Sewing Simmer: Crafting Hot Pot Holders With Care

Sewing your own hot pot holders is a fun and simple project that can be completed in an afternoon. Homemade pot holders are not only functional but also allow you to express your personality and style. They make fantastic gifts for friends and family, especially when paired with a matching apron. This project is perfect for beginners and a great way to improve your sewing skills.

To make your own hot pot holders, you will need heat-resistant batting, such as Insul-Bright, or a few layers of thicker fabric like cotton, linen, or denim. You will also need basic sewing supplies, including a sewing machine, fabric, and insulation material. The process involves cutting and layering your fabric and insulation material, sewing them together, and adding a loop for hanging. You can get creative with your fabric choices and make your pot holders as simple or elaborate as you like.

Choosing fabrics and materials

When choosing the fabric and materials for your hot pot holders, it is important to select those that are heat-resistant and durable. Here are some factors to consider:

Type of Fabric

It is recommended to use 100% natural fibres such as cotton or linen for the outer layers of your pot holder. Synthetic fabrics like polyester should be avoided as they have a low melting point and can catch fire when exposed to high temperatures. Cotton fabric is ideal due to its fairly high heat resistance. Linen is also a good option, but keep in mind that it is more prone to wrinkling and shrinking. If you want to incorporate wool, consider using felted wool sweaters or coating weight wool, but be mindful of its flammability. Additionally, ensure that you use 100% cotton thread to prevent melting or catching fire.

Batting

Batting is the insulating material that goes between the layers of fabric in your pot holder. There are several options to consider:

• Insul-Bright: This is a highly recommended, heat-resistant polyester material specifically designed for pot holders, oven mitts, and similar projects. It is effective in protecting your hands from heat. However, it should not be placed directly against a heat source as the polyester fleece around the foil can melt. Always keep a layer of cotton batting between Insul-Bright and the heat source.
• Quilt Batting: Cotton quilt batting is a good alternative to Insul-Bright. It provides sufficient insulation and can be used alone or in combination with Insul-Bright for enhanced protection.
• Terry Cloth Towels: Old terry cloth towels, especially those with thicker loops, can be an excellent option for batting. They provide good insulation due to the air trapped in the fabric and are also durable.
• Other Options: You can also use other heavy-duty fabrics such as denim, drop cloths, or old dish towels and rags. Avoid using lightweight fabrics as they will not provide sufficient heat protection.

Layering

To ensure your pot holder is effective and safe, it is crucial to use multiple layers of fabric and batting. The number of layers will depend on the intended use of the pot holder. For light-duty use, such as handling cookie sheets or casseroles, two layers of batting may be sufficient. However, for heavier use or very hot applications, consider using three layers of batting. For example, you could use cotton, Insul-Bright, and then another layer of cotton. Remember to test the heat protection by stacking the layers and holding a hot pan before sewing everything together.

Cutting the fabric

The first step in sewing a hot pot holder is to cut the fabric. You will need two pieces of fabric for the outer layers of the pot holder and two pieces of insulated batting for the inner layers. The fabric should be made from 100% cotton or linen to ensure it can handle the heat. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester, are not suitable as they can melt. You can use any pattern or colour you like for the fabric, but make sure it is not too lightweight.

For a standard-sized pot holder, cut two 9" or 10" squares from your chosen fabric. You will also need a small piece of fabric for the loop, which should measure 1½" by 4" or 5" by 2". This can be cut from the same fabric or a contrasting one, depending on your preference.

In addition, cut two squares of insulated, heat-resistant batting that are the same size as your fabric squares. You can use a product called Insul-Bright, which is highly insulating, or opt for a few layers of quilt batting. If you are using quilt batting, you may want to add an additional layer of fabric, such as an old dish towel or flannel, for extra heat protection.

Once you have cut out all your pieces, you can move on to assembling the pot holder.

Sewing the fabric together

Now, it's time to assemble the layers of your potholder. Place one square of insulated batting down, followed by a fabric square with the right side facing up. Next, lay the other fabric square on top, right side down, and finally, add the second piece of insulated batting. Pin the layers together, ensuring that the fabric squares are either aligned or that the fabric is slightly bigger than the batting.

At this point, you can sew the layers together. Start by sewing almost all the way around the edges, leaving a 2"-3" gap on one side. This gap will be used to turn the potholder inside out later. Before turning it inside out, attach the hanging loop by folding the fabric in half and placing it inside one of the corners, with the raw edges protruding by about 1/2". Sew around the potholder, making sure to sew over the hook to secure it in place.

Now, trim off the excess fabric from the corners and all around the edges, being careful not to cut over your stitches. Turn the potholder inside out through the opening, ensuring the corners are pushed out neatly. Fold the raw edges into the middle of the potholder at the opening and stitch all the way around, about 1/4" in, to seal the edges.

Finally, add a top stitch over the centre of the potholder to quilt it together and prevent the layers from shifting. You can keep it simple with an X pattern or get creative with stripes or other designs. And that's it! You now have a cute and functional potholder ready for your kitchen or to be given as a gift.

Adding the loop

Now, for the loop! Cut a piece of fabric measuring 1.5" by 4" for the loop. Fold this piece in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric together. Sew along the long side with a very narrow seam of about 1/4". Use a safety pin to turn the loop right side out, then press it flat with an iron and top stitch along the seam.

Now, stack all your layers. Place your squares of insulation material on your work surface, then place one of your fabric squares on top, with the right side facing up. Fold the loop in half and lay it on one corner of the fabric, with the raw edges facing the corner. Place the other fabric square on top, with the right side facing the other piece of fabric and the wrong side facing out. Pin all the layers together, ensuring the loop is secured well.

Using a 1/2" seam, sew all the way around the potholder, leaving a 4" opening on one side. Trim the excess insulation material from the corners to reduce bulk. Turn the potholder right side out through the opening, hiding the insulation inside. Using a 1/4" seam, top stitch all the way around the potholder to secure the opening and add a nice finish.

Quilting the potholder

First, gather your materials. You will need two 10" squares of fabric for the potholder, and a smaller rectangle of fabric for the loop. The dimensions of the rectangle can vary, but it should be long enough to form a loop that can be used to hang the potholder. You will also need two or three 10" squares of insulation material, such as Insul-Bright or quilt batting. Insul-Bright is a heat-resistant batting that will provide better protection against heat.

Next, you will create the loop for hanging the potholder. Take your rectangle piece and fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric together. Sew along the long side with a narrow seam allowance, about 1/4". Use a safety pin to turn the loop right side out, then press it flat with an iron. Top stitch along the seam to finish the loop.

Now, it's time to stack and pin all the layers of your potholder. Place your insulation material squares on your work surface. Then, place one 10" fabric square on top, with the right side facing up. Fold the loop in half and position it on one corner of the fabric, with the raw edges facing the corner. Place the other fabric square on top, with the right side facing the first fabric square and the wrong side facing out. Pin all the layers together, ensuring that the loop is securely in place.

Using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew all the way around the potholder, leaving a 4" opening on one side. This opening will be used to turn the potholder right side out. Before turning, trim the excess insulation material on the corners to reduce bulk.

Turn the potholder right side out through the opening. This will hide all the insulation material inside. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, top stitch all the way around the potholder. This will close the opening and give a neat finish to your potholder.

Finally, to secure the layers and prevent bunching, sew a few lines of stitching down the center of the potholder. You can also sew vertical and horizontal lines to create a quilted effect, ensuring that the lines are evenly spaced.

Your quilted potholder is now complete! This project is a great way to use up fabric scraps and create a useful and beautiful tool for your kitchen or a handmade gift for loved ones.

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