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doowopddbop 04-20-2011 12:30 PM

1 Attachment(s)
I use one layer of Insulbrite with a layer of warm and natural on both sides, so the insulbrite is in the middle.

hooked 04-20-2011 12:41 PM

I tried it with just 2 layers of batting and when I used them I burnt my hands taking a pan out of the oven so I switched to just one layer of insulbrite. Works wonderful.

joy 04-20-2011 01:09 PM

I find the Insulbrite not thick enough for taking roasting dish out of oven... so I made 10 inch pot holders and fold them in half with the insulbrite inside... works well. I use two different materials for back and front, have the patterned piece for the front so I know to have that piece on the outside... because of the insulbrite having a right side and a wrong side...

ragqueen03 04-20-2011 01:09 PM


Originally Posted by 3TreeFrog

Originally Posted by ragqueen03
it's me again with another dumb question!!!!
when making potholders besides the insulbright what else do you use as batting? or do you just use insulbright? i tried making some with some insulbright with batting and it made it way too thick. broke a lot of needles!!!

Ragqueen

I have no real answer, however I do have a comment!
There are NO dumb question! Ask away, if you don't you will never find the answer and never get ahead in your craft!

TreeFrog

ok i admit i shouldn't have worded it quite that way! at my job i am known for saying there are no dumb questions! should have remembered that before i posted it! :oops:

crafty_linda_b 04-20-2011 01:16 PM

Norma I think the 2 layers gives it extra heat protection. You don't want to burn your hand or drop a hot pan and burn yourself. If I make table hot pads then I only use one layer of insulbrite in those. No question is ever dumb..that is how we all learn by asking questions. crafty_linda_b


Originally Posted by normasews
Ok, I too may be asking a dumb question, but why would you need batting? Isn't the insulbrite thick enough? It would seem to me it would make it to thick. What do I know?!


SSTeacher 04-20-2011 01:35 PM

There was a post by someone which had a site: http://www.ufo-rphnage.com/potholder_hints.shtl

I think that is the site--they listed what they used for the "inside stuff." Everyone had good suggestions on this Board as well.

joy 04-20-2011 01:40 PM

"Internet cannot display page"..... that is all I got...

jacie 04-20-2011 02:50 PM

Have made many, and use insulbrite with one layer of good flannel. never break needles. (however, use fresh, sharp ones), and love the feel of the holders.

Little Sue 4.9 04-20-2011 03:02 PM


Originally Posted by carolaug
here is a quick fun tutorial on making potholders with no bindings. http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/201...-can-make.html

Thank you for the tutorial ...they look easy and fun to make . Must try this next, after I get the insulbright. I wanted to make pot holders but didn't know what material to use. Thank you again :)

stchenfool 04-20-2011 03:34 PM

When making potholders I use 1 square of insul-bright and 2 squares of cotton batting. Makes for a nice thick potholder. Make sure you use a larger needle - 75/ll or 75/14 and a nice new needle will also make stitchen' alot smoother! Good Luck! :thumbup:

Teddybear Lady 04-20-2011 04:32 PM


Originally Posted by ragqueen03
it's me again with another dumb question!!!!
when making potholders besides the insulbright what else do you use as batting? or do you just use insulbright? i tried making some with some insulbright with batting and it made it way too thick. broke a lot of needles!!!

I usually buy a "cheap" blanket from Wal-Mart, cut it into the size I need, and use that with one layer of the insulbright. This has worked for me for years. I've never had anyone complain of burns. Of course, they are all family and friends. :lol: I have also used old towels inside them too.

Rose Bagwell 04-20-2011 04:45 PM

Very pretty potholders

sailsablazin 04-20-2011 05:06 PM

The very BEST potholders that I own are the ones that my children made for me out of cotton "bands" made on one of those children's weaving looms...I love them and will make them myself if I need a new potholder..

KS quilter 04-20-2011 07:45 PM


Originally Posted by Matilda

Originally Posted by ragqueen03
it's me again with another dumb question!!!!
when making potholders besides the insulbright what else do you use as batting? or do you just use insulbright? i tried making some with some insulbright with batting and it made it way too thick. broke a lot of needles!!!

I just use batting--2-3 layers. Not a dumb question.

Yeah, that's what I do too. We do a lot of cooking in my
family and we wear out the bindings and outer fabrics
long before the padding wears out. I don't even quilt
them, the binding holds them together.

writerwomen 04-20-2011 08:56 PM


Originally Posted by ragqueen03
it's me again with another dumb question!!!!
when making potholders besides the insulbright what else do you use as batting? or do you just use insulbright? i tried making some with some insulbright with batting and it made it way too thick. broke a lot of needles!!!

