Crafting Comfort: Designing Hot Pot Handle Holders

Making your own hot pot handle holders is a fun and creative way to protect your hands from hot kitchen items. These holders are made from a variety of materials, including fabric, quilted pads, leather, and silicone, and can be designed in various shapes and sizes. Sewing your own hot pot handle holder is an excellent way to use up fabric scraps and create a unique and functional item for your kitchen. You can find many free patterns and tutorials online to guide you through the process, making it a great DIY project for beginners and experienced crafters alike. So, get creative and make something both practical and stylish for your kitchen!

Sewing a double pot holder

A double-ended pot holder is a great way to protect your hands from hot dishes and pans. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sew one:

Step 1: Gather your materials and cut your fabric

You will need:

• 100% cotton fabric for the outer fabric
• 100% natural cotton batting (Pellon's Wrap-N-Zap is microwave safe)
• 100% cotton 1/2-inch double fold bias tape (optional to make your own)
• Sewing supplies
• Thermal batting, such as Insul-Bright, to handle hot pots and pans without burning yourself

Cut the following pieces:

• 2 large pieces of cotton fabric and 2 pieces of batting measuring 8 x 24 inches for the main portion of the hot pad
• 4 smaller pieces of cotton fabric and 2 pieces of batting measuring 6.5 x 8 inches for the pocket sections

Step 2: Round the corners

Round all four corners of the bigger rectangles and round the two bottom corners of the smaller rectangles. An easy way to do this is to use a mug or small bowl and trace around it, then cut.

Step 3: Sew the layers together

Place your large rectangle pieces together with the 2 batting pieces in the middle and the cotton fabric sandwiching them together, facing outward. Pin the layers and sew parallel lines down the length of the fabric, about 1.5 inches apart. Trim as needed if the layers shift.

Step 4: Create the pockets

Take 2 of the smaller rectangles and sandwich them around one of the smaller batting pieces, with the right side of the fabric facing outward. Baste the layers together around the curved sides with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Repeat with the other smaller rectangle pieces. Attach bias tape along the top straight edge.

Step 5: Attach the pockets

Place the 2 smaller rectangle sections at each end of the longer rectangle piece, matching up the curved corners to create two corners. Attach each pocket by sewing around the sides and bottom, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Step 6: Finish the edges

Add bias tape around the entire outer edge of the hot pad. Now your double pot holder is ready to hang over your oven handle!

Using scrap fabric

Making hot pot handle holders is a great way to use up scrap fabric. You can use almost any type of fabric, such as denim, cotton, linen, or canvas, but it's important to avoid lightweight fabrics as they will transfer heat. You will also need some type of insulation material to protect your hands from the heat. This could be quilt batting, Insul-Bright (a heat-resistant batting), or even old dish towels or scrap denim.

Materials:

• Scrap fabric (10" squares for the main pot holder, and a smaller piece for the loop)
• Insulation material (9" or 10" squares)
• Bias tape (or you can make your own using scrap fabric)
• Coordinating thread

Instructions:

• Cut out your fabric and insulation material to the desired size. You will need two squares of fabric and insulation for the main pot holder, and one smaller piece of fabric for the loop.
• Fold and stitch the loop piece. First, fold the loop piece in half lengthwise with right sides together, then sew the long side with a narrow seam. Use a safety pin to turn the loop right side out, press it flat with an iron, and then top stitch along the seam.
• Stack all the layers. Place one square of fabric on your work surface with the right side facing out, then add the insulation layers on top. Fold the loop in half and lay it on one corner of the fabric, with the raw edges facing the corner. Finally, place the other square of fabric on top, with the right side facing the first piece of fabric and the wrong side facing out. Pin all the layers together, making sure the loop is secured in place.
• Sew around the perimeter of the pot holder, leaving a small opening on one side. Use a 1/2" seam allowance and remember to backstitch at the beginning and end for added strength.
• Trim the excess insulation material from the corners to reduce bulk. Turn the pot holder right side out through the opening, hiding all the insulation inside.
• Top stitch around the perimeter of the pot holder. This will close up the gap left from turning it right side out and give it a neat finish.
• Sew a few lines down the center of the pot holder to secure the layers together and prevent bunching. You can also sew vertical and horizontal lines to create a quilted effect, just make sure the lines are evenly spaced.

You can get creative with your fabric choices and add decorative touches to make your hot pot handle holders unique. They are a quick and easy project that is perfect for using up scrap fabric, and they also make great gifts!

Using leather

Leather is a popular material for making hot pot handle holders, especially for cast iron skillets. It is a durable and attractive option that can add a rustic, handmade accent to your kitchen. Here are some steps and tips for creating your own leather hot pot handle holder:

Materials and Tools:

• Full-grain leather: Look for durable, high-quality leather that can withstand high temperatures.
• Soft sheepskin (optional): For added comfort and ease of insertion and removal.
• Leather working tools: Such as a leather cutter, hole punch, and stitching tools if you plan to sew the holder together.
• Measuring tape: To ensure your handle holder fits your pot or skillet handle snugly.
• Decorative elements (optional): You can add personal touches like monograms, tooled designs, or colourful stitching.

