also her very dear friend. Brenda says about making up this pattern, "They are addictive. Maybe you should just leave the thread running to see what pretties everyone creates with your pattern. Whenever one of us finishes a new one we can just post it on the thread. I myself have so many planned, I will probably be doing them way into next year. LOL."

JanetMB, a.k.a. Janet created this "Butterfly Ripple Potholder" in week 2. She wrote, "I was thrilled to be a part of this fun, fast-paced CAL. The camaraderie was uplifting as well. I learned how to do the ridge stitching, which was new for me. I'd love to participate in another CAL of this sort, with this group! :o" Janet decided to hang her potholder in her cube at work where it has provided her with visual pleasure when she looks up at it.

Sandramaria, a.k.a. Sandra is our new ravelry friend from Venezuela. She made this potholder with the center daisy of pabilo yarn, an indigenous cotton. Pabilo is a finer density and because of it, Sandra used a smaller, E hook. Sandra calls this her "Me Potholder" because, she says she made it for "meeeee!" Sandra had some real challenges during our CAL with a major allergic reaction to some fish she ate; working on projects during her recovery was helpful, something she calls "crochet-o-therapy." This is now one of our new terms several of us have adopted. One more note: Sandra is translating the pattern into Spanish so it may be available soon in this language.

Knitastich, a.k.a. Melissa crocheted this "Acorns/Oak Leaf Ripple Potholder" using an F hook. She intended to use a G hook but picked up the smaller size by accident and then discovered she liked how it turned out. Her yarn of choice was Lily's Sugar 'n Cream. The acorns and leaf embellishments were made using DMC floss, which she free-formed without a pattern. Something that Melissa added to this potholder and the one that follows: picots on the tips of each ripple peak. After creating these two potholders [see the one that follows], Melissa decided that maybe they were too special to use and has decided to hang them in her kitchen for decor.

Knitastich, a.k.a. Melissa also crocheted this "Morning Glories Ripple Potholder." Melissa wanted to be sure to credit the source for the morning glories pattern. The instructions for them came from an OOP booklet, #2281, Floral Potholders, by Maggie Weldon, published by Leisure Arts. Melissa used two DMC colors together for the leaf to give it more dimensionality. Of her experience of this CAL, she wrote, "I've enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and would enjoy doing another CAL with you all."

Addendum

It seemed as though we had concluded our 2 weeks in the Ripple Potholder CAL with 20 wonderful and unique creations and then, just before time to start blogging, a 21st potholder came in on August 24th. Here it is:

This "Cheery Cherry Ripple Potholder" came via Sandramaria but was crocheted by her good friend, Ludys. They had spent time together in one of Sandra's famous "crochet-o-therapy" sessions. Actually Ludys had started another potholder in pabilo cottons but had run out of the peach color she was using and couldn't finish it without more. Sandra was supposed to pick up the peach color for Ludys but was sick so Ludys, on her own and from memory, created this potholder without benefit of the pattern (in English, while Ludys' primary language is Spanish) or without Sandra to guide her.

So, this concludes the 21 Ripple Potholder creations made during our CAL. Thanks to yarnfreak75 (Tia) for consenting to the CAL in our Crochet Potholder Swap Group and to ALL of the great women who participated in this event. We created, we communicated, we learned new things, we freely shared our tips and techniques with each other and, in the end, we made some new ravelry friends that will extend beyond this event.

Becky's Fiestaware Potholder

Another month, another potholder for a member of our Dazzling Dozen potholder swap group. That sounded kind of perfunctory, but I mean it joyfully! This month, it is Becky's turn. Each month I try to tailor the potholder for the featured person's tastes.

When asked about color and theme preferences, Becky posted this photo of her dishes with us at our thread.

I decided that I wanted to make a potholder featuring a turquoise mug and a burnt orange plate/saucer, like the ones in the picture. Affirming that these were Fiestaware dishes from Becky via a message, I started a little online research to look at the construction of the handles of the mugs. Then I incubated for a week or two about ideas. I needed some additional graphic element to complete the picture but didn't know what exactly. I finally came up with an idea that suited the colors and satisfied the sense of balance of the whole: a slice of lemon and a tea bag—or at least the label and string.

Here is the sketch I drew of my idea to serve as a template. I also added some notes to myself, like "turquoise blue" on the mug and "burnt orange" on the plate. [That diagonal crease is from my having folded the paper to produce a square. Also, I am an incurable uphill writer, as you can see with my later notations in ink.]

