2020 Update! A new set of sassy polka dot potholders to replace these that lasted 6 years and were put to good use!
Here is the original post from 2014:
Through the years I have dabbled in sewing but never for long periods of time. Recently I was inspired by this beginning sewing project, entitled DIY Easy Potholder, I found on SewCountryChick.com. Please visit her blog for more images and step by step directions. Designed for the beginning sewer (or perhaps a rusty one like me). I gave it a try with some leftover fabric I had.
Here is a breakdown of the steps for each potholder:
- Cut two fabric square pieces 10 inches by 10 inches.
- Cut two or three batting pieces depending on their thickness, 10 inches by 10 inches.
- Cut one strip 10 inches by 2 1/2 inches.
- Fold the strip lengthwise. Sew the strip together lengthwise with a 3/8 inch seam allowance.
- Take a safety pin, attach it to the end of the strap an pull the strap right side out.
- Iron the strip.
- Attach the batting pieces to the WRONG side of one of the fabric pieces.
- Take the strip and lay it on the RIGHT side of the fabric piece like above.
- Now lay the other piece of fabric on top of the fabric piece with the strip on it.
- Pin all the layers together.
- Â Sew all of the layers together with a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Leave a 3 inch opening on one of the sides. Sew straight off each side.
- Trim the corner edges of the potholder.
- Pull the potholder through the gap you left unsewn. Use a point turner or the edges of your scissors to pop out the corners of the potholder.
- Iron the potholder flat, ironing the little gap closed.
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Topstitch around the potholder edges with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sewing the gap shut. Draw straight lines in both directions on the potholder with chalk. Make them evenly spaced, about 2 inches apart. Stitch on the lines, quilting the potholder.
This really would be a fun project to do with kids or adults who want to learn how to sew… or for someone like me who just wants to make something on a Saturday afternoon.