Go to Schmetzneedles.com and check their needle guide. Sounds like you are using the wrong needle. Adjust tension as well

charlotte37830 04-20-2011 09:22 PM

Warm Co. that is apparently the company that makes Insulbrite and says "At least one layer of cotton batting is recommended with Insul~Bright when used as Oven Mitts or Pot Holders. Insul~Bright is heat-RESISTANT, NOT heat-proof."

See: http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html

hspirit_99 04-20-2011 10:23 PM


Originally Posted by LivelyLady
I use one layer insulbrite and one layer of jeans. I recycle old jeans from my family and sometimes have used just 2 squares of jean with a square of cotton batting in between when I run out of insulbrite. It works great :D

thank you for that information. i will use that when i am out of insulbrite. thanks again

GladGrams 04-20-2011 11:01 PM


Originally Posted by carolaug
here is a quick fun tutorial on making potholders with no bindings. http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/201...-can-make.html

This is an EXCELLENT tutorial and the best way I can think of to use up all those old pieces of fabric one gets in bags as scraps. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

cabinfever 04-20-2011 11:48 PM


Originally Posted by charlotte37830
Warm Co. ..."At least one layer of cotton batting is recommended with Insul~Bright when used as Oven Mitts or Pot Holders. ...heat-RESISTANT, NOT heat-proof."

Good to know thanks for the info.

sylviasmom 04-21-2011 08:00 AM

I use two layers of insulbright. Quilt one piece to backing fabric, and the other piece of the front fabric. Bind together. Remember the shiny side faces the fabric. I use my walking foot, it is easier to sew this way.

Eileen 04-21-2011 10:45 AM


Originally Posted by cabinfever

Originally Posted by Eileen
I only use insulbright for casserole carriers & such. When I make pot holder, potato bags, etc I use Thermalam. You can put it in the microwave without having sparks. I usually use two layers though.

I didn't know what the 2nd item was...so here is a link for those who were uninformed like myself; it is a fusible batting. http://www.nancysnotions.com/product...+plus+45%22.do
It is spelled "Thermolam", a pellon product. I think since it's fusible, you wouldn't need to overquilt the center...& remember it's the air pockets that make it an insulator. Every stitching line is a perforation & pulls the layers tight together, reducing the insulating effect.

I don't use the fusible themolam. I'd rather do large quilting for the pot holders & usually very little for potatoe bags. You can also use it for tortilla bags.

remareis 04-21-2011 12:05 PM


Originally Posted by carolaug
here is a quick fun tutorial on making potholders with no bindings. http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/201...-can-make.html

will have to try this one, looks fun

sewgarden 04-21-2011 02:05 PM

I used insulbrite between batting with no problems but I'm not sure that I think insulbrite is everything they say it is. Next time I would just use batting Or towels

Rose_P 04-21-2011 02:26 PM


Originally Posted by normasews
Ok, I too may be asking a dumb question, but why would you need batting? Isn't the insulbrite thick enough? It would seem to me it would make it to thick. What do I know?!

The package directions on the Insulbrite say to use it with a layer of cotton batting. I'm not sure why, but I guess they know their product.

Donna Mae 04-21-2011 05:35 PM

I use insulbright and warm and natural.
simple quilter

Auntie B 04-21-2011 08:23 PM

Hi Rag Queen, Yup, one layer of insulbrite and one layer of warm and natural, or the bamboo quilt batt. I also use the warm and natural for the potato bags, it has no scrim (glue) in it. It is specifically for the tater-bags. I have also used 6 layers of flannelette. That works great too, and everyone has flannel hanging around left over from pyjama pants. And yes, up the size of your needle, try a sharp or quilting needle, as long as it has a larger shank. Auntie B in Saskatchewan. I like to use the quilt as you go patterns for pot holders and then just bind them. I made several pairs of pot pinchers for my sisters for xmas, I picked colours to match their kitchens, I also made them cupcake pot holders, too cute. They look like a big cupcake, your hand slips under the icing. My sisters loved them !!!!!!!!

cabinfever 04-23-2011 12:11 AM


Originally Posted by Eileen
I don't use the fusible themolam. I'd rather do large quilting for the pot holders & usually very little for potatoe bags. You can also use it for tortilla bags.