Next I had to find the right color yarns. I found that turquoise and burnt orange are not common colors in cotton yarns. I found one small skein of turquoise in a different brand at my local yarn store (LYS, we it them on ravelry) but it was both expensive (even on sale) and dull and I wanted something with a bit of a sheen, like the ceramic glaze on the dishes. I was stumped for a few days until I thought of DMC cotton. I found both the turquoise and the burnt orange in little hanks and bought enough of each of the colors I needed. In addition to the turquoise, I also bought some yellows for the lemon, and white and black for the tea bag label and string.

Wow! What a great idea these little DMC hanks turned out to be for several reasons. They are cheap: they only cost about 35¢ when not on sale so you don't have to spend a lot for colors you might not ordinarily use. They come in many colors: in fact hundreds of colors! They are 100 percent cotton: a must for making potholders that won't burn or melt. They are easy to use: you just crochet all six strands at once and the density is similar to size 3 crochet thread. My creative and crochet world just expanded!

I set to work on the potholder, first crocheting the background (size F hook) as if there was a table on which the items would sit with a wall beyond. I wanted these background colors to be neutral so I chose beige (Tahki cotton classic) and cream (Omega Sinfonia). The lower half (table) is comprised of rows of hdc's; the upper half (wall) was done in a stitch called "Petite Shells." [I'll reference this and another stitch from the same book at the end of this blog page.]

After the background was done, I crocheted the larger graphic elements (cup and saucer) using a size 2 hook and DMC cotton. After placing and attaching these elements, I crocheted the lemon wedge and the tea bag label. I stitched on "MINT" and "TEA" to the little label and attached both. Finally I added the tea bag string by embroidering an outline stitch from the label up and over the top rim of the mug.

Here's the picture of both the front and back sides of the potholder for Becky. [This is as big as the blog will allow me to make this photo. Wish it were bigger.]

I was able to use the turquoise cotton yarn that I bought initially at my LYS for the back. Again using the same cream and beige from the front, I included the turquoise in a three color stitch called "Clever Blocks"* to form a checkerboard effect. I used the DMC cotton to join both sides together to create a scalloped edging. Using a plastic curtain ring, I completed the potholder with the same burnt orange color and a buttonhole or blanket stitch.

This "Clever Blocks" stitch and the "Petite Shell" stitch are from a book titled, The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert.

I have checked out many crochet books from the library and also look at several whenever I go to bookstores. Of all the books, I liked this one the best and ordered it from Amazon.com to keep as a resource. I like to try new stitches and create new effects, always stretching and flexing my crochet skill muscles.

Ripple Potholder

The RIPPLE pattern has long been a crochet favorite for creating beautiful afghans, blankets, shawls and sweaters. Here is a new twist on the ripple stitch for making functional and attractive potholders to give or keep. In addition to the ripple stitch, the use of unique center embellishments made for a particular person in mind or to match your own kitchen decor.

This post includes the pattern info and how-to's with visuals to make the Ripple Potholder using medium and finer density cottons plus a second, modified pattern for those using heavier (worsted) weight cottons. Also included are photo close-ups of completed Ripple Potholders that may spark your imagination to create your own potholders using different color combinations and graphic elements. Can't wait to see what you make!

NEW: Now there is a downloadable version of this pattern. Here is the LINK.

This pattern is copyrighted. You are welcome to use it with these guidelines: Be sure to attribute this source when posting or presenting potholders made from this pattern and refrain from publishing or selling the pattern or representing it as your own. Otherwise, no other restrictions apply. Enjoy making these for selling, sharing, gifting or your personal use.

I. Pattern and How-to Instructions for the Ripple Potholder Using Medium and Finer Density Cottons

Recommended yarns: Tahki Cotton Classic yarn, Omega Sinfonia, Elann Sonata are among the recommended yarns for this project. One of these potholders is made of Patons Grace, which is a thinner/finer cotton. Because of the finer density, additional ripple spires were added. J&P Coats Royale Fashion Crochet threads, size 3 (cotton) were used to create the center embellishments.

If you are planning to use the heavier cottons, such as Pisgah's Sugar 'n Creme, Lily's Peaches 'n Cream or Lion Brand Lion Cotton, skip way past this initial pattern to find the modified version expressly for these heavier cottons later on this page. The modified version uses a larger hook, has fewer rounds and one fewer ripple spires.

Note: Be sure to use 100 percent cottons when making potholders as synthetics can melt.

