Butter Flower Jar Opener Crochet Free Pattern
Butter Flower Jar Opener Crochet Free Pattern
Introduction
This little butter flower jar opener is the perfect first kitchen project: a flat, double-thick circle that's just right for gripping stubborn jar lids or lifting a warm pan. It's made from two identical white single-crochet discs joined together, with a cheerful butter yellow African flower motif blooming on the front and a plain white back. Worked in bulky wool, it comes together in an evening and feels soft but sturdy in the hand. Keep one for yourself and make a few more as quick, thoughtful gifts for anyone who loves to cook.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Bulky (weight 5) wool — approx. 40 yd (37 m) white (A), 15 yd (14 m) butter yellow (B) for the motif, and 3 yd (3 m) butter yellow (B) for the hanging loop.
- Hook: 5.0 mm (US H-8).
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors.
- Finished size: 5.5 in (14 cm) diameter, 0.4 in (1 cm) thick.
Abbreviations
- ch — chain
- sc — single crochet
- dc — double crochet
- sl st — slip stitch
- inc — increase (work 2 sc in the same stitch)
- sk — skip
- sp — space
- MR — magic ring
- st(s) — stitch(es)
- rnd — round
- WS — wrong side
- [ ] — repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
12 sc x 13 rnds = 4 in (10 cm) in single crochet, and the African flower motif measures 3.5 in (9 cm) across. Work a small swatch in sc and measure the center 4 in (10 cm) to check your tension before starting.
Tips Before You Start
- Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round — the spiral rounds are easy to lose track of, and an accurate 48-stitch disc keeps both layers the same size.
- Keep your single crochets firm and even; a loose disc will ripple and won't lie flat when the two layers are joined.
- The flower is worked directly onto the finished front disc, so center it carefully — count 8 stitches between each petal pair to keep it symmetrical.
- When joining the layers, make sure you go through both loops of both circles on every stitch so the edge stays neat and the potholder stays thick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Front Base (A)
Rnd 1: Make a magic ring, 6 sc into the ring (6 sts).
Rnd 2: inc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: [sc, inc] x6 (18 sts).
Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] x6 (24 sts).
Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc] x6 (30 sts).
Rnd 6: [4 sc, inc] x6 (36 sts).
Rnd 7: [5 sc, inc] x6 (42 sts).
Rnd 8: [6 sc, inc] x6 (48 sts).
Rnd 9: sc in each st around (48 sts).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Flower Motif (B)
Work over the center of the front base.
Rnd 1: Join B in any st, ch 2, [dc, ch 1] in same st, *sk 1 st, [2 dc, ch 1] in next st; rep from * 6 more times, join to first dc (8 petals, 16 dc).
Rnd 2: sl st into ch-1 sp, ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, ch 1, 3 dc in same sp, *[3 dc, ch 1, 3 dc] in next ch-1 sp; rep from * 6 more times, join (8 shells, 48 dc).
Rnd 3: sc in each dc and in each ch-1 sp around (56 sc).
Fasten off B.
Back (A)
Repeat Front Base Rnds 1–9 (48 sc). Do not fasten off.
Assembly and Hanging Loop
Hold the front and back with wrong sides together, front facing out. Join with A through both layers.
Joining rnd: sc evenly around the outer edge through both loops of both circles (48 sc).
Loop: At the end of the round, ch 10, sl st to the same st to form a loop, then sl st in each ch of the loop (10 sl st).
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Assembly and Finishing
The layers are joined as you work the final round: with wrong sides together and the flower facing out, single crochet through both loops of both circles all the way around, matching stitch for stitch. Work the hanging loop at the end of that round as described above. Weave in all ends on the wrong side, then block the potholder flat — mist it lightly, shape it into a neat circle, and let it dry completely before use.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the butter yellow for any contrast color you like — a deep teal or dusty rose makes the flower pop just as nicely.
- For a thicker, heat-resistant version, add a third plain white disc between the front and back before joining.
- Make a matching set in different flower colors and tie them together with a ribbon for a quick handmade gift.
