Worsted Weight cotton yarn
G hook
Yarn needle
Rnd 1 - Ch 12, 4 dc in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, 5 dc in last st. Now working on opposite side of starting ch, 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, join with slst to 3rd ch of begining ch 3. (24 sts)
Rnd 2 - Ch 3, dc in same space as joining, 2 dc in each of next 4 sts, 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, 2 dc in each of next 5 sts, 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, join with slst to 3rd ch of begining ch 3. (34 sts)
Rnd 3 - Ch 3, dc in same space as joining, 1 dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st*, repeat between the * 3 more times, 1 dc in each of next 7 dc, repeat between the * 5 times, 1 dc in each of next 7 sts, join with slst to 3rd ch of begining ch 3, and end off. (44 sts) You now have a 5" x 3" oval.
Thumb and Finger pockets
Make 2
Row 1 - Ch 4, 4 dc in 4th ch from hook. (5 sts)
Row 2 - Ch 3, turn, dc in same st as ch 3, 2 dc in each st across. (10 sts)
Row 3 - Ch 3 turn, dc in same st as ch 3, 1 dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, 1 dc in next st*, repeat between the * 3 more times, (15 sts), DO NOT end off.
Now working in the ends of the rows, ch 3, 1 dc the end of the row just worked, 2 dc in the end of next 2 rows, 2 dc in small loop created in row 1, 2 dc in end of next 3 rows. (14 sts) End off leaving long tail for sewing.
Finishing
Center "pocket" over end of oval and wip st the two pieces tog. Repeat for 2nd "pocket".
Just a suggestion - make another potholder so you have a pair and connect the 2 with a long chain ( like we used to do with childrens mittens :-) and hang from a hook near the microwave.