30 years ago, I cheated. I went to the commissary and bought a stack of cheap potholders that were on sale for like .89 cents a piece. The front and back were silver material which we now know as insulbright. Brought them home and make a front and back piece (pieced them) and added binding. Extremely easy and I'm STILL using those potholders. I've never been burned when using them and I can't throw them out because they just won't wear out!