Hook sizes: An F hook was used for the main body of all of the potholders; sizes 1.5 and 2 were used for making the smaller parts of the various center embellishments.

Other items needed: Plastic drapery ring (1 and 1/8"), scissors and a tapestry needle.

Foundation round: With size F hook and 1^st color (in this example to the right, green), ch 4, join to make a circle.

Round 1: Ch 3 for the first dc. DC 10 in the circle to make a total of 11 dc's. Join with sl st to the top of the ch 3.

Round 2: Ch 3 for the first dc. Make 2 dc’s in the tops of each st around until you reach the second to last st. In that st, 3 dc’s, skip the st just before the ch 3. Join with a sl st to the ch 3. Total 22 dc’s.

Round 3: Ch 2 for the first hdc. Make 2 hdc’s in the tops of stitches for a total of 42. Join with a sl st to the top of the ch 2. End color and fasten loose yarn tails. Diameter should be about 2.25-2.5 inches.

Round 4: I am not sure of the name of this stitch, but I call it the raised ridge stitch. It is completed in two rounds. This round will cup. Do not be concerned about the cupping. It will lie flat on the second round of this color.

With 2^nd color (in this example, royal blue) and working in FRONT loops, only, ch 3 to count as first dc. You are going to increase on this row by 8 because you want exactly 50 stitches. About every fifth or sixth st do 2 dc's. Make the last increase be in the same front loop as the starting 3 ch (the one that counts as your first dc). Insert your hook into the top front loop and complete a sl st.

Refer to the following series of photos to help you with Rounds 4 and 5. This is not a difficult st to work. It is more difficult to explain than it is to do!

Round 5: This is the second half of the raised ridge st. With the sl st still on your hook, point your hook down and into the BACK LOOP of the first dc (blue), PLUS down into the BACK LOOP of the previous color (the back loop of green, in this example) and then draw yarn through 2 and then yarn over and draw through the last 2. Repeat this around.

Sl st to join at the end of the round. Break off and fasten color.

This makes a nice ridge to set off the center, like a little frame around your graphic embellishment.

From this point on, the potholder will be divided into 10 ripple spires.* The reason for 50 stitches in the previous two rounds is that when 10 divides into 50, the result is 5 so that will be the number of stitches for evenly setting up each of the ripple spires. You'll see as we go into the next round how this will work.

*If you are using J&P Coats Royale Fashion Crochet Thread, size 3 or Patons Grace, you may need to add additional spires. I added two when using a combination of these finer density cottons.

Note: In all ripple rounds, to make valleys, you will skip four dc's (two at the end of one ripple and two at the start of the next ripple). To make your ripples have peaks, always make 2 ch at the top (middle point) of each ripple. For those of you who are visually oriented, it might be easier to see where to start and end each ripple on the following diagram.

Round 6: With your next color, (in this example, cream) ch 3 to act as the first dc. Make a second dc in the same st, ch 2, 2 dc’s in the next st, ch 1, skip 3 st’s. *2 dc in the next st, ch 2, 2 dc in the next st, ch 1, skip 3 st. *repeat to the end. Make sure that the total number of ripple spires is 10. Break off and secure your color.

In the photo above, A is round 6; B is round 7; C is round 8; D is round 9; E is round 10; and F is made up of two rounds: 11 and the joining round.

Round 7: Round 7 is the same as B in the photo above. In this round you will have 3 dc's going up to the peak and 3 going down to the valley with 2 ch between. With your next color (in this example, green) begin in the ch 2 space crochet the following: ch 3 (to count as first dc), 2 dc’s, ch 2, 3 dc’s. In all ch 2 spaces, do the following: *3 dc, 2 ch, 3 dc. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st at the end of the round. Break off and fasten color.

Round 8: In this round you will have 4 dc's in the half of the ripple going up to the peak and r dc's going down to the valley. With color 2 (in this example, royal blue), ch 3 in the ch 2 space: 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc. Then 2 dc in the next st. Move to the next ripple: *2 dc’s in the st just before the ch 2. In the ch 2 sp: 2 dc’s, ch 2, 2 dc. 2 dc's in the top of the next st. Repeat from * around. End with 2 dc's in the st before the first ripple. Join with a sl st to end the round. Break off color.

Round 9: In this round, you will have 5 dc's in the half of the ripple going up to each peak and 5 going down to each valley. With color 1 (in this example, green), in the ch 2 space: ch 3 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc. 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st. Next ripple and remaining ripples: 2 dc above the second dc past the valley. 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc in the ch 2 sp at the peak, 1 dc in the next st, 2 dc in the next st. Join with a sl st at the end of the round. Break off color.

