Nazar Potholder or Trivet

Nazar Potholder or Trivet Crochet Pattern

What is Being Made

This is a crochet potholder or trivet designed by RaffamusaDesigns. The finished piece measures approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, making it a functional kitchen accessory suitable for protecting surfaces from hot cookware or serving as decorative home décor. The project features a traditional Nazar (evil eye) motif, a culturally significant design element.

Craft and Techniques

This is a crochet project classified as beginner-level difficulty, making it accessible to those new to the craft. The pattern employs fundamental crochet techniques including working in rounds to create a circular shape. The construction uses the Magic Circle method to begin the project, which allows crafters to start from a closed center without a visible hole. The pattern incorporates increase stitches strategically placed throughout the rounds to shape the flat, circular form of the potholder.

A notable technique featured in this pattern involves working into the spaces between stitches rather than into the traditional top chain of stitches. This creates visual texture and is demonstrated with detailed guidance in the pattern instructions, allowing crafters to achieve the characteristic appearance of the design.

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes the following crochet stitches:

• Chain (Ch) – the foundation stitch for creating loops
• Single Crochet (Sc) – the basic short stitch used throughout the project
• Knit Stitch (Knit St) – incorporated into the pattern for texture and structure
• Slip Stitch (Sl St) – used to join rounds and create seamless transitions
• Increase (Inc) – worked as two stitches in the same stitch to expand the circular shape
• Magic Circle (MC) – the starting technique for beginning the project

Materials and Tools

The pattern calls for super bulky yarn (classified as weight 5-6 wpi), which creates quick, satisfying progress ideal for beginners. The designer used Hoooked Zpagetti yarn in three colors: Mint Green, White, and Magic Blue, along with black yarn that is self-made from an old T-shirt, demonstrating sustainable crafting practices.

A 9.0-mm crochet hook (size 13/M-N USA, 00 UK) is required to work with the super bulky yarn weight. Additionally, the pattern incorporates one wooden ring with a 2.5-inch (5.5 cm) diameter, which serves as a structural or decorative element within the design.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of four rounds in knit stitch measuring 4 inches (10 cm), which helps crafters ensure their finished potholder reaches the intended 8-inch diameter. Checking gauge before beginning is recommended for accurate sizing.