Is Insulbrite really necessary??
 

Back in the old days, people never used insulbrite when they made potholders. Most of the ones that I have taken apart only had a thick layer of cotton batting. I can't really see where it is necessary in order to make a successful potholder. After all, I usually just grab a dishtowel when I remove something from the oven. And, a lot of times, I set a hot pan on a folded dish towel. I can see where it would be necessary when making the casserole cozies to help hold the heat in. But, is it really necessary when just making a simple potholder? I'm planning on making some for Christmas gifts and for Bingo Prizes at our Senior Center and I want to make sure I make them right. What is your line of thinking on this?

I haven't made any potholders yet but bought some insulbrite just last month to do some. I think I want to use it because the extra protection is nice for hot stuff and often I use a potholder to set a hot pan on the table. It's really not a good idea to just use a dishtowel. I'll be watching to see what others think.

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. If you are selling or giving away use at least 2 layers of cotton batting. I have one pattern that when I finish the design it is very thick so with that one I don't (I use those a lot so I know they will work that way). If it will be used on formic or a wood tabletop I would use it to direct the heat up.

I've made lots of potholders and have always used one layer of insulbrite with one layer of 100% cotton. I imagine you could use 2 layers of 100% cotton batting...I just never tried it....I wouldn't want the recipient to get burned or hurt in any way. If I remember correctly, on one cup of coffee, I placed the 'shiny flecked side' to the hot side of the pot holders and the cotton batting to the hand side.

Check out the Warm Company: http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html

You could always make a sample of each setup and test it by lifting up a HOT HOT HOT pot! :eek: :shock:


Nan - Indiana

I use insulbrite and warm and natural for my pot holders now, but use to use silence cloth. It is so thick, it only takes one layer. Silence cloth does shrink quite a bit, so would have to be washed before using.

Ok, I had no idea what "Silence Cloth" was so had to google it. Found it at Nancy's Notions. http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...felt+fabric.do

I never buy anything specifically for potholders... It 's amazing what you can use for the insides of potholders. Batting scraps, mattress pads, old towels, old sweatshirts, home dec fabric .. tapestry scraps are particularly nice.

Silence Cloth was once used mainly for table pads to protect the table, but is now used for pot holders, bags or any craft (except quilts) needing batting and protection. I noticed when I followed this link, the Silence Cloth is $11.99 a yard, but it is 60" wide, so you could get a lot of milage out of it for pot holders, especially since it only takes one layer. It is pretty thick, so if your sewing machine doesn't feed thick fabric well, you might want to consider using something else. Hancock fabric used to carry it, so if you can get a small piece of it to try, you would know if you like it. Remember it shrinks, so wash before using.

I use it in mine. You certainly would not have to just be sure it is thick enough not to get burned.