Round 10: In this round, you will have 6 dc's in the half of the ripple going up to each peak and 6 going down to each valley. With color 3 (in this example, cream), in ch 2 sp: ch 3, 1 dc, ch 2, 2 dc. 1 dc in each of the next 2 st’s. 2 dc in the next st. Next ripple and remaining ripples: 2 dc in the second st past the valley. 1 dc in each of the next 2 st. In the ch 2 sp: 2 dc, 2 ch, 2 dc. 1 dc in each of the next 2 st’s. 2 dc’s in the next st. Join with a sl st at the end of the round.

Round 11: With color 2 (in this example, royal blue), do sc’s around but in this pattern: in the peaks: 2 sc, 2 ch, 2 sc. In the valleys: sc up to the valley, skip the st at the bottom of the valley, sc in the st past the valley.

Make a second potholder for the reverse side. A double-sided potholder is recommended for protection when handling hot pans or dishes and is also aesthetically more pleasing when both sides are finished.

Center embellishment: Before joining both sides together, make this potholder unique with something special added to the center. This featured potholder features a larger daisy on one side and smaller daisies on the reverse side. Here are closer views of the other three potholders with their individual embellishments. The cherry and cupcake potholders are the same on both sides. The grape potholder has a cluster on the front but popcorn clusters in purple (to assimilate grapes) on the back side.

Secure/weave in all loose ends before joining. I like to do this as I go along so that I don't feel it is such a chore at one time.

Joining round: This is the most satisfying round of this potholder and, the most challenging, if never worked before. The stitch is called Tambour Chain Crochet, or more frequently called Top Crochet. This stitch joins the front and back at the outer edge but down into the valleys to the center color, as well. The end result is a very finished looking potholder.

Match up the back and front sides of your potholder, wrong sides facing and matching points. You might want to use large corsage pins to do this making sure the sharp points are tucked in so you won't get pricked.

Starting at the center top of the potholder, (which should be a valley), join yarn but leave a 7 inch tail for attaching the plastic hanging ring at the end of the round. Sc at the center of the valley through both the front and back pieces. Sc in each st to the top of the ripple peak (ch 2 sp). When you get to the ch 2 sp at the peak of the ripple, *sc, c1, sc. Sc in sc's from previous round going down the side of the ripple.

Note: If you would like to see photo visuals of what happens after this point in the round, go to almost the end of this blog page where a series of photos shows the how-to's.

Now, working top crochet, you will be working around and through previous dc rounds while heading toward the center color of the potholder. With the yarn on the hook, go around the last dc round and pull up the yarn from back to front to make your st. This will look like a ch st in the front but a straight st in the back. Continue with your sl st's down, around, though and pull up the yarn through preceding rounds.

When you reach the center color, catch the top loop of the center color on both the front side and back side. Draw up your st. Make this st nice and neat by tightening it carefully to make it lie flat. You might want to hold it in place with your fingernail of your other hand when you pull it up. Now you are going to return from the center back to the outer edge by again going through the same spaces between dc rounds. Assuming you are right handed, your row going back up and toward the outer edge will be just to the left of the row going down toward the center. You will have a line double line in the front that look like ch st's.

Sc in the next in each st going up the next ripple/peak. Repeat from * around. St st to the join with the first sc. Leave a 30 inch tail before breaking off.

Hanger loop: Using a 1 and 1/8 plastic ring, attach the ring to the top of the joined fronts and backs with the short tail from the start of the joining round. With the long tail and a tapestry needle, make tight blanket stitches around and covering your initial attaching rounds with the shorter tail. Secure ends.

Here are closer views of three more potholders with their embellishments.

Grape Ripple Potholder: This potholder was crocheted with a size F hook and Tahki Cotton Classic yarns in rusty gold, green and a peachy color. This was the first potholder I made with a center embellishment because I had a particular person in mind. This was made for one of my ravelry friends, Christina who described her kitchen thusly: "I have kind of an Italian style kitchen—mustards, greens, purples and browns, grapes and apples."

Once I made the first one with an embellishment, then I began thinking how these unique touches made them stand out. After that I had so many ideas about center embellishments that I sketched a page full of them. I made three more unique ones (daisy, cherry and cupcake) to follow this one.

