I know that lots of people are making last-minute, small quilted gifts. I've heard from a few people lately who would love to know your best tips for making potholders. I know that poly batting is a no-no -- it will melt under heat and leave you holding the pan in burned fingers. But what type of batting (or other material) do you use? How thick should it be? What's your favorite binding method? We'd all like to hear your advice, and some of our community members might like to ask questions. Just use the Comments link to leave a message. Thanks!
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I use my old wornout towels, wash cloths, or hand towels for the filler. I use a double layer. It works out perfectly. Visit my blog to see a picture. http://quiltingforless.blogspot.com/
I didn’t see any potholders on your blog. Can you point to a specific example?
If you scroll down a little bit you will see the potholders (hot pads) They are on a black background. Here is the link to the picture itself. HTH
http://bp3.blogger.com/_obJXPNH6mXE/R2bX21xMRiI/AAAAAAAAACA/y9E73VbhhqY/s1600-h/hotpad.jpg
For the inside of pot holders, I use old sweatshirt material, double or triple layered depending on the thickness of it. Cordory is also another good filler or for use on the outside of the pot holder. Gives it a nice gripper feel. Happy Sewing!
I did blocks I wanted to try. Even did a flower garden plaque I saw once! Bound them just like a quilt.
I use “Insul-Bright” for my potholders.
It consists of hollow, polyester fibres needlepunched through Mylar. The heat or cold is reflected bach to its source.
I bind them just like I do a quilt and leave enough to make a hanging loop.
I use several different things for the batting in my potholders. I especially like sweatsshirt or left over fleece. I use my ironing board so much that I change the cover almost everymonth. That leaves a good portion of the cover which is great with the good padding that comes with it for several potholders. I sell my pot holders at craft fairs and a complaint have never come back over the years. As far as cloth potholders are concerned, I make only one kind. First I choose a pleasing all cotton fabric for the holder. Next step is to cut 2 nine inch squares from that fabric and at least a quarter of an inch think of batting a quarter of an ench smaller all around. I then sew a 3/4 inch seams on 3 sides of the potholder with the right sides of the fabric tuoching on one side. After stitching (small stitches) I trim away all the excess fabric on the three sides then turn. If you have placed the fabric properly when the holder is turned the batting will be sandwiched between the two pieces of fabric. After trimming one side of the unstitched side down to the batting, I turn the side that is left like a hem, pin in place then stitch that distance all the way around the edge of the holder. I use several designs for quilting the inside. Always try to use a pattern where I don’t have to life the need more than one time. They sell like hotcakes.
You all have given us some wonderful input. Thank you!
My URL to view my potholders. Only selling three items currently. Keep watching.
I too use left over padding when I change out my ironboard and also use the good parts of the reflective covers.I do use sample blockes as part of my fronts but lately I have been recycling the pocket area of jeans cuttong the background bigger so I can make a mitt out of it……….also I any leftover binding after I finish a quilt goes on ENJOY
You can use thick polyester batting in pot holders –IF — you sandwich it between two layers of the metallic coated yardage used to make ironing board covers. I’ve made lots of potholders this way and like them.
I need a intermediate level quilt block for potholder pattern for give away at my quilt guild. I just started quilting about 9 months ago. Please send me any advice. Thanks
I am wanting to sew microwavable potholders – the kind you put a casserole bowl in to microwave. Is there a heat/fire resistant batting that anyoone is aware of that I can use?
I am wanting to sew microwavable potholders – the kind you put a casserole bowl in to microwave. Is there a heat/fire resistant batting that anyoone is aware of that I can use?
I’m very new to quilting, and want to try my hand with potholders. I love the quilt blocks I see here and in books and thought that potholders would be a good way to learn to quilt.
BUT, I’m sort of confused about how to add the binding so that it doesn’t obscure part of the points of, say, half-square triangles at the edges of the block. Can someone explain this to me? My head’s about to explode from trying to think this through!
Thanks, Jennifer in GA
Some recyclable ways to insulate your potholder projects–use layers of ALL-COTTON retired chamois cloth shirts, sweatshirts, towels, or mattress pads.
i quilted potholders since i was 8 and i am now 10. i love quilting and i will never stop my grandma and my mo help me when i get stuck but i use whatever batting my mom has….