ZigZagging Hot Pad - Free Crochet Pattern

This pattern uses a technique called Interlock Crochet. Please read The Beginner's Guide to Interlock Crochet if you have questions about the stitches used.

Supplies

Color A: I Love This Cotton in White

Color B: I Love This Cotton in Red

Size "G" 4.25 mm Crochet Hook (or size needed to match Gauge)

Stitches

Chain (ch)

Skip Stitch (sk st)

Double-Crochet (dc)

Double-Crochet in Front (dcif)

Double-Crochet in Back (dcib)

With Yarn B in Front (WBIF) - demonstrated in Photo

With Yarn B in Back (WBIB) - demonstrated in Photo

Gauge Swatch

Ch 20

Row 1: dc in 6th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk st, dc*, repeat from * across, ch 4, turn.

Row 2-5: dc in next dc, *ch 1, dc in next dc*, repeat from * across ending with a dc in the turning ch. ch 4, turn

After completing five row, your piece should measure: 4" wide x 3" high. 

Note: Gauge is not important for this project, but it is recommended that you follow the gauge to create the same look in the fabric. Too big of a hook and you'll end up with holes in the fabric. Too small and the stitches may bunch up together.

TIP:

Pull out a longer loop on the last chain of each row so that you do not lose the chains while working the other color.

Tanis Galik has a YouTube video available showing how to make this stitch in action for those of you who learn by watching.

Pattern

Foundation Row A: 

ch 40, dc in 6th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk st, dc* repeat from * across, ch 4. Set aside.

Foundation Row B: 

ch 38, dc in 6th ch from hook, *ch 1, sk st, dc* repeat from * across, ch 4. 

Place Foundation Row A (the longer one) on top of Foundation Row B. The dc posts from Color B should be visible through the "windows" on Color A. If you are right-handed, the working yarn will be at the right; if you are left-handed, the working yarn will be at the left.

{ Begin WBIB }

Row1A: dcib in next dc, ch 1, dcif in next dc, *ch 1, dcib in next dc, ch 1, dcif in next dc* repeat from * to end. The last dcif will be worked into the turning ch. Ch 4 and remove hook. 

Row1B: dcif in next dc, *ch 1, dcib in next dc, ch 1, dcif in next dc* repeat from * to end. The last dcif will be worked into the turning ch. Pull two loops to the front and complete the dc. Ch 4 and remove hook.  Turn piece.

{ Begin WBIF }

Row2A: dcib in next dc, ch 1, dcif in next dc, *ch 1, dcib in next dc, ch 1, dcif* repeat from * to end. Ch 4 and remove hook.

Row2B: dcib in next dc, *ch 1, dcif in next dc, ch 1, dcib in next dc* repeat from * to end. Ch 4 and remove hook. Turn Piece.

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures approx. 7.5" wide by 7.5" tall, then go to "Border" Section. If you matched gauge, this should be the measurement. Otherwise, continue until it measures the same height/width. 

After just a few sets of rows, you can really see the zigzags forming and the pattern becomes very easy to memorize. Just pay careful attention that Color B is in the correct place at the beginning of each row.

The Border

Round 1A: Sc around edge completing 2 sc in each space plus two extra sc's at the corners. We are crocheting in the spaces here and NOT into the dc's. 

Note: You will crochet over both posts on the foundation row and the last pattern row you worked. This will secure the two fabrics together.

Round 2B: Sc in each stitch around completing 2 sc in each corner st. Join with a sl st and finish off.

That's it! Now you have a beautiful looking fabric and a handy dishcloth, hot pad or oven mitt.

If you use this pattern, please share your projects with me on my Facebook page or load projects to Ravelry.