Instructions:

• Measure the Length: Use your measuring tape to determine the length and width of your pot or skillet handle. Add about 0.5 inches to the length to ensure a snug fit.
• Cut the Leather: Use your leather cutter to cut a strip of leather according to your measurements. If you want to create a double-layered holder for added heat protection, cut two strips of the same size.
• Add Soft Sheepskin (optional): If you want to line your handle holder with soft sheepskin, cut a piece that matches the size of your leather strip(s) and attach it to one side using leather glue.
• Decorate Your Holder: If you wish, you can decorate your leather strip at this point. You can monogram initials, add tooled designs, or stitch unique patterns to personalise your handle holder.
• Assemble the Holder: If you are creating a double-layered holder, place the two strips together, ensuring that any decorative elements face outward. Stitch along the edges, leaving one of the narrow ends open. This will be the opening through which you slide your handle.
• Slide On the Handle: Once your holder is assembled, slide it onto your pot or skillet handle. Ensure it fits snugly and doesn't spin or move around too much.
• Care and Maintenance: To care for your leather handle holder, wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any grease or food residue. Condition the leather periodically to keep it supple and prevent cracking.

Leather hot pot handle holders are a practical and stylish addition to your kitchen. They make great gifts for foodies, new homeowners, or anyone who loves to cook. With a few simple steps and the right materials, you can create a unique and functional piece that will last for years to come.

Using silicone

Step 1: Gather Materials and Tools

You will need the following:

• Heat-resistant silicone in the colour(s) of your choice
• Measuring tape
• Scissors or a sharp knife
• A pot or pan with a handle that you want to cover

Step 2: Measure the Handle

Use the measuring tape to determine the length and width of the pot or pan handle. You will need these measurements to cut the silicone to the appropriate size. Ensure that the silicone you choose can withstand high temperatures, typically around 230 to 480 degrees Celsius.

Step 3: Cut the Silicone

Using your measurements as a guide, cut the silicone to the desired size. The standard size for a pot handle cover is around 5.3 to 5.6 inches long and 1.9 to 2 inches wide. You may also want to cut a smaller piece for the auxiliary handle, which is usually around 3.6 to 3.9 inches long and 1.5 to 1.6 inches wide.

Step 4: Fit the Silicone to the Handle

Slide the silicone cover onto the handle. Ensure that it fits snugly and securely, with no gaps or loose areas. The silicone should have anti-slip properties to prevent it from sliding or moving around on the handle. You may need to test the fit a few times to get the right size and tightness.

Step 5: Create a Hanging Hole (Optional)

If desired, you can cut a small hole at the end of the silicone cover to create a hanging hole. This will allow you to hang the pot holder on a hook for easy storage.

Step 6: Care and Maintenance

Silicone pot handle holders are generally easy to clean and can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. However, it is important to note that they should not be used in direct contact with open flames and should be removed before placing the pot or pan in the oven. Always allow the silicone to cool before handling and store it in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Using crochet

Materials and Tools:

• Cotton Yarn: Choose a durable 100% cotton yarn such as Lily Sugar‘n Cream, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or Lion Brand Pima Cotton. Avoid acrylic yarn as it can melt or burn when exposed to high temperatures.
• Crochet Hook: A size H (5 mm) crochet hook is recommended, but you can adjust the size to achieve your desired gauge.
• Yarn Needle: A blunt-tipped yarn needle is needed for sewing up the seam and weaving in the ends.
• Insulating Fabric (Optional): You can use heat-resistant Insul-Bright fabric to add extra insulation to your potholder.

Steps to Crochet a Potholder:

• Start by creating a chain stitch foundation. For a 7-inch square potholder, chain 40 stitches. You can adjust the length of the chain to make a larger or smaller potholder.
• Crochet single crochet stitches down one side of the chain and then up the other side. Make an extra single crochet stitch at the end of the chain on both sides.
• Continue crocheting in rounds, working in continuous rounds (spiral rounds). Crochet around the chain in single crochet stitches, creating a diagonal potholder design.
• Fold the potholder: Fold the top edges of the potholder towards the center to create a diagonal seam. Ensure that the edges meet when folded.
• Create a hanging loop (optional): Chain 12 stitches and then slip stitch to the start of the chain.
• Seam the potholder: Cut the yarn, leaving a yarn tail, and pull it through. Match the stitches at the seam and use a mattress stitch or whip stitch to sew up the diagonal seam.
• Weave in the ends: Use a yarn needle to weave in the ends and block if desired.

Customization Ideas:

• Add extra insulation: Insert a square of Insul-Bright fabric between the layers before sewing the seam for added heat protection.
• Use multiple strands of yarn: Try using two strands of cotton yarn held together for a thicker potholder. Adjust your hook size accordingly.
• Experiment with stitches: Instead of single crochet, you can use half-double crochet or other simple textured stitches to create a different look.
• Vary the size: Make a longer or shorter starting chain to create a larger or smaller potholder.
• Create a pillowcover: Supersize the pattern to turn it into a pillow cover.

With these steps and ideas, you can create a functional and decorative crochet potholder to protect your hands and enhance your kitchen decor.

Frequently asked questions