Apricot Jam Jar Pot Holder Free Crochet Pattern
Apricot Jam Jar Pot Holder Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
This Apricot Jam Jar Pot Holder is a sweet little kitchen project for anyone who loves a touch of 1970s retro charm. It is a flat, square hot pad worked in simple single crochet, so it is a wonderful choice for beginners who have just mastered the basic stitches. The warm apricot body, peach border, and tiny cream-and-peach jar-lid appliqué make it look like a jar of homemade jam sitting on your counter. Worked in cotton, it is thick enough to protect your hands and sturdy enough to wash again and again.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) 100% cotton — approx. 90 yd apricot (A), 35 yd peach (B), 10 yd cream (C)
- Hook: 4.0 mm (G/6)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional)
- Finished size: 8 x 8 inches (20 x 20 cm) square, excluding the hanging loop
Abbreviations
- ch — chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook
- sc — single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops
- inc — increase: work 2 single crochet into the same stitch
- sl st — slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through both loops at once
- MR — magic ring: an adjustable loop used to start a circle
- st(s) — stitch(es)
Gauge
16 sc x 18 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in single crochet. Work a small swatch and measure it flat; if your square comes out larger, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up.
Tips Before You Start
- Cotton is essential here — acrylic can melt against a hot pan, so stick with 100% cotton.
- Keep your single crochet tension even and slightly firm so the pot holder stays dense and protective.
- When working the border, space your stitches evenly along the sides so the square does not ripple or pull in.
- Place the appliqués before you sew so you can center them by eye, then pin or hold them in place.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Body (A)
Row 1: Ch 33, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (32 sts).
Rows 2–36: Sc in each st across (32 sts).
Fasten off.
Border (B)
Rnd 1: Join B in any corner, sc evenly around the entire square, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc.
Rnd 2: Sc in each sc around, working 3 sc in each corner sc; join with sl st to first sc.
Fasten off.
Jar Lid Appliqué (C, then B)
Rnd 1: With C, MR, 6 sc (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [Sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: Sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 5: Change to B, [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 6: Sc in each st around (24 sts).
Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch tail.
Jar Body Appliqué (A)
Row 1: Ch 9, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (8 sts).
Rows 2–7: Sc in each st across (8 sts).
Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch tail.
Hanging Loop (B)
Loop: Join B at the top-right corner, ch 12, sl st to the same corner st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
Center the jar body appliqué on the pot holder and whipstitch it in place with the apricot tail. Center the lid over the top edge of the jar body so it overlaps by 2 rows, then whipstitch it down with the cream tail. Weave in all remaining ends on the wrong side. Block the pot holder lightly by misting it with water, shaping it into an even 8 x 8 inch square, and letting it dry flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the apricot for strawberry red or blueberry blue and keep the peach border for a different "jam" flavor.
- Add a small cream sc "label" rectangle to the jar body for extra vintage detail.
- Make a matching set in three colors and stack them in a drawer or hang them by their loops.
