using insul bright in potholders
 

I am making some potholders and had planned to use insul bright in them. I am nervous that 1 layer of insul bright is not enough for oven use, so I tried a piece of warm and natural with it, but it is thick to sew. I am wondering what others do for pot holders? I even wondered about just using 2 layers of warm and natural? Opinions please...

I am making pot holders too now. I am using 1 layer of the insul brite sandwhiched between 2 layers of the Quilters Dream low loft cotton batting (its pretty thin). A total of 3 layers of batting. It is thick, but my machine sews those 3 layers and the fabric (for the front and back) just fine. Now this is my first time making pot holders so I am still learning. I will be interested to hear the other responses.

When I made potholders I used insulbrite with one layer of warm and natural cotton batting. With the top and backing it was 4 layers. A little thick to quilt through but doable. Then you add another couple of layers with double fold binding strips. You just have to go really slow at the corners. But you end up with nice thick potholders and no burned fingers!!

I use 2 layers of insulbrite & no batting. It is fairly thin but you never burn your fingers.

I used double insulbrite in my potholders. I can't remember if the shiny side is out or the dull side is out. It says on the paper that comes with it. I then didn't quilt it, just let the binding keep it together.

I didn't know it made a difference about which side went in or out. Can some tell us which is correct?

I used insulbrite (1 layer) sandwiched between flannel. I then sandwiched that between the outside decorative fabric. No burning, even when handling cast iron.

I made several last summer with 1 layer of insulbrite and 1 layer of warm and natural. It wasn't heat resistant enough for me. So, I'm going to try 2 layers of insulbrite next time. I've heard that works better. I don't know which side should out toward the heat and which side away from the heat. Maybe that's why it wasn't protective enough.... I'm going to make more this summer.

This is what I do also!!! Wonderful potholders!!!

Instructions for the layers are on the paper sleeve. The shiny side should always face the hot surface to deflect heat (or cold, if using for chilled).

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Thank you Knitette . Now would you use one layer or two for the microwave bowl holders?

Don't use insulbright for the holders that go in the microwave. Anything that goes in the microwave needs to be 100% cotton. There is a product and I can't remember the name but you use it to make the potato bags. Even cotton quilt bat has other fibers in it in the scrim so be very very careful about what you use if it is going in the microwave.

For pot holders used outside of the microwave I use one layer of insulbright and one layer of warm and natural. I do minimal quilting on my potholders as the fewer holes, the less space for heat to escape into. I have also made them where I have quilted them before I put on the back so am quilting just through the front and layers of insulbright and warm and natural and then put on the back.

As citruscountyquilter says, not really recommended for use in microwave. For potholders I just use one Insul-Bright and one Quilters Dream (100% cotton).

I totally agree with this. I have found one layer of insulbrite and one layer of batting does not work very well. Two layers of insulbrite is best for me. This is strictly my opinion.

I don't like insulbrite. I use two layers of Warm and Natural in my pot holders and hot pads. Works just fine.

Are you using a WALKING FOOT? A walking foot should be able to handle multiple layers. My waking foot easily handles the layers I sew through when making pot holders or binding.

Nan

Nan

before putting the insul-bright in, i always test it with my iron. lay it on the fabric and lay the iron on it. if the heat doesn't come through, it's right. all depends on which way you want the heat to go. casserole carriers, pot holders, etc. It's hard to tell which side is which so i always test first.

I haven't made any potholders yet but plan to. I have used Insul-bright in my mug rug but can't tell one side from another. BOTH look the SAME !!!

When you use 2 layers of Insulbrite do both shiny sides face the same direction?

I just set my microwave on fire. I thought there was food in it, but there was a 100% cotton pad in there. Caught on fire...flames and smoke. Had to get a new microwave.

I use 3 layers all the time without problems with the sewing machine. Only 1 layer of insulbrite, if that. I don't always use insulbrite. I use whatever is left over that is cotton - old towels, cotton batting, worn out mattress pad, ... You don't want to leave insulbrite in the microwave while it's being used.

I use one layer of insult brite for pot holders.
DO NOT use insul-brite for micro bowls or potato bags, only the 100percent cotton potato bag batting should be used. Also, even using cotton batting can catch fire if there is food items dried on the bags or not cleaned after use, very I portait to make sure is clean before using, and absolutely NO metallic fabrics should be used.

