I use insulbrite plus a layer of batting usually. If I don't have any insulbrite on hand, I use layers of old terry towels. Cut off the hems, fringe, and the tightly woven band that some have about 4 inches up from the hem. Depending on how threadbare the towel is, 2 or 3 layers works well.

I use two layers of warm and natural for my batting and it works just fine on pot holders.

My friend makes hot pads and she uses old levis and puts three layers and then puts the outside cover on. Everyone raves about them.

I don't use any poly batting or fabric in hotpads because it wont stand the heat of really hot stuff. Only cotton batting, and insulbrite on both sides, then my pretty cotton fabric for the outsides. And quilt as desired! Cotton thread, of course.

I've heard that wool batting, wool fabric, or just plain wool is excellent for potholder insulation. It withstands heat very well.

I like the towel and blue jean denim as a filler suggestions.

I believe the directions from InsulBrite say to use one layer of InsulBrite and two layers of cotton batting. I've made several that way and they do a good job of diffusing the heat.

You can buy the silver stuff that goes on the ironing board on the internet and that's what I used to use before InsulBrite came along. I would use a layer of the silver stuff toward each outside of the pot holder (two layers total) with two layers of batting in between. That way, no matter which way you held the pot holder, you were always protected.

Either way works well.

I used 3 layers of Warm and Natural on mine and it works fine, don't feel even a hint of heat .... I do like the jeans idea though!!

Rachel

I cut up my old bath towels for batting, and use a layer of insulbright on the back. Nice and thick.