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.

pretty

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.

this is a great tute and so smart..thanks for sharing

You're welcome! I made a bunch of potholders that were bound with regular binding, and after that, I thought "not again".

I also had a potholder given to me that was similarly constructed, so that helped me figure it out.

Nice. I have done a few with binding...ugh....this looks a lot easier.

Great tute! I'm bookmarking this. :thumbup:

Thanks for the great tute! Will try these tomorrow.

I usually make mine the sandwich way - this looks so much easier. Thanks.

Notice you don't put loops - there was resistance when I proposed this to my group but when no one could say they actually hung up their potholders we've been going 'loopless' ever since.

Wonderful tutorial. I can use this to teach my gradeschool niece how to sew. This is perfect with all the pics. Thank you

Yes, occasionally when I give people potholders they mention that there aren't any loops, but most people put thier potholders in a drawer, so I don't know what the big deal is... Anyway, loops are just another step, so I don't do them.

Merry - if you try them, please post pics and let me know how it goes!

Thank you and it is so quick & easy

Very nice, and oh-so-clear. Thanks.

super cute and great tutorial - thank you so much

Thank You sew much, this is a great tute and I love potholders, can't have too many

Thank you!

Really nice tutorial on some quick and easy potholders. This will be a great starter project for my SIL who is just learning to sew!

Explosive blessings, abundance and inspiration to you all!
- The Creative Seamstress

Wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing.

Thank you so much for sharing!!! I just noticed yesterday my mom is in desperate need of new potholders. :thumbup: :thumbup:

very nice thanks

Thanks for a great and graphic tute. Will bookmark this one for sure.

Great tute...they will make such nice hostess gifts..Thanks for sharing.
Dottie

Thanks for sharing. I do this with fleece on baby blankets, but had not thought about it for potholders. Thanks for sharing.

I think I TAUGHT YOU HOW TO DO THAT. Great idea isn't it. A good way to use up scraps and blocks that got left behind.

Thanks so much for the tutorial. You did a GREAT job!!! Will be making some of these for my craft show....Thanks again.

Great Tutorial!!! That is so sweet that the backing makes the binding. I plan on making some. Thanks again!

I am joining a potholder exchange, and this will be GREAT help. Thanks.

thank you so much for the time you spent teaching us this today

Really nice tutorial. Thanks for all the pictures, they definitely help a lot.

Thanks. I bookmarked this.

Thanks for the demo.I'm going to try it.They will make quick little gifts that people need but forget to buy most of the time. My family love's home made things, the more I see on this board the more they will get.

Really cute and nicely made. Maybe even I could do one like this, lol.

Great tutorial thanks for sharing.