Cherry Ripple Potholder: This potholder was crocheted using a size F hook and thinner cottons: Patons Grace in two colors of blue and J&P Coats Royale Fashion Crochet thread, size 3 in yellow. Because thinner yarns and threads were used, two additional ripple spires were added. The cherries are crocheted circles also of the same J&P Coats crochet thread but in red. I actually used the side of the little red circles that would normally be considered the wrong side as the side that is up. The wrong side seemed to make nicer cherries. The stem was embroidered directly onto the center in an outline stitch. The green leaves are also J&P Coats thread that were crocheted and then attached to the center of the potholder.

Cupcake Ripple Potholder: This potholder was crocheted using a size F hook and thicker cottons: Tahki Cotton Classic yarns in browns and peach. The cupcakes were crocheted using J&P Coats Royale Fashion Crochet thread, size 3 (white and red) and Patons Grace (light blue). These were free-formed. To make the ribbing effect, I crocheted in the back loops.

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II. Alternate Pattern and How-to Instructions for the Ripple Potholder Using Heavier Cottons

Recommended yarns: Because many of you like to make potholders using heavier cottons such as Pisgah's Sugar 'n Creme, Lily's Peaches 'n Cream and Lion Brand Lion Cotton, I worked one up with all three of these yarns to modify the pattern. This version the fastest and easiest because the final potholder will have fewer rounds and one less ripple spire.

Note: Be sure to use 100 percent cottons when making potholders as synthetics can melt.

Right: Here is the potholder I made while I wrote down the pattern modifications. I will be noting color changes according to this potholder so you will know when to change colors, though you will be using your own color combinations. By indicating the colors I used here, you can easily refer back to the picture and know where you are.

Foundation round: With size G hook and 1^stcolor (in this example, bright blue), ch 5, join to make a loop.

Round 1: I like to use the same color here and the next two rounds because this will serve as my "canvas" for my center embellishment. I already knew I was going to make an orange against a bright blue background before I started.

Ch 3 to serve as first dc. (Ch 3 as first dc throughout further rounds.) 14 more dc's in the loop for a total of 15. Join with sl st top of ch 3.

Another point here about planning the colors: I wanted my joining color in this potholder to be the same bright blue as the center so I planned that it would be the final sc round, and also the final joining round which goes down between the spires.

Round 2: Ch 3, dc in same st. 2 dc's in the each st around. Sl st to top of beg ch 3. (30 dc's)

Round 3: Ch 2, hdc in same st. *1 hdc in next st, 2 hdc in next st. Repeat from * around. Join with sl st top of ch 2. Fasten off. (45 hdc)

Next is the start of your ripple rounds. BEFORE GETTING STARTED: Return above to do two things: 1. read the part in bold that says "Note:" and 2. look at the diagram so you will understand the theory of constructing ripples for this potholder. Having a grasp of ripple construction will help you complete this potholder with ease.

Round 4: Join new color in any st of round 3 (in the example potholder, hot lime green color). Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 2. 2 dc in next st. Ch 1, *Skip next 3 st's, work 2 dc's in the next st, ch 2, 2 dc's in the next st, ch 1. Repeat from * around. Sl st to top of ch 3. Fasten off. (Nine ripple peaks.)

Round 5: Now you are going to see this ripple really start to take shape. This round will have 3 dc's going up to the peak of the ripple and 3 dc's going down to the valley.

With your next color (ecru in this example potholder), join new color in any ch 2 space and make 3 ch st, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same space. In next ch 2 sp work *3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc. Repeat from * around. Sl st to top of beg. ch 3. Fasten off.

Round 6: This round will have 4 dc's going up to the peak of the ripple and 4 dc's going down to the valley but this time not all of the dc's will be in the ch 2 space.

Join new color in any ch 2 sp (in the example potholder, dark green color), ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp. 2 dc in next dc, *skip next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, work 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc in next ch 2 sp. (V ripple made) 2 dc in next dc. Repeat from *. Skip next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc. Finish round with sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 7: This round will have 5 dc's going up to the peak of the ripple and 5 dc's going down to the valley.

Join new color in any ch 2 space. Ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc in the same sp. *Dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc, skip next 4 dc's. In next dc, work 2 dc, dc in next dc. Work V-ripple (refer to bold in Round 6) in next ch 2 sp. Repeat from *. Skip next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc, 1 dc in next dc. Finish round with sl st in top of ch 3. Fasten off.

Round 8: (border/outline color) This round will be all sc's because this round, when coupled with the final joining round of sc's, appear as one. Together, they are almost same height as the previous dc rounds.

