Creating pot holders can be a fun and practical sewing project. Here's a simple pattern to make square pot holders:
Materials Needed:
- Cotton fabric (main fabric and lining fabric)
- Insulated batting (such as Insul-Bright) or cotton batting for heat resistance
- Coordinating thread
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board
- Pins
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
- Wash and iron your fabric to pre-shrink it.
- Cut two squares from your main fabric and two squares from your lining fabric. The size of your squares will determine the size of your pot holder. A common size is 8 inches by 8 inches.
Step 2: Cut Batting
- Cut two squares from the insulated batting or cotton batting, slightly smaller than your fabric squares. This will allow for seam allowance.
Step 3: Layer Your Materials
- Lay one fabric square right side up.
- Place one piece of batting on top.
- Lay the other fabric square right side down on top of the batting.
- Repeat the process for the lining fabric and batting.
Step 4: Pin Layers Together
- Pin around the edges of each layered square to hold them together.
Step 5: Sew Around the Edges
- Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew around the edges of each layered square, leaving a 2-3 inch opening on one side for turning.
Step 6: Clip Corners
- Carefully trim the excess fabric from the corners, being careful not to cut through the stitching.
Step 7: Turn Inside Out
- Reach through the opening and turn the square inside out, so the right sides of the fabric are facing out.
Step 8: Press
- Use an iron to press the pot holder flat, making sure to fold in the edges of the opening.
Step 9: Topstitch
- Topstitch around the entire edge of the pot holder, close to the edge, to close the opening and give the pot holder a finished look.
Step 10: Quilt if Desired
- Optionally, you can quilt your pot holder by stitching diagonal lines or any other quilting design through all layers of fabric and batting.
Step 11: Add a Loop (Optional)
- Cut a strip of fabric about 2 inches wide and 5 inches long.
- Fold the strip in half lengthwise and press.
- Open the strip and fold each long edge towards the center crease and press again.
- Fold the strip in half again and press, enclosing the raw edges.
- Sew along the open edge of the strip.
- Attach the loop to one corner of the pot holder by stitching it in place.
Now your pot holder is ready to use! You can customize it with different fabrics, quilting designs, and embellishments to suit your style and kitchen decor.
