Here’s a simple pot holder, which makes a perfect 10-minute gift or a starter project for those learning to sew. I used canvas fabric in the impeach design on Spoonflower. Be sure to read the fine print before making this as a gift! I know that a potholder seems inconsequential considering the problems of the world, but the simple act of making something can help ease our frustrations.
You can use a double layer of quilt batting or a single layer of insulated batting, just be sure to test the layers to make sure they will do the job of protecting you from the heat. If you want to try a potholder with a nifty pocket in the back that works a bit like an oven mitt, you can use this tutorial that I posted a few years ago.
Step 1: Cut fabric and batting.
Cut fabric:
8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″, cut 2
main fabric 5″ x 2″
Cut batting:
8 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
Step 2. Make the loop and baste it to fabric.
With the 5″ x 2″ piece of fabric, fold and press each long side 1/2″ towards the wrong side of the fabric. Fold the piece in half lengthwise and press again. Topstitch along these folds, 1/8″ from the edge. Fold this piece in half to make a loop, then baste it 1” below the corner of the front 8 1/2″ square piece (on the right side of the fabric).
Step 3. Put it together.
Stack your fabric pieces in the following order: 8 1/2″ batting, front piece with loop (right side of fabric facing up), then the other 8 1/2″ piece with right side of fabric down. Pin and sew around the edges with a 3/8″ seam allowance, leaving a 3″-4″ opening at the top for turning in the next step.
Step 4. Trim and finish.
Clip the corners and trim any excess fabric and batting. Turn the hot pad right sides out, by pulling it through the opening. Push out the corners. Pin the remaining opening closed and topstitch around the entire perimeter, just over an 1/8″ from the edge.