Best Crochet Potholder

http://www.flaxandtwine.com/2011/01/worlds-best-potholder.html

I’ve been thinking a lot about things I used to make when I was young. I wanted to update some of those gifts to make them more modern and current. In particular, I kept thinking about the potholders my Grandmother taught me to make. Actually, they are the first thing I ever learned to make, so it seems apropos to have it be my first posted pattern. Let me tell you, these potholders rock! They are sturdy, washable and incredible at blocking out the heat from even the hottest of pots and pans.
Size Finished potholder is 7” wide x 6.5” long

Yarn Worsted Weight Yarn: 100% Cotton; Shown here: Lion Brand Yarn Lion Cotton (100% cotton; 236 yards [215 m]/142 g): #152 espresso

Hook Size F/5 (3.75mm)

Gauge 19 sc and 21 rows to 4" (10cm)

Notions Twine or embroidery thread, tapestry needle

Instructions
The crocheted fabric is doubled for the part that holds the pot and then there is another layer to protect the top of your hand (which I burn all the time if I don't use these!) Am I the only one? I added a bit of embroidery with bakers twine!

Main piece: To begin, using size F/5 (3.75mm) hook, Ch 32.
Turn and sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch to end – 30 sc. Ch 1, turn.
Sc in each ch to end of row. Ch 1, turn.**
Repeat the last row until piece measures 13” (33cm) from starting ch.
Fasten off.
Hand cover: Work as for front until piece measures 6.5” (16.5cm) from starting ch.
Fasten off.

Finishing
Weave in any loose ends on individual pieces.
Embroider: Add a finishing touch by embroidering a monogram, flower or other motif on the lower right hand corner of the RS of the Hand Cover.
Align Pieces: Fold Main Piece in half with WS tog, turn so fold is at the bottom. Lay Hand cover on top with embroidery facing up at right hand corner. Hand opening should be at the fold of the Main Piece
Join Pieces: Using size F/5 (3.75mm) hook, insert hook through all three layers beginning at the lower right corner, yo and draw yarn through, ch 1, 1 sc in same place ch1 was worked. Continue to work sc around three edges of the pot holder, while working three sc stitches at each corner. Fasten off.
Weave in any loose ends.