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!!!

how many layers did you use?
It is on my list to purchase for some potholders.

I'm using 1 layer of insulbright and then using some cotton batting cut a little smaller so it is not in the seams. I'll quilt them so the batting should not move around. See if that works better:)

hey its your long lost "adopted" daughter! i changed my profile name to reflect my love of rag quilts. i have made about 6-7 so far. donated one to the alzheimer center in memory of my uncle. right now i am trying to get these potholders done for quilt guild and i used one layer of insul bright and some batting i had here at home. i bought some heavyweight interfacing and i am going to try that tonight and see how it goes. i didn't want to screw up their potholders so i am going to be overflowing with them for our house cuz i am using the boo boo ones for me!

I use one layer of insulbrite and 2 layers of craft felt. I have this leftover from tablerunners so figure the cost is nearly nothing.

I do the same...one layer of insulbright and one layer of warm and natural. also use quilting needles...or you could also use needles that are for Jeans.

thanks for all the suggestions! gonna drag out my old machine to do these. i like the idea of craft felt.

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

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

When I make potholders I use two layers of thick old terry bath or hand towels and quilt them with a #18 needle. This is my excuse to freshen up with new towels and a great use for the old or spotted ones. When you are using insulbrite you want to use at least a #16 needle, if your outside fabric is heavy go up to #18. I prefer the #18 because I know I will not break a needle and it will stitch through the thick areas no problem.

I use one layer of batting and one layer of insulbrite.... if the batting is thin, sometimes I use 2 layers of batting.

Good thing I read this. I was thinking of only using a layer of the insulbrite. Didn't even think it needed a layer of batting also. Haven't acutally tried making any yet. I bought the insulbrite awhile back and prompty lost it in my sewing room clutter.

I use one layer of insulbright and one layer of warm and natural. I've made several potholders and haven't had any needles break.

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?!

I use 1 layer insulbrite, 1 layer warm and white

I made some for a friend a while back...I used a layer of insulbrite sandwiched between 2 layers of cotton batting, and then the outside cotton finishing fabric. Wasn't any problem

I use 100% cotton towels. 2 layers. I attach each individual towel square to each front-back of the potholder. I then sandwich the pieces (4) together, treating it like a mini quilt and pin the heck out of it. Then I quilt it, trim it and bind it. I use the walking foot for the entire process and they've all been coming out great.

I've had so much success using cotton towels as batting that I've never gotten around to using the insul-bright(?) The potholders are very soft and fluffy and do really well at keeping your pinkies from burning.

I use 100% cotton towels. 2 layers. I attach each individual towel square to each front-back of the potholder. I then sandwich the pieces (4) together, treating it like a mini quilt and pin the heck out of it. Then I quilt it, trim it and bind it. I use the walking foot for the entire process and they've all been coming out great.

I've had so much success using cotton towels as batting that I've never gotten around to using the insul-bright(?) The potholders are very soft and fluffy and do really well at keeping your pinkies from burning.

I've been making potholders for years and only use one layer of insul brite. Nothing else.

I'm right there with normasews! Why the batting in addition to the insulnright? Somebody please reply: inquiring minds want to know!

My MIL told me her friend used mattress pad in pot holders.

I use one layer of Insulbright and one of Warm and Natural just to be safe.

I haven't made potholders, but I will now! I did use one layer of insulbrite when making a carrying case for a travel iron, no batting.

I never have a problem,one layer batting one layer insulbrite one layer batting.Because i like it that way.Connie in CO

Thanks for the link!! I have seem coasters similar to this!

There are no dumb questions!
The lady that runs the LQS has a sample of a hotpad that was made with only insulbright, no regular batting. It has a burn, in some places clear through the potholder. It was in flames when her husband found it. He had made some soup, was stirring it, took the spoon out and laid it on the potholder, went downstairs to do something, came back upstairs and the potholder was in flames. The LQS owner is now recommending NOT to use insulbright in potholders - batting only.

Drew,i tie the middle of that pattern with string so the 4 will stay together.Connie in CO

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!

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!

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

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

I use both, layers depends on the material I am using. Sometimes I buy the heavier material so I use one of each. If material is thinner, then I use 2 of batting & 1 of the other.

one layer is not enough to remove a roaster from the oven at even 300 degrees! you will get burnt hands

I use one layer of insulbrite and one layer of recycled ironing board padding or "blanket liner" from DH's old jean workcoats. I can sometimes save a few squares of denim from the coats too (but he pretty much WEARS THEM OUT before he'll give one up). :roll:

I have made many, many coasters using this same method with 5" blocks. I was going to enlarge the blocks to make a potholder or hot mat but had not yet done it. Try the coasters too. They are great.

I use a layer of thin batting along with insulbright. :lol:

Carolaug, thank you so very much for that link. I now have my Mothers Day gifts. I figure I can make 12 between now and Mothers Day. And I will make 12 women/mothers very happy. Easy, fun, beautiful and practical. Thanks again.

Ok, dumb question:
What is all this about insulbrite? I've never even heard of it. What's wrong with a thick layer of regular batting?

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.