Here I will show you how to crochet a cozy for your pots and pans' handles. After burning myself really bad on a hot pan, I decided I needed to make this. :) It is a simple pattern and is great for gifts. Enjoy!

To make this project, you will need to know how to crochet the following stitches:

Chain stitch
Slip stitch
Single crochet
Double crochet

Step 1: Materials

What you'll need:

Cotton yarn (I used red, pink, and peach colors)
4-5 mm crochet hook
Scissors

Step 2: Foundation Round

Here I'll give patterns for a larger pan or a smaller pan, whichever size you're making it for. The pictures will go to the smaller size, and then later I'll give you the pattern for the larger. (It's not that much different).

To begin, chain thirteen.

Slip stitch to the beginning to form a loop.

Step 3: First Round

Chain 1, and single crochet in each stitch of the loop. Don't slip stitch to the beginning, because you'll be working in continuous rounds. (You don't need to use a stitch marker either, but you can if it helps).

Step 4: Continue Crocheting

Keep single crocheting in the back loops of every stitch around until you have 20 rows of single crochet, or until your project is as long your pot handle.

Step 5: Decreasing

Once your project is long enough, it's time to decrease to finish off.

Single crochet in next stitch (still in back loops), decrease single crochet in next two stitches. Repeat two more times. Then, slip stitch the remaining gap closed.

Don't fasten off yet.

Step 6: Chain Loop

(Optional).

Chain eleven, and slip stitch the base of the chains, forming a loop. Fasten off.

Step 7: Larger Size

For a longer pot handle, simply crochet the cozy slightly longer, and wider. You can make several different sizes using the same basic pattern.

Chain 15, and slip stitch to the beginning to form a loop. Sc around in back loops only for about 25 rows, or until it is long enough to fit perfectly on the pot handle.

For the rest of the pattern, finish the same as for the smaller size.

Step 8: Embellishments

To spice up your pot handle cover, you can add beads, crocheted flowers, or trim. Here is the pattern I used for my flowers:

In a magic ring, *single crochet, double crochet, chain 1, slip stitch*. Repeat inside the * * five times. Fasten off the yarn and sew onto the handle cozy.

For the trim, I simply slip stitched loosely around the edge with a contrasting color.