Friday, January 21, 2011

Potholders

I made these potholders a few weeks ago, and am about to make some more.
I played around with lots of things -- they're the best size for practicing, and you get something useful in the end, too. The one on the right is quilt as you go, and the one on the left was quilted after I pieced the top. They both have different types of bindings and different loops. It's easier to see the loop styles on the back.
The next set (I'm about to make another pair) will have a combination of the binding method on the left and the loop method on the right. Any suggestions for filling? I used a layer of Insulbrite with a layer of 100% cotton batting. I was thinking of trying a double layer of old towels -- has anyone tried that?

10 comments:

liz said...

I really like your potholders. I have tops pieced for a few of them but I'm stumped at the "filling" part. Have you tried using yours with a hot casserole dish? I'm most interested in if you feel a difference when you have the pieced top or the back touching the hot surface. I want to make a bunch for gifts but don't want anyone to burn themselves due to my GIFT.

My hesitation/confusion stem from reading that InsulBrite has/does NOT have a thermal side to it. In some places I've read that the shinier side of the Insulbright should be closest to the side of the potholder that will touch the heat source, with batting on the other side.

I'd love to hear what you think about the effectiveness of the potholders the way you made them.

floribunda said...

I've always made my potholders with about 3 layers of cotton batting and then a piece of that silver ironing-board fabric for the back. (I get it at Joanns) They hold up pretty well to a hot pan as long as you don't have to stand there holding it for a long time!

Michele Bilyeu said...

Love making my potholders! One of my favorite gifts for others, I can never believe how many quilters have shabby potholders and have never even tried to make their own. I use the heat deflective lining when I have it and cotton batting or old towels otherwise. Poly batting is supposed to be a no no but I have used it to and never burned myself or the house down!

Clare said...

I've used poly too for pot holders for Mum. They are well used and she hasn't burnt herself yet! Old towels is a good idea. Got loads of those!

Toni said...

How bright and FUN!! I never thought of using old towels inside for "guts". I guess my concern would be were cotton/poly blend and how thick they are. I might have to test it out!

I love the bindings!

Guess what I'm making--potholders too, but I'm using the coaster you sent me as a pattern and cutting the squares at 8 1/2"!! Going to pay them forward next month :)

Rosalyn Manesse said...

Oh so glad to see these adorable pot holders, as I'm agonizing about combining green and blue at the moment. When I make potholders (I use a no-binding method, by the way) I put in a piece of the insulating stuff plus a piece of an old towel.

VivJM said...

These look ace - love the blue and green combo. I have used Insul-Brite (think that's it) before and that seems to work but it feels horrible which always puts me off lol.

AnnieO said...

I bought some insulbrite to make potholders but have not used it yet. Are you changing filler because of the cost or because of the stiffness? They are looking really cute and fun.

Pat said...

I just bought some Insul-Bright to make some potholders. It is a great way to use up scraps. Hope the Insul-Bright works.

Lisa said...

These are so cute. I have pot holders that I bought at a craft show and they have a double layer of old towells in. They work great, and are my favourite kind, never let the heat through.