These potholders are as quick as I know how to make them - using the backing for binding cuts down a lot on time, for me. You can use a plain square of fabric for a top or any pieced block that you happen to have.

Each step will be its own post.

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Step One

Cut batting a quarter inch or more larger all around than your potholder top. For my potholders, I like to use multiple layers of denim and/or flannel or cotton batting. If you use all denim, it makes a very tough potholder that needs very minimal quilting, but it also feels very hard and flat.

Cut backing about an inch and a half bigger on all sides than the potholder top.

Step Two

Layer the backing, batting, and top and secure with pins. For small items I like this to use straight pins, but I'm sure safety pins would work (and be safer, of course).

Quilt as desired, but do not quilt within about 1/4" from the edge of the top. Just trust me, life is easier that way.

STEP 3

Take the backing and flip it down as far as possible (to the line of quilting, basically). Put your ruler along the edge of the top and trim off excess batting. If you ignored my earlier warning, and quilted right up to the edge, be very, very careful not to slice your backing material.

STEP 4

Now put the 3/4" mark of the ruler on the edge of the potholder top and trim the backing on all sides. If you slip up and do it on the 5/8" mark on one side, as I did in this picture :XD: it won't matter too much. Forge onward.

STEP 5

Fold down one corner of the backing to meet the corner of the top and batting. Then fold it down again, over the top.

STEP 6

Still holding the folded over corner down, take your other hand and fold down a 1/4" seam allowance for the backing, and pin it down to cover the raw edges of the potholder.

Pin (or use binding clips, it's easier than poking straight pins through all the layers) all around the potholder. I like to pin the ends of a side first, and then work towards the middle.

STEP 7

Topstitch all around the binding, removing pins as you go. Take it slowly at the corners - that's a lot of layers.

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