Long before video games and internet, kids engaged is some pretty creative activities. And this will really blow your mind – even boys learned to craft. Oh, they’ll deny it if asked about it today. Only if they are steadfastly confident in their rugged masculinity will they openly admit that they have (at least once in their lives) made diy potholders.
These old school potholder looms are making a comeback! And when my new kit arrived just the other day, I noticed it caught my husband’s attention. He still hasn’t come clean but I’m almost certain he’s made a few potholders in his youth.
Here’s why these kits are so cool:
- The kit is all-inclusive – everything you need from loom to loops to crochet hook.
- These diy potholders are easy to make. The learning curve is fast. Like a whole huge batch during one Lifetime movie fast.
- They’re so honking cute. But practical cute, not useless creepy gnomes cute.
Ready to give them a try?
(This post may contain affiliate links; as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See disclosure here.)
supplies needed:
- potholder loom kit
- cotton loops
Before ordering my kit, I had already started designing intricate patterns in my head. But I confess, once I started weaving, my inner child took over. I had so much fun freely grabbing random colors and creating designs as I went along. But don’t worry, the kit does include instructions and sample patterns to get you started.
the process
Before following the steps illustrated below, watch this video to gain a clear understanding of the process.
- warping – Stretch loops vertically to fit over each peg.
- weaving – Start from the bottom & push the metal weaving hook over & under loops, going from one side to the other. Attach a cotton loop to the hook & pull it back through. Secure the ends on the pegs. Weave the next row, going over & under opposite loops.
- Repeat this process until no pegs are left.
- finishing edges – Start in one corner; use the crochet hook to remove each loop, one at a time, to “finish” the edges.
- Once the first side is finished, keep potholder in place by attaching one loop to the loom (as shown in photo above). Begin crocheting the second side.
- Once the second side is finished, keep potholder in place by attaching one loop to the loom. Begin crocheting the third side.
- Once the third side is finished, keep potholder in place by attaching one loop to the loom. Begin crocheting the fourth side.
- Once the last side is finished, use the last loop for hanging the potholder.
- Remove potholder from loom and gently stretch & smooth out the sides.
The biggest compliment is a little share – pin the photo below!
Want more ideas for getting creative with woven potholders? Check out this post!
I know what you mean. I’m 60 and a man who grew up crafting and making things that we could not afford to buy. That kinda makes me valuable in an apocalypse situation. OBTW i also wear a kilt.
The post is very good and I really enjoyed it on reading.
This is no new concept. Been making potholders with my loom since I was a child. Still have my metal loom as a matter of fact. Love to make designs.
True, it’s not new but still tons of fun!
“But practical cute, not useless creepy gnomes cute”. Thank you for the laugh !!!
I am a 62 year old man, and remember doing these when I was in grade school. There was an after school crafting class. I also remember making little bunnies out of egg cartons. Yes, I admit it. I made these. And I grew up to work as an artist in animation. I still do lots of crafts.
Very cool! Thanks for sharing!
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Amazing article. thanks for sharing a great idea.
Love to see this post! I still have my metal potholder loom from childhood, circa early 60’s. We wove the potholders by hand, no crochet hook. Memories…
Glad you enjoyed the post Joyce!
These are adorable! Thank you for sharing, Wendy; it reminds me some great memories with my brother.
This brings so much memories . Weren’t the cord made from knit instead of cotton?
They are described as cotton loops but must be a blend, because they definitely are stretchy!
These are so cute! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Glad you like it!
Making potholders with my sister was so much fun.
Thank you for sharing it brings back some wonderful memories.
So happy you enjoyed the post!