ghostrider

I've used old towels and mattress pads (not together) in potholders, but I don't think a cotton sweater would be insulating enough to use. They'd let too much heat through to your hand. Felted wool is entirely different than knitted cotton yarns; much denser, no holes left in the weave, and wool fibers (unlike cotton fibers) have barbs that lock together for better insulation. Before making one, why not try picking up at hot casserole using the sleeves of the sweater?

ManiacQuilter2

I wouldn't use the sweaters for potholder. Don't think they would insulate from the heat of a pot. I don't mind using insulbrite.