Thanks Gretchen who sent me the name of the original designer of this pattern.  The name she has is "Marion Roggow, of Athens, Michigan"
This adaptation Copyright 1997, 2010 Beverly A. Qualheim

I absolutely love this pattern... makes up quickly and it really works. Copyright- you may make potholders from Bev's version of this pattern, and sell them. Please tell people where you found the pattern.

Materials:
Size G hook, 1 regular skein 4 ply worsted weight cotton yarn like 'Peaches and Cream' brand.  (I used to use regular yarn but it melts and doesn't work too well!)
Ch 30 (you can actually do as many chains as you want - to make smaller or larger potholders)

Rnd 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc across each chain. Now sc along the backside of the chain
Rnd 2-20: sc around in both loops of each stitch. **Be sure you don't turn at all!** Just crochet around and around and around.

This potholder looks really odd and turns in on itself, but eventually it will form a square that you can whipstitch together at the open seam!  I also then add a loop at the top of one corner by starting the yarn again at any corner, and making a chain of 20, then slip stitch join it where you started the chain.  I tie the 2 yarn ends together in a square knot, then use a sewing needle to weave the ends inside the potholder. Now you hang it up!

Make them in different colors for the holidays too.  Terrific gift because these turn into the best potholders out there!