Blue and Red were two of the original colors offered to consumers in 1927, they were also the most popular colors for decorating with, especially in kitchens. In recent years, with renewed patriotism following events such as September 11, 2001, it is fortunate that so many vintage items and patterns like these are still around for crocheters and collectors alike to enjoy.

In America’s Golden Age, the 1940’s, when patriotism was at its height, the flag elicited a sense unity and an understanding of the strength of the nation and the freedom it had worked so hard for. No wonder the red, white & blue themes represent the best of what people remember about that era – from the freedom of summers off from school to lakeside picnics while you watch miniature sailboat races; the peace of a rocking porch swing and the comfort of a fireplace, quilt and afternoon teas. You could almost taste your Grandmother’s cooking again as you use these Vintage Americana Potholders to take cookies out of the oven, or set down a big old-fashioned casserole dish on your kitchen table.

So gather your Crochet Cotton Thread and Steel 7 hook and get started, nostalgia is calling your name, waiting with a smile to take you back to simpler times.

How They Are Made:
All the crocheted potholders in this set are made using size 10 crochet cotton thread and a steel # 7 crochet hook. They are all double thickness so they can be used with heat. This crochet pattern set includes instructions for the following designs:
Mitered Corner - About 7 ½“ wide and 7 ½” long.
Red & White Dress - About 9” wide and 7 ½” long.
Shell Round - About 6½“ round.
Red Boxer Shorts - About 7 ½” wide and 4 ½” long.
Blue Flower Outline - About 7 ½” round.
Red & White Teapot - About 7 ½” wide and 5” long.

Oh, Yeah…
If you want to use the finished vintage potholder in the kitchen, I suggest lining them with either a store bought potholder or layers of cotton quilt batting. Another idea is to place hot cookware on the backside of your potholder to protect the front from scorch marks. I have seen a few old potholders with a cotton backing added to them showing signs of scorching. The front of the potholder is like new but the back shows all the wear and tear from use.
Edited By:Maggie Weldon

Skill Level: Intermediate

Sizes:
Mitered Corner - About 7½“ wide and 7½” long.
Red & White Dress - About 9” wide and 7½“ long.
Shell Round - About 6½” round
Red Boxer Shorts - About 7½“ wide and 4½” long.
Blue Flower Outline - About 7½“ round.
Red & White Teapot - About 7½” wide and 5” long.

Materials:Thread Needle; Crochet Thread Size 10:
Mitered Corner
White - 150 yds
Blue - 25 yds
Red & White Dress
White - 150 yds
Red - 120 yds
Shell Round
White - 100 yds
Blue - 30 yds
Red Boxers
Red - 75 yds
White - 25 yds
⅜“ Buttons - 3
Blue Flower Outline
White - 120 yds
Blue - 50 yds
Red & White Teapot
Red - 35 yds
White - 75 yds
Fabric for backing (optional)

Crochet Hook:Steel No. 7 (1.65 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge.