Made the first one (bottom photo) exactly as pattern. I thought it was too thin to be a potholder or trivet and too thick to be a dishcloth.

Tried the next two with 2 strands of yarn and larger hook. Definitely better texture for potholder. love the patterning of the variegated + solid together.

Moved on to 3 strands together and that’s the perfect thickness for a potholder to prevent burnt fingers/hands.