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DIY Pot Holder

This is a simple sewing project that doesn't require special tools and can be made with scrap fabric. They make a great, handmade gift!
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Yield: 1 Pot holder

Equipment

  • Sewing machine
  • Cutting mat and rotary cutter optional
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing pins
  • Iron and ironing board

Materials

  • 2 9 by 9 in. pieces of fabric
  • 2 9 by 9 in. pieces of Insul-Brite
  • 1 2 by 4 in. piece of fabric for the hanging loop
  • 1 spool coordinating cotton thread

Instructions

  • Set up and thread your sewing machine. Heat up your iron.
  • Cut out both pieces of your chosen fabric and Insulbrite and the piece of fabric for the handle.
  • Start with the piece for the handle. Fold it in half lengthwise and iron it flat. Then, unfold it, fold the two long sides in so they meet in the middle where the crease is, and iron it flat. Finally, fold it in half lengthwise again without opening up the two sides you just flattened. Now the raw edges are hidden. Stitch straight down to keep the two folded edges together.
  • Stack the pieces of the potholder in this order: The first piece of fabric on the bottom with the right side facing up. On top of that place the handle piece, folded in half with the ends lining up with the raw edges of the bottom piece. Place the second piece of fabric, the wrong side facing up, on top. Next, the two pieces of Insulbrite.
  • Pin around the fabric sandwich that you made to keep everything in place, especially the handle. Make sure the handle is tucked inside so that only the ends and not the loop get sewn.
  • Using a 1/2-inch seam allowance, stitch around the four sides, leaving a 4-inch opening on one side for turning. Backstitch on each side of the opening.
  • When using bulkier fabrics, it's a good idea to trim the corners off before turning the right side out. Very carefully use sewing scissors to cut each corner off close to the stitching.
  • Through the opening that you left, turn the pot holder right side out. Carefully push the corners of the potholder out. Iron it flat and fold the raw edges of the opening in and iron then pin the opening closed.
  • Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, top stitch all the way around the outside edges of the pot holder, including the opening. Be sure the handle is out of the way so you don't accidentally stitch it down.
  • Your pot holder can be finished now or you can do optional top stitching through the center, just to help hold the layers in place even more. The easiest way to do this is to stitch a line from the opposite corners to make a large X or you can stitch from the center of opposite sides to make a plus sign.
  • Your pot holder is ready for use! If it gets dirty over time, simply toss it in the wash with your towels to clean it up.