Hot Tamale Potholder Pattern #9251

MATERIALS: CLARK'S O.N.T. or J. & P. COATS PEARL COTTON, size 5, 1 ball each of a light and dark color.

Milward's Steel Crochet Hook No. 2.

With double strand of light color, ch 13. 1st rnd: D c in 4th ch from hook, d c in 8 ch, 5 d c in last ch; then working along opposite side of foundation chain, make d c in 8 ch, 3 d c in last ch. Join with sl st to top st of 1st ch-3 made. Drop light color. 2nd rnd: Attach dark color and ch 3 (to count as 1 d c), d c in base of ch-3 (an increase), a raised st in next st—to make a raised st, thread over, insert hook between next 2 d c, bring it out between next and following d c, draw loop through, (thread over and draw through 2 loops) twice; 2 d c in next st, d c in next st, raised st in next st, d c in 2 sts, raised st in next st, d c in next st, (2 d c in next st, raised st in next st) 3 times; 2 d c in next st, d c in next st, raised st in next st, d c in 2 sts, raised st in next st, d c in next st, (2 4 c in next st, d c around next bar) twice. Join. Drop dark, pick up light. 3rd rnd: Ch 3, d c in base of ch-3, 2 d c in next st, raised st over raised st, 2 d c in next st, (d c in 2 sts, raised st over raised st) twice; d c in 2 sts, 2 d c in next st, (raised st over raised st, 2 d c in next 2 sts) twice; raised st over raised st, 2 d c in next st, (d c in 2 sts, raised st over raised st) twice; d c in 2 sts, 2 d c in next st, raised st over raised st, 2 d c in next 2 sts, raised st over raised st. Join. Drop light, pick up dark. 4th rnd: Ch 3, d c in base of ch-3, (2 d c in next st, raised st in next) 3 times; (d c in 2 sts, raised st in next) 3 times; (2 d c in next st, raised st) twice; (2 d c in next 2 sts, raised st) twice; (2 d c in next st, raised st) twice; (d c in 2 sts, raised st) 3 times; (2 d c in next st, raised st) twice; 2 d c in next 2 sts, raised st. Join. Drop dark color, pick up light color and continue thus, alternating colors and increasing as necessary to keep work flat, working raised sts over raised sts as established and introducing new raised sts to keep continuity of pattern until piece measures about 7½ x 5¾ inches. Fasten off.

LOOP … Ch 15, join with sl st to form a ring. Work s c closely into ring, join and fasten to end of pot holder.