Sorry, I didn't find anything by that name that wasn't a fusible. Is it also from Pellon? Is it just a type of batting, or does it have some other heat-resistant quality? Thanks for your input; I am always here to learn.

cabinfever 04-23-2011 12:16 AM

[quote=Rose_P]

Originally Posted by normasews
...but why would you need batting? Isn't the insulbrite thick enough? It would seem to me it would make it too thick.


Originally Posted by Rose_P
The package directions on the Insulbrite say to use it with a layer of cotton batting. I'm not sure why, but I guess they know their product.

Normasews...are you perhaps using the insulbrite that already has a padding attached? Joann's sells this type for about $12.99/ yd. I only buy it @ 1/2 off, whenever they have interfacings on sale; & hadn't used it for potholders, but I guess you could.

Rose_P 04-23-2011 08:55 AM

[quote=cabinfever]

Originally Posted by Rose_P

Originally Posted by normasews
...but why would you need batting? Isn't the insulbrite thick enough? It would seem to me it would make it too thick.


Originally Posted by Rose_P
The package directions on the Insulbrite say to use it with a layer of cotton batting. I'm not sure why, but I guess they know their product.

Normasews...are you perhaps using the insulbrite that already has a padding attached? Joann's sells this type for about $12.99/ yd. I only buy it @ 1/2 off, whenever they have interfacings on sale; & hadn't used it for potholders, but I guess you could.

This might be confusing with all the list of replies, but the one I have is a 36" X 45" piece that comes in a package for about $8 (I used a coupon, or probably wouldn't have bought it). It's called Insul-Bright Needlepunched Insulated Lining. It is not fusible. I was not aware of any other type of Insul-Bright than the one I have. This looks like thin poly batting attached to both sides of a sort of plastic material that is "metalized polyester" according to the package. I think I have seen some directions for potholders that said to use it without extra padding, but I don't remember where, and can't find it now. The manufacturer says to use more cotton batting. Because of metal content, it can't be used in the microwave.

It would be too thick to hand quilt, but I'm pretty sure machine quilting would not be a big problem, using a denim needle. Sorry, I have not tried it yet.

ragqueen03 04-24-2011 04:48 AM


Originally Posted by Auntie B
Hi Rag Queen, Yup, one layer of insulbrite and one layer of warm and natural, or the bamboo quilt batt. I also use the warm and natural for the potato bags, it has no scrim (glue) in it. It is specifically for the tater-bags. I have also used 6 layers of flannelette. That works great too, and everyone has flannel hanging around left over from pyjama pants. And yes, up the size of your needle, try a sharp or quilting needle, as long as it has a larger shank. Auntie B in Saskatchewan. I like to use the quilt as you go patterns for pot holders and then just bind them. I made several pairs of pot pinchers for my sisters for xmas, I picked colours to match their kitchens, I also made them cupcake pot holders, too cute. They look like a big cupcake, your hand slips under the icing. My sisters loved them !!!!!!!!

cupcake potholders - how cute! would love to see a picture as well as a tute (hint hint)

lynn7448 04-24-2011 05:11 AM


Originally Posted by doowopddbop
I use one layer of Insulbrite with a layer of warm and natural on both sides, so the insulbrite is in the middle.

Love these potholders! Where could I acquire the pattern for these?

Birdena 04-24-2011 05:40 AM

I save myselft the aggravation and use the oven mitt lining fabric (silver on oneside)...not too bulky and not hard on needles.

Gatormom3 04-24-2011 06:47 AM

I use one of insulbrite and two of warm 'n natural - works great.

KrAfTyMaMa 09-21-2011 09:46 AM

Thank you so much all for this thread! I was looking for those answers. Insul-brite or batting, how many layers, and why everyone uses what they do. Got some GREAT answers to my many questions. Just joined, looks like a great group of quilters & crafters in here!. Thanks.

vjjo743 09-21-2011 10:27 AM


Originally Posted by fabricbeforefood
I use two layers of insulbrite; I like them fat and puffy. They wash really well; but lay them to dry. If I don't have enough for two layers, I have used old towel squares. I make 40-50 potholders a year, use them for Christmas cards!

What a wonderful idea.......Christmas Card potholders.

annthreecats 09-21-2011 10:45 AM

The insul-brite is only reflective on one side. I like to use the cotton batting in additional to the insul-brite to give some extra insulation. The extra cotton batting doesn't make it too thick.

pocoellie 09-21-2011 11:41 AM

I use one layer of insulbrite and 2 layers of warm and natural cotton batting, haven't had a problem with needles or quilting, so I can't really help you, hopefully someone can.


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