Teacup Trivets / Hotpads

H hook, worsted weight COTTON yarn in 2 complimentary or contrasting colors

Note, sometimes you'll work into the chain up at row's end, sometimes not.

Using 2 strands together of Main color 1, chain 16

Row 1:  1hdc in 2nd ch from hook, 2hdc in next ch, 1hdc in each ch across until 2 chains remain; 2hdc in next ch, 1 hdc in last.  [17 hdc total] ch 2, turn

Row 2:  1hdc in first/same stitch as ch 2. 2hdc in next stitch, 1hdc in each of next 12 st, 2hdc in next stitch, 1hdc in next st. [18 hdc total] ch 2, turn

Row 3: 1hdc in 1st/same stitch as ch 2, 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in each of next 14 st, 2hdc in next, 1hdc in next. [20 hdc], ch 2, turn

Row 4:  1hdc in 1st/same st as ch 2, 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in each of next 16 st, 2hdc in next, 1hdc in next [22 hdc], ch 2, turn

Row 5:  1hdc in 1st/same st as ch 2, 2hdc in next st, 1hdc in each of next 18, 2hdc in next, 1hdc in next [24 hdc], ch 2  (piece will not get wider than 24 stitches)

Row 6 - 7:  1 hsc in 1st/same stitch as ch 2, 1hsc in each stitch across to end, [24 hdc] ch 2, turn

Row 8: 1 hdc in first/same stitch as ch 2, 1hdc in each stitch across to end, [24 hdc] chain9 to work handle....

HANDLE:  slip stitch to side of row 4, ch 1, turn. Working into chain, 1 hdc in same st as ch 1.  2hdc in next, 1hdc in next ch.  2 hdc in next ch, 1 hdc in next.   2hdc in next ch, 1 hdc in next.  2hdc in next, 1 in next, 2 in what should be last.  (Any variation of this is fine, so long as your handle curves.)  Top of row 8 is returned to.

Row 9: 1 SINGLE CROCHET into each stitch across [24 sc total], but do NOT ch, do not fasten off.

Color change to Color 2 by pulling up a loop [represents the ch 1 of this row] through the last loop of Color 1;  pull color 1 TIGHTLY and cut tail 2.5 inches long.  Leaving a 2.5 inch tail of Color 2 as well; weave and trim both tails later.

Row 10: 1 SINGLE CROCHET in 1st/same stitch as ch 1, 1sc across to end [24 sc] ch 2, turn

Rows 11 to 12:  Work even, maintaining 24 stitch count, by working 1 hdc in each stitch across, ch 2, turn

Row 13: Work even, maintaining 24 stitch count, by working 1 hdc in each stitch across, ch 1

Row 14:  1 SINGLE CROCHET in each stitch across, maintaining 24 stitch count, fasten off, weave in and trim all tails.