Is 3 layers of batting too much?
 

HI all ..........fairly new on doing things on this board. Never asked a question before......I'm going to make a
bunch of potholders and don't have any insulbrite. I want to know if I can use 3 layers of batting or if it'll make
them too thick and bulky? I've made some with the insulbrite and batting and they come out nice but I'm all out
of it. Thanks for your help..........

What kind of batting? You would probably want to use 100% cotton, as synthetics could melt.
I'm wondering if your machine will be able to stitch thru 3 layers. And if you can, will you be able to fold it to grab your pan. But potholders are small, so you won't be out much by trying.

I made pot-holders with two layers of insulbrite plus a layer of warm and natural. They worked out very well.

wow, you used 2 layers of insulbrite and a layer of batting! When I can get to go to Joanns I'm going to pick up some.
And paperprincess...........I'm using all cotton batting.....usually warm and natural. Thanks for telling me about the
synthetics, I hadn't thought about that, so I'll be careful. I've got the Horizon so I know it can sew through all those
layers. Thank You!

I made a couple of potholders/microwave bowls with 3 layers of cotton batting ..... it took extra time sewing more slowly but I like them .... absolutely. They were nice and thick and after washing, they were "bunchy" but no heat penetrates through them. I don't think I'll make too many but for my own use, they are perfect. I'm thinking about making another one (micowave bowl jacket) with a layer of flannel between the 2 layers of batting to see how it works. I look forward to see how your potholder turns out.

I've used 3 layers, though I think it was a lighter weight Hobbs for at least one (scraps from other projects). As long as you can bend it to pick up a pot, I think it's fine. They do mash down over time with use and washing.
RST

I have never made "hot mats" as they were called in my house, but I would think that 2 layers should be sufficient. I always figure that if the pan is THAT hot, I can use two of them. It may be a bit tough to sew through three.

I use a layer of inslubrite and a layer of 80/20 batting and they are good.. Just make sure you can sew all the layers you choose to use.
D

Gee thanks for all the feedback..... I made some for Christmas with the insulbrite and batting for Christmas presents and they were strips of scraps that I sew on a 9 inch piece of cloth. I do one side one color and another color on the other side. They come out pretty, and then I cut the backing bigger than the front and batting and fold it over to the front and use that as the binding. Everyone liked them. I just organized all my scraps (due to this wonderful board!) and want to make more now. I'll have to try it with the three layers. I made a couple with 2 layers to give away and I thought it felt kinda thin. That's why I was thinking of using 3 layers, but figured I'd ask people first.

I always use at least 3 layers, insulbrite plus 2 layers of cotton batting; or I'll use left over fabric like cotton terry cloth, old towels. t-shirts, ...

JAF.com has the 1 yard precut for sale half off very often if you don't have a JAF store nearby. It is found under stabilizer. Not sure if it is on sale now. You might even check this weekend because holidays they are know for having cheap or free shipping !!!

Me too.. Ill use old towels, jeans.. Whatever i can find.. 3 layers of batting if im just using batting..

I use a layer of insulbrite and a layer of warm & natural. I make them for all the girls in the family and they love them!!

I am wondering if there is a way to use regular kitchen foil on the non heat side? I can't remember whether it's the buff side or shiny side that should go towards the bottom. Has anyone ever tried it?

I think you would be OK if the batting is fairly thin (low loft) like Warm and White. In my last pot holders I used two layers of this with Insulbrite inside, so had three layers total--they were a little stiff but bendable and definitely do the job. I did use traditional binding on them, so sewing the mitered corners got a little tricky through so many layers, but I just went slow and my Juki plowed right through them all!

Yes!! that's what I did for Christmas. But rather than having to buy the insulbrite I was wondering what other people use. I didn't even think of "old towels"

I use a layer of heavy duty aluminium foil between two pieces of batting for potholders. This is what my grandmother used when making potholders. No insulbrite back then.

doesn't this deteriorate and crumble with usage?? Especially if your sewing through it.........

I just made 6 hotpads. One layer of insulbrite and one layer of 100% cotton batting. I have also used 2 layers of batting. I don't like hotpads to be so stiff and thick that it is hard to use them.

I don't make pot holders and probably won't. I think if I would, I would try 2 layers of insulbrite and put batting between them.

I have some that are years old, stained and worn but I still use them. The thick aluminium foil was used not the wimpy kind. I think the heavy foil available now two layers may have to be used. It certainly isn't as heavy duty as it use to be.

I use recycled jeans. I put a layer of jean fabric between two cotton battings. ....works great, and the price is right

I usually use two pcs of warm and natural and one of insulbrite. Works for me, but if I am ot od insulbrite I use three pcs of batting. I found that two pcs of batting didn't shield from the heat very good. My machine has no problems sewing through all this, it is a Elna 740. Sews through like butter. I also use a walking foot. I have found it hard to get insulbrite around here for a while, as soon as I fund it I am gong to buy a lot, lol.

I use warm and natural. I put a sleeve on the back and insert a silicone pot holder. It can be used for pots and on the table for hot dishes. I coordinate them with the seasons. They are very versatile. They are easily changed from mat to mat.

I don't understand the need for that much padding in a potholder. We're not talking molten pig-iron here. LOL
If you use thin stuff like warm and natural, another layer probably would be needed, but regular high loft batting and even low loft, even one layer is sufficient.

I made one of those bowl holders that asks for two layers of batt. I used only one, of polyester, and it works just fine. I've used it multiple times. I've never seen polyester melt. Maybe it would if you left the iron on it long enough to scorch.

My favorite pot holders are just two layers of old Turkish towel. (It was a nice heavy towel.) Never need more than one. I should cover them with some pretty fabric, but I'm too busy using them to take the time.

it may be a bit much as far as gripping with it. I have used 1 layer of jeans (recycled) fabric and one of batting. for handling a roaster coming out of a 450 degree oven I think I would want either the insulbrite or 2 layers of batting with denim in the center. like someone said-try it. potholders are small enough that you won't be out much if it is not enough.

I, too, use older wash cloths and used towels for inside my potholders. I'm recyling and saving at the same time. IMHO.....using three layers of batting would make a very heatproff pot holder but I would make it a little larger than normal to adjust for the bulkiness.

Why not take the layers you want to use, pin all together with the fabric on the outside, and do a test next time you bake something. Could try using different ways with different battings- when you get the right method for you, sew them together, and the of course share what worked best here on the board.