Join final color, with sc in any ch 2 space, ch 2, sc in same sp. *Sc in each of next 10 st (five sc down and five sc up). In ch 2 sp work 1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc. Repeat from * around. Finish round with sl st to top of first sc. Fasten off and work in all ends.

Make an exact duplicate of this potholder for the reverse side.

Before the final joining round, embellish your potholder with a small graphic. In this potholder, I made a small orange with a stem and two leaves. There is also a little blossom at the base of the orange. I want to share a great trick her with you about embellishments. Recently I needed some particular colors for a one-of-a-kind potholder but couldn't find the right colors, sheen and light-weight density of cottons. I also I didn't want to buy whole skeins, even if I could find the right colors, etc. for such tiny parts of this potholder. That would have been too spendy sooooo I had this great idea: DMC cotton! Even when not on sale, these little "skeins" are only about 35¢ and come in hundreds of colors. I bought just what I needed and didn't spend much for that particular potholder and now I am using DNC for little touches, like these center embellishments. On this potholder, I used all 6 strands of bright orange DMC and a size 2 crochet hook to make this orange. The leaves are also DMC cotton embroidery floss. The blossom is made of Omega Sinfonia.

The embellishments are attached before the final joining round.

A little trick on adding embellishments: When I am done making a piece, I leave a long, long tail for sewing on. For instance, on this orange (which is simply rounds of sc's), I left a 2 foot tail. Then I pinned the embellishment in place. Using a smaller blunt-nosed needle, I made my stitches INSIDE of the final round of st's. This leaves a very pristine edge. If you stitch into that final sc round, it looks rough/jagged.

BUT, I have to confess something. As I was stitching this orange onto the potholder front, I didn't get it lined up the way I should have. I think the top of the potholder should be in a valley and I somehow shifted this and it is not lined up correctly. Make sure your potholder embellishment is properly lined up so that it is not skewed. In this case, "Do as I say...not as I do...."

Round 9 (joining round): With wrong sides together and right sides facing out, match up points of both sides of potholder. Starting at the center top of the potholder, (which should be a valley), join yarn (and leaving a 7 inch tail for later use to attach the hanging ring) sc through both front and back pieces. [Refer to a, right]

You are going to go toward the center of the potholder with a series of top crochet stitches in the valley between ripples. Work top crochet stitches like this: around the last dc round (round 7) to the back to catch the yarn and bring it from the back to the front to complete what looks like a ch stitch. Continue toward the center going down, around, under the next dc round to the back and picking up the yarn to bring to the front. [Refer to b.] This photo shows the hook pointed down, around and under a dc round.The next photo [Refer to c.] shows the yarn, having been caught from the back and being brought up to make the front st. The back st is a straight line but the front st looks like a ch.

Note: Be sure to keep checking the back to make sure you are catching the stitch in the same open space under the dc rounds on both sides of the potholder.

Continue toward the center with the front to back top crochet stitches. At the center, catch the top st of the center color on both the front and back sides. Draw up your stitch to make a nice, neat little st. [Refer to d.] You may want to use your fingernail (left hand) to hold the st in place as you complete the pulling up.

At this point, you will be going back up toward the outer edge. Your stitches will be adjacent to the first line of st going down and slightly to the left.

This photo [Refer to e.] shows the nearly finished second row of st's returning back to the outer edge. At this point, when you reach the top, go over the top to catch the yarn and draw up.

Continue with sc's in each st, again going through both front and back pieces, to the top of the ripple peak (i.e. ch 2 sp). When you get to the ch 2 sp, *sc, c1, sc. Sc in next 6 sc going down the side of the ripple, continue with the two lines of stitches as shown in photo examples a-e.

Continue around the potholder [Refer to f.] Sc in the next 6 st's to the left of the valley (going up the next ripple/peak) Repeat from * around. St st to the top of the first sc. Leave a 30 inch tail before breaking off.

Plastic hanging loop: Using a blunt tapestry needle and with the 7 inch yarn tail, secure the loop in place by going around the ring a few times and catching the body of the potholder with each loop.

Then, with the longer yarn tail, make tight button hole/blanket stitches around the loop. Cover your initial securing loops with blanket stitches to conceal them.

Please email me if some part of this pattern/explanation needs clarifying or correcting. Pattern improvements are welcome and may help others, too.

Copyright 2010, C. Lowman/Delights. All Rights Reserved.