When doing shiny side out toward the "hot" side for pot holders - if only using one piece of insul-bright plus a piece of regular cotton batting, you should tell whoever you are giving them to...i make one side a single piece of plain fabric - that is the "to the heat" side. If i make 2 sided items - i put a piece of heavier muslin between the outward facing pieces of insul-brite.

The first insulbrite batting I bought had the paper with it that said to use the shiny side toward the heat. The next time I bought it, the paper said nothing about a preferable side. It looked the same on both sides. The manufacturers must have changed their product.
The product for microwave bowls is called Wrap n Zap and it's made by Pellon.

Thank you all. I had planned on using one quilt square on the front and a coordinating flannel for the back of my pot holders. Think I will use one insul bright and one warm and natural and then try them this weekend before I go to far.

When I use insulbrite I use one in the middle of two warm and natural and then I put two layers of fabric I don't like or denim on each side, I also quilt it. Not too thick and doesn't let the heat in. So many ways, make them and try them out for what will work for you.

I also use one layer of insulbrite with one layer of regular batting - and put the shiny side out. That plus the fabric is four layers. That's at the recomendation of the quilt shop lady, and I don't get burned when using them.

I use 2 layers of cotton batting and then back the pot holders with ironing board fabric instead of regular cotton fabric.

Pennyhal, the cotton batting that can go in a microwave has no scrim in it. Your normal 100% cotton batting has scrim to hold it together and that is what is subject to bursting into flame. Any bag/pad you make for the microwave must be all cotton fabric and batting with no scrim (specialized product that will note it is safe for microwave use).

I don't know if this is what happened in your case, but:
Make sure to wash your microwave bowl or potato bag if there is a spill on it. A friend also caught her microwave on fire using a 100% pad that she had accidentally sloshed some soup in. The burned on food is what actually caught fire.

Some of the older sewing machines have a presser foot PRESSURE adjustment - on many machines it's the knob on top of the machine above the needle bar - I found that on my Singer 237 (a 1960s "economy" model - tan) that I could sew on a lot of thicknesses when I reduced the pressure. Before I reduced the pressure, the top layers would move forward as I tried to sew.

Anyway - it's another adjustment to consider.

It also helped to lengthen the stitch.

And to use a heavier needle - like a 90/14 or 100/16 when I was using denim.

I have used old thick terry towels for the middle of potholders.

The suggestion to test the combination under a hot iron is an excellent one.

I have been making potholders for over 50 years. When I began there was no Insulbrite. I have mostly used worn washcloths, old mattress pads, bath towels, etc. No problems so far...so I guess I will continue to make do...use it up.....wear it out.

I always use two layers of insulbrite in my pot holders and mitts. I also make the mitts quite a bit longer to protectt my arms as well.

30 years ago, I cheated. I went to the commissary and bought a stack of cheap potholders that were on sale for like .89 cents a piece. The front and back were silver material which we now know as insulbright. Brought them home and make a front and back piece (pieced them) and added binding. Extremely easy and I'm STILL using those potholders. I've never been burned when using them and I can't throw them out because they just won't wear out!

I always add a layer of batting when I use Insul-Bright as that is what the manufacturer suggests. I feel that it gives the recipient extra protection and it makes for a beautiful project. Insul-Bright says that the extra layer of batting absorbs the moisture that forms from the heat which could, just possibly, cause the heat to be more intense. Have never encountered this, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

My mother used to crochet potholders using cotton crochet thread. She would sew two together using scraps of cotton fabric (3 or 4 layers) for the "stuffing". They were fine and we never felt the heat through them. What I am saying is that you don't need insulbrite. Just use a few layers of cotton fabric. Or try towels like the chefs on tv do.

I use insulbrite, a layer of cotton batting and use Teflec as one of my outside fabrics. Works really well.

I just asked that today at the LQS. They said it made no difference ... Hope they were correct.

I have used the silver material that covers ironing boards in my potholders. It is thin and easy to sew with layers.

I place one batting square between 2 squares of the silver material. The shiny, heatproof side of the silver fabric squares face out toward the top and bottom fabrics of the potholder. ..this way both sides are heatproof.

I agree...