The thermal stitch is an incredibly dense, structured stitch pattern. This is the perfect stitch to use for potholders, mug rugs, ear warmers, sturdy tote bags, and floor rugs. Essentially, you’re crocheting two thicknesses of single crochet that are connected together throughout so you create a very thick, sturdy fabric. Let’s learn how to work this stitch!
There are a couple different ways to begin working this stitch pattern, so I will show you my preferred method.
Begin by chaining any amount of stitches (there is no multiple needed for this stitch).
Row 1: Locate the bottom of the chain. This is the side of the chain with the horizontal dashes (directly opposite from the Vs that we normally work under, sometimes called the “back” of the chain).
Beginning with the second chain from the hook (the first chain is a turning chain and does not count as a stitch, meaning we do not work into this chain), SC into each st across the bottom of the chain.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn, insert hook through the back loop of the working row and then through the loop from the foundation chain directly below.
YO and pull up loop, YO and pull through both loops on hook to complete the first thermal SC of row. Repeat across row, continuing to work under the back loop of working row, and the chain from the foundation chain directly below.
Row 3: Ch 1, turn, insert hook through the back loop of the working row and then through the unused loop from the row below.
YO and pull up loop, YO and pull through both loops on hook to complete the first thermal SC of row. Repeat across row, continuing to work under the back loop of working row, and the unused loop from the row directly below.
Repeat Row 3 for pattern until you have only one row left to work.
For very last row: Ch 1, turn, insert hook through both loops of the working row and then through the unused loop from the row below.
YO and pull up loop, YO and pull through both loops on hook to complete the first thermal SC of last row. Repeat across row, continuing to work under both loops of working row, and the unused loop from the row directly below.
And there you have it! A very thick, sturdy, and beautiful stitch! Swatch one up today so you can start incorporating this stitch into your projects!
For the mug rugs shown, I used worsted weight dishcloth cotton and an H (5mm) hook. For each sample, I chained 18 stitches to begin and worked until the piece was square. The mug rugs measured about 4.5” and 5” square [about 11.5cm and 12.5cm square]. The difference in size was due to the different brands/thickness of yarn.
Excellent instruction. Wished there were a picture showing the end of the chain and how it should look after chain turn. (Sorry for any confusion on term usage, I’m a crochet newbie)
I am interested in making oven mitts. The ones that look like a mitton. Any sugestions?
This works so much better than other directions I have used. I use cotton yarn(4 ply) and a G hook. Makes nice hot pads, mug rugs, potholders etc.
This is a great stitch! Once you make an item with it, you’ll find other projects you’ll want to make using this stitch.
Do you have a video of this. I want to make hot pads.
Love this stitch! It was not hard to put together either!
This reminds me of the afghan stitch, it's a favorite of mine because of the different look on the back. Front & back are beautiful to me and I've made placemats & coasters in this stitch. I will be trying this, love learning new things.
Long narrow strip would make bag handles that don't stretch out.
Going to give this one a try.
Excellent and clear instructions. Thanks.