Double Thick Pot Holders

Have you ever wondered how to stitch double the thickness without having to make two of something and sew them together? I'll show you how to do that here. This technique can be handy in many situations, but I think it's especially helpful with hot pads. I'll include some pictures along the way.

This pattern uses ch, sc, sl st and requires loop recognition.
Use sugar 'n Cream cotton yarn and size H hook.

Thick Rectangle Hot Pads-Make Two
With slip knot on hook, ch 26.
Row 1: Working in back loops only, sc in second ch from hook and each ch across, ch 1, turn. (25 sc)
Rows 2-54(or stop when desired length is reached): sc together back loop of stitch and front loop of previous round together, across, ch 1, turn. (25 sc)
-This may be tricky to understand, when using only back loops of first row you left front loops behind so use the back loop of your current row and reach down to grab the front loop you left from the previous row. Then you make your sc in those loops. (See pictures below.) This makes it double thick. It may look a little funny until you get a few rows in.
Row 55(finishing round): sc through both loops of st and front loop of row before, across. (This leaves a nice finished end.
Finish off and weave in ends.

My silver needle in this picture is going first through the back loop of my current row and then through the front loop left behind from my chain. You make your single crochet in these stitches.

This is a few rows in. I went first through the back loop of my current row then dropped down and went through the front loop of my previous row. You make your single crochet in these stitches.

Note: If you want to make finger pockets, just make the pot holder longer then fold over ends and sew the sides.
L-