How to Sew a Pot Holder

Homemaking requires a lot of time in the kitchen! I find that even if I’m not cooking or baking I still spend the majority of my day in this space. I’d say it’s the hub of our home.

Whether its whipping together muffins or pancakes for breakfast, mixing up my homemade all purpose cleaner for the day’s chores, playing cars with Elliot on the floor, reading a book at the kitchen table, creating a simple apron at the counter, or spending the evening prepping for the next day’s cooking…so many of my tasks involve being in the kitchen.

And as I cook and bake, I utilize my hot pads so much throughout the day! In fact, the hot pad mittens that I received as a wedding gift are beginning to wear thin. So much so that I know exactly where I must place my fingers in them in order to avoid being burned! The regular, flat hot pads that I own were sewn by my great grandma, so they are pretty special to me.

I realized the other day that it’s probably about time to add a few more hot pads to my small collection. I really do enjoy crafting as many items as I can for our home, so of course I decided to sew my own pot holders!

This project came together pretty quickly and easily! Perfect for a morning or afternoon project that can’t take up too much time! I was also able to use some scrap fabrics that had been stored away for quite some time. It feels nice to reuse pretty fabrics (and perhaps some not-so-pretty ones too) for a new purpose!

Learn how to sew your very own hot pad! This simple sewing project is the perfect handmade addition to your kitchen, or someone else’s kitchen. Who doesn’t appreciate being given a thoughtful, handmade item? Pot holders are also a great way to utilize all of those scrap fabrics that you may have stored here and there! Continue reading below to find a list of needed supplies, step-by-step instructions, and a few tips as well. You’ll also find a list of more sewing project ideas at the end of this post. Now let’s get to sewing!

Keep in Mind

Scrap fabrics work really well for this project! It doesn’t require much fabric at all, so I encourage you to use up as many scraps as possible. I even used an old pair of jeans for the insulation!
You’ll want to sew one or two lines down the middle of the pot holder in order to keep the insulation from bunching up on the inside. Just sewing a few lines straight across will do the trick!
If you decide to use denim fabric for your insulation, I found that 3 layers was just too bulky for this project. 2 layers of denim was just right!

Sewing Terminology

Right Side: The side that you want showing on the bag (also called the front side).
Wring Side: The side of the fabric that you don’t want showing on the bag (also called the backside).
Seam: A line of junction formed by sewing together two pieces of material along their margins.
Topstitch: To make a line of stitching on the outside of (a garment) close to a seam.

What You’ll Need

Fabric
Insulation
Sewing machine
Pins
Scissors
Coordinating thread
Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Begin by measuring your fabric into 10 inch squares. You’ll need 2 squares for the outside of the pot holder and 2-3 squares of insulation.

2. Cut the fabric according to the measurements listed above.

3. Stack the layers. Place the pieces of insulation down on your work surface first.

I have two layers of jean material that I am using for my insulation. Place these layers down first.

4. Place 1 layer of fabric down on top of the insulation (right side facing out).

5. Fold the loop in half and lay it on one corner of the pot holder. Be sure to lay it down so that the raw edge faces the corner.

See how I have stacked my loop with the raw edge facing the outside corner of the pot holder.

6. Lay the other piece of fabric down (wrong side facing out).

Here is the final layer of fabric laid with the wrong side facing out.

7. Pin all of the layers together (make sure to pin the loop in place as well!)

8. Sew a 1/2 inch seam around all sides of the pot holder. Be sure to leave about 3-4 inches of space open on one side! This is where you will turn the pot holder right side out.

9. Trim off the corners of the hot pad. This will rid it of any excess bulk that may not lay well once the pot holder is right side out.

Trimming off the bulk on the corners will help the pot holder to sit nicely once we turn it right side out.

10. Turn the pot holder right side out through the space you left open.

11. Fold the open space under to match the rest of the sewn sections. Pin into place.

12. Sew a 1/4 inch seam all the way around the pot holder. This will clean up the edges and close up the bit that you left open!

13. Finish the hot pad by sewing a few lines down the middle. This will keep the insulation from bunching up on the inside.

If you make this project and love how it turned out, feel free to come back and comment about your experience. I’d love to see your creation and how you used it!

How to Sew a Pot Holder