Is Insulbrite really necessary??
#1
Is Insulbrite really necessary??
Back in the old days, people never used insulbrite when they made potholders. Most of the ones that I have taken apart only had a thick layer of cotton batting. I can't really see where it is necessary in order to make a successful potholder. After all, I usually just grab a dishtowel when I remove something from the oven. And, a lot of times, I set a hot pan on a folded dish towel. I can see where it would be necessary when making the casserole cozies to help hold the heat in. But, is it really necessary when just making a simple potholder? I'm planning on making some for Christmas gifts and for Bingo Prizes at our Senior Center and I want to make sure I make them right. What is your line of thinking on this?
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
I haven't made any potholders yet but bought some insulbrite just last month to do some. I think I want to use it because the extra protection is nice for hot stuff and often I use a potholder to set a hot pan on the table. It's really not a good idea to just use a dishtowel. I'll be watching to see what others think.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Central Indiana
Posts: 1,112
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. If you are selling or giving away use at least 2 layers of cotton batting. I have one pattern that when I finish the design it is very thick so with that one I don't (I use those a lot so I know they will work that way). If it will be used on formic or a wood tabletop I would use it to direct the heat up.
#4
I've made lots of potholders and have always used one layer of insulbrite with one layer of 100% cotton. I imagine you could use 2 layers of 100% cotton batting...I just never tried it....I wouldn't want the recipient to get burned or hurt in any way. If I remember correctly, on one cup of coffee, I placed the 'shiny flecked side' to the hot side of the pot holders and the cotton batting to the hand side.
Check out the Warm Company: http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html
You could always make a sample of each setup and test it by lifting up a HOT HOT HOT pot!
Nan - Indiana
Check out the Warm Company: http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html
You could always make a sample of each setup and test it by lifting up a HOT HOT HOT pot!
Nan - Indiana
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!
Posts: 6,726
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
It depends on what the purpose is. For hot pads I just do them with a couple of layers of batt to protect the furniture. If I was doing them to gift, I would use a layer of insulbrite because i wouldn't know how the recipient was going to use them. I don't do oven mitts or pads for myself because I buy commercial, long barbecue mitts for oven use.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I never buy anything specifically for potholders... It 's amazing what you can use for the insides of potholders. Batting scraps, mattress pads, old towels, old sweatshirts, home dec fabric .. tapestry scraps are particularly nice.
#9
Ok, I had no idea what "Silence Cloth" was so had to google it. Found it at Nancy's Notions. http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...felt+fabric.do
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