Here’s a plush, wearable reason to revive a vintage stitch pattern that has also been called thermal stitch, potholder stitch, and Helena stitch. This design uses basic single crochet stitches worked the unique double-layer way.

It’s double-thick: two rows are crocheted together as you go. This pattern teaches a method for crocheting double-faced, two-layered fabric that’s a bit different from what is being called the “Waffle Stitch” technique. This version is fine-grained, denser, thicker, squishier, and I find it addictive. Once I start, I pick up speed and suddenly I’ve used up a whole ball of yarn.

Skill Level: Easy. This pattern is for crocheters who can identify the top two loops of the chain and single crochet stitches, and who are comfortable with working the single crochet stitch in rows. Choose a smooth, light-colored yarn for your first double-layered project, such as the rainbow yarn shown here. Pattern is written with a limited amount of abbreviations.

After using this pattern you will know (if you didn’t already):

• How to turn basic single crochet stitches into a double-layer fabric
• How to use this thick, dense stitch pattern for a thermal neckwarmer (and other useful items besides potholders)
• How to add a simple edging to double-layer crochet (if you opt for the fluffy red version).

Finished Dimensions
Width and length of neckwarmer are easy to customize and the pattern includes customizing instructions. (Yarn requirements may change.)

Special Technique: Double-Faced Technique