Pretty Potholders from Discarded Fabrics
Decorative fabrics that are used for curtains, table cloth, wall accent, table runner, etc. often goes to the trash whenever they get damaged with stains, holes or tears. But don’t be too quick on discarding these lovely fabrics because there is still a way to salvage them for other use. One can create some pretty potholders for the kitchen by simply removing the damaged areas and using the good parts as craft materials.
A 7-1/2” square pot holder requires two pieces of 9x11” rectangle fabric with different prints, 8” square backing fabric, scrap of fabric for the hanging loop, 7-1/2” square of insulated batting, 8” square cotton batting, Quilt basting spray.
Step 1: Cut the first rectangle fabric into the following:
2 pieces 1 ½ x 8” border strips
2 pieces 1 ½ x 6” border strips
Step 2: Cut a 6” square into the second fabric and a 2x5” strip from the scrap.
Step 3: Sew the short border strips to the opposite edges of the 6” square fabric. Attach the long borders to the remaining edges to create the pot holder front which should be 8” square including the seam allowances. Press all seams toward the border strips.
Step 4: Create the hanging loop by folding the 2x5” strip in half lengthwise. Press lightly and unfold. Fold the raw edges in meeting at the center. Fold it in half again in a lengthwise manner with the folded edges properly aligned. Press again and edge stitch the folded edges. Match the raw ends and fold in half to create a loop then baste. Pin loop to the top left hand front of the pot holder with the raw edges at the corner.
Step 5: Lay the insulated batting square on a work surface then apply basting spray. Place the cotton batting square at the center of the insulated batting square and baste. Put the pot holder front with the right side up and layer with the backing square on its wrong side up on the basted batting squares. Stitch through all the layers around the outer edges and leave a 5” opening along one edge.
Step 6: Trim corners and turn it right side out. Push out corners with the use of chopsticks or eraser end of a pencil. Whip-stitch opening to finish the potholder.
