This beginner-friendly crochet project is designed to protect your hands from hot dishes. Perfect for holding bowls of hot soup, stew, or chili, this cozy forms a protective layer around your dinnerware.
Because it is crafted from flexible cotton yarn, the finished cozy stretches naturally to accommodate bowls ranging from 5 to 7 inches in diameter.
Safety Warning: Always use 100% cotton yarn for items intended for kitchen use. However, please exercise extreme caution and check the manufacturer’s label before placing any crocheted item into a microwave, as not all yarns or dyes are microwave-safe.
Project Specifications
Materials Needed
- Yarn: 100% Cotton Worsted Weight Yarn (Example: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton)
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm (US G/6)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, and a stitch marker
Sizing and Gauge
- Gauge: 4 single crochet stitches × 5 rows = 1 square inch
- Finished Measurements: Approximately 7 × 7 inches along the outer edges, with an inner circle diameter of 5.5 inches.
Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- sl st: slip stitch
- st(s): stitch(es)
- ch sp: chain space
- [ ]: work instructions within brackets into the same stitch
Step-by-Step Instructions
This pattern is worked in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join at the end of each round with a slip stitch unless explicitly instructed. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to keep track of your progress.
Part 1: Increasing the Base
- Round 1: Form a magic ring, work 6 sc into the ring. (6 sts)
- Round 2: Work 2 sc into every stitch around. (12 sts)
- Round 3: *1 sc in the next st, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (18 sts)
- Round 4: *1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (24 sts)
- Round 5: *1 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (30 sts)
- Round 6: *1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (36 sts)
- Round 7: *1 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (42 sts)
- Round 8: *1 sc in each of the next 6 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (48 sts)
- Round 9: *1 sc in each of the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (54 sts)
- Round 10: *1 sc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (60 sts)
- Round 11: *1 sc in each of the next 9 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (66 sts)
Part 2: Building the Sides
- Rounds 12 – 16: Work 1 sc into each stitch around. (66 sts per round)
- Round 17: *1 sc in each of the next 10 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (72 sts)
- Round 18: Work 1 sc into each stitch around. (72 sts)
- Round 19: *1 sc in each of the next 11 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (78 sts)
- Round 20: *1 sc in each of the next 38 sts, 2 sc in the following st; repeat from * around. (80 sts)
Part 3: Shaping the Square Edges
- Round 21: *1 sc in each of the next 19 sts, then work [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] into the next stitch to create a corner; repeat from * around.
- Rounds 22 – 24: *Work 1 sc into each stitch until you reach the corner chain space, then work [1 sc, ch 2, 1 sc] directly into the ch-2 space; repeat from * around.
Finishing Your Project
To create a clean edge, stop your final round right at one of the corners. Secure the round by making a slip stitch into the corner space.
Fasten off the yarn, cut the thread, and use a tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends securely. Insert your favorite bowl and enjoy!
