If you make hotpads out of scraps, do you put any special batting in the sandwich or special backing on it to make it "fireproof"?

I don't think this makes it 'fireproof', but insul-bright helps keep you from getting burned .. using 1 layer of batting and 1 of insul-bright in your 'sandwich'

I don't think it would be "fire proof" even if you made both sides of insul-bright... it is just made to reflect the heat.

When I've made potholders in the past I've "cheated" and used prequilted fabric for the bottom layer, a layer of batting and the top fabric, then either just made it like a pillow or added binding.

I save my old ironing board covers and use them as the "batting" in mine. You can sometimes find these at garage sales.

I've used at least two layers of 'ironing board' fabric, plus two layers of batting, to keep from burning my fingers when I use it - just batting doesn't seem to be enough. I'm afraid the cotton will still burn however if left on a hot burner.

I do the same. I don't think you can really make them fire proof, maybe fire retardant if you used material that was meant for kids pajamas.

Make sure to use ONLY 100% fabric, batting, and thread to keep from catching on fire. The insul-brite sounds like a good idea for the heat but don't know if necessary, Are the potholders you buy made with an insulation or is the batting supposed to work? IMO

I used only one layer of insul-bright and should have used two of that or one of that and one more of batting. So now my first set of pot holders are more above the stove wall decor.

Don't use polyester batting,(how doI know???) I now use old towels or scrap pieces of all cotton batting or if I can buy it on sale insul-brite

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.