Mar 24, 2009

No-bias pot holders


Well, I can't be doing serious stuff all the time. I like to have fun with little projects. The bottom photo shows the finished backs of the pot holders. Pot holders are such a good way to use orphan blocks and scraps. But I hate to think of sewing on all that bias binding. So I pillowcase-turn them instead. I bought some insulated lining. That's my only investment. Since the lining stuff comes in a 36 by 45 inch piece, one package will make a lot of pot holders. In addition, I cut up an old towel and put that inside also. For the loops, I cut a strip 2 inches wide, and press under the edges 1/4 inch on each side, fold in half and press again. Stitch the edge, and cut these to the desired length. I cut the blocks (or use one plain piece of fabric) 9 inches square, plus cut the insulation and piece of towel 9 inches square. Set the sewing machine to sew something thick (if your machine has such an adjustment). I quilt by sewing an "X" from corner to corner. Sew the loop to the bottom edge, but be careful to give room for the 1/2 inch seam line. The backings are 7 1/2 inches by 9 inches and 6 by 9 inches. Just turn under one edge and hem on the machine. Place the lining pieces right sides together to pot holder. Smaller piece on top and covering the hanging loop. Stitch all around in 1/2 inch seams. Trim the edges. Turn and press. Done.

1 comment:

Magpie Sue said...

Slick! When I make my potholders I cut strips for hanging loops 2" wide and about 4.5-5" long. I just fold the stip in half lengthwise, press, then open it up and fold each edge to the center crease. I press that fold (one for each side) and then fold the whole thing in half, with the raw edges now on the inside. I don't bother to stitch the 'open' side shut. Once the stip is sewn into the potholder as a hanging loop it seems to be fine. I haven't had one fray out yet!