Sunday, October 20, 2013

A few tricks to making Potholders

 With only about 2 months until Christmas, I thought I had better get working on a few small holiday gifts. As I was sewing a mini charm pack of Aspen Frost I had won in a giveaway from Clothstitched into a couple of potholders, I thought I would share a few tricks I use to make mine.



I used to quilt my potholders through a 4 layer sandwich consiting of the top, cotton batting, Insul-brite and the backing.  I found that when I perforated the Insul-brite with quilting, it seemed to allow some heat and steam to come through the potholder into my hand.

I now just quilt the top layer and the cotton batting together.




I then just layer the quilted top to the Insul-brite and the backing and stay stitch the edges to to make it easier to apply the binding.








And because I am TERRIBLE at machine sewing bindings, I use a decorative zigzag stitch rather than a straight stitch so if I miss a small area of the binding on the backside, the binding will still get caught in some of the stitches.


I make and attach my bindings similar to how I attach it on a quilt.  I just start and stop the binding in a corner.  I tri-fold and topstitch a bit more of the binding and loop it back to catch it under the binding when I sew it to the back.  To do this, I topstitch the tab first, pin in the tab under the binding then machine sew the binding around the potholder using a zig zag stitch.





Because I don't quilt all the way through all the layers, the backs of my potholders have no stitching.

I really like the clean look they have. I have some I have used for years and I have not had any problems with laundering or use.



So now it is back to my sewing room to sew up the binding on the second potholder and I have another holiday gift in the "Done" pile.  Yay!







Hope you are making progress on your holiday sewing.  I always suggest making potholders.  They are easy and fast and always seem to be a welcome gift.



Linking up with Stitch by Stitch for Anything Goes Monday, Freemotion by the River for Linky Tuesday and Show and Tell Tuesday at I have to Say.  Be sure and head over to see more inspiring projects!

21 comments:

Barb Neiwert said...

I was making potholders today, too! Great minds must think alike :)

Lorna McMahon said...

Thanks for sharing your experiences in making pot holders. I have been thinking about making some and was wondering what it would be like working with that insulated batting. I really appreciate your tips on not quilting through it. PS Ho, Ho, Ho! Did you know, There's only 65 days left to go? Your pot holders look great!

Unknown said...

Thank you for this timely post. I was going to start on this project and I am so glad to know not to quilt through all of the layers.

Hilary said...

These are super cute, I've never sewn with Insul-brite before so it is always nice to read some pointers here and there.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips :)

Tami C said...

Very nice tips! Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Great tips, especially on the binding. I, too, am terrible at sewing machine binding and your solution is very clever!

Sewing Mom said...

Lovely holiday items and great tips. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I love this tip ! I was having the same issue with the heat coming through my pot holders and now I know why !

Paula@TheSassyQuilter said...

That's a great idea! I made one early in my quilting life and used nothing other than batting....ouch! Not a good idea:)

QuiltinWayne said...

Thanks for the tips Cynthia. .. ...

MarveLes Art Studios said...

your fabric choices are charming {some of my own personal faves!}, and the zig zag stitching is wonderfully done, too! making these kinds of projects is something i long to do... some year. these are really sweet. loved finding your blog! {linky party w/free motion by the river!}

CeLynn said...

Great tips,I have also used the zig zag method to bind potholders,works nicely. Going to make my next set without quilting through the insul-brite.

Anonymous said...

Cyndy, thanks for sharing your tips!
Carol O

Jess@ One English Teacher said...

Thanks for the tips. I like the look of the potholders when the back is left unquilted.

Joanie's Trendy Quilts said...

Great tutorial on making pot holders! Yikes thinking about Christmas gifts. I made one pot holder that another quilter sent the makings of one with the Insul Brite. Hmm I will have to go dig out that pattern. Where do you purchase the Insul Brite? Is this something that can be found in any fabric store? Anyways I love the elongated zig zag stitch and the loop for hanging it.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Great pot holders.

thebutterflyquilter said...

Great tips. Great way to use some of your scraps also!!

Susan at TheBoredZombie.com said...

Very cool! I've never tried potholders before though I've seen them mentioned several times. I probably would have made some hand burners by quilting through the insulation stuff! Good tip. :)

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Great tutorial and cute potholders! Thanks for sharing.
Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

Unknown said...

Thanks for the headsup! I have some insulbrite I haven't used yet. Now I'm ready

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