Crocheting potholders: how do you get started?

Dear users and authors,
Pot holders are a popular beginner project. What should you keep in mind when making them?

First and foremost, make sure to choose the right yarn. In my opinion, that’s cotton, because it withstands heat well and can be washed at high temperatures.

And make sure you don’t use yarn that’s too thin. Otherwise, you’ll burn your fingers even with a pot holder.
I’d always choose pure cotton for hook sizes 3.5–4.5, or use a thinner cotton yarn doubled up.
And the pot holder should be big enough—it should cover at least your entire palm up to your fingertips, but it’s better if it’s a little bigger.

I also think it’s important for pot holders to be made with as tight a stitch as possible.
That way, there are no holes for heat to get through, and you won’t get caught on anything.
For this reason, single crochet when crocheting and knit-purl patterns when knitting are suitable for beginners.