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Make a Pair of Potholders

Materials List
1 Cotton or Wool Fat Quarter for squares
1 Cotton or Wool coordinating Fat Quarter for border & Hanging Loops
Cotton Batting
300 yards of Thread
Sewing Machine helpful
2 Bobbins (wound) 

 Instructions
Read all instructions thoroughly before beginning. I will refer to Fat Quarters as FQ in the instructions. A Fat Quarter measures 18” x 22”. Use ¼” seam allowance throughout. Do not substitute polyester batting for the cotton batting. Polyester is a plastic synthetic and will melt. NOTE: When sewing across the loops and around the thicker edges, you will probably need to turn the hand knob rather than using your foot peddle to avoid breaking your needle.

 1. Cut FQ 1 into Four (4) 8” squares.

2. From FQ 2, cut Eight (8) 8” x 1 ½” strips and Eight 10” x 1 ½” strips.

3. Also, from FQ 2, cut Two (2) 3” x 4” pieces to create hanging loops from.

4. To make the loops, fold the ends to meet in the middle. Then fold in half where the ends meet. Sew to hold in place. These pieces will each be 4” x 3/8” when finished.

5. Sew the ends together to create the loops. Set aside.

6. Add the 8” strips to each side of the squares.

7. Add the 10” strips to the top and bottom of the squares & press seams so the squares will lie flat.

8. Cut Eight (8) 10” squares from batting. Add 2 batting squares to the back of each square.

9. Place two squares together with right sides together (batting will be on the outside). Place loop into one corner. The loop will be inserted first with the sewn part on the end.

10. Sew around the entire outer edge of the potholders, leaving about 3” open for turning right side out. Please use extra care when sewing over the doubled ends of the loop. ***See the NOTE at the beginning of the tutorial.

11. Turn potholders right side out. Be sure all the corners & edges are pushed outward. Sew around the outer edges. This will also sew your opening closed and add a security stitch for your loops. ***See the NOTE at the beginning of this tutorial.

12. Stitch in the ditch (where the border meets the middle squares) to secure the front and back sections of the potholder.

13. Sew a few simple quilt stitches to quilt the middle of the potholders.

14. Your potholders are finished. Congratulations!

Potholders make great gifts throughout the year for any occasion. Add to Mom’s Easter basket, give as an extra housewarming gift or hostess gift, and they’re very easy to add to stockings. To create hot pads, eliminate the loops. For scented hot pads, add potpourri to the center before sewing the opening closed.

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