https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/patchwork-potholder • Posted by Lori V.
A quick and fun patchwork potholder which is great for your own home or to make for gifts.
A quick and fun patchwork potholder which is great for your own home or to make for gifts.
You will need to cut two strips of fabric 2-1/2" by 11" The strips will be from two different fabrics
Place the two 11" strips of fabric right sides together and stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam toward the darker side of the fabric.
Here is the two fabrics stitched and pressed. These will be cut into 2-1/2" strips
Here are the four 2-1/2" wide blocks.
Place the blocks together with the matching fabrics opposite. You will do this with all four blocks and it will look like a checkboard pattern
A good tip, you pressed the seam to the dark fabric, which will have the seam allowances in opposite directions. You are able to but the seams together very nicely and have a perfect match. Place a pin at the seam allowance to keep the blocks in place.
Your patchwork piece which should measure 8-1/2" long. Your length might vary according to your seam allowance amount.
Cut coordinating piece of fabric 2-1/4" by 8-1/2" (if your patchwork is longer or shorter adjust this measurement)/ Sew this piece to one long side of the patchwork.
Cut another piece of fabric same as the one in step 8, this one measures 2-3/4" by 8-1/2" (or the adjusted length if needed). Sew to the opposite side of the patchwork.. Your piece should measure 8-1/2" square. If yours is different no problem, it is a potholder and can be whatever size you desire. If you want it bigger add more fabric to the sides or top/bottom.
Cut backing fabric 8-1/2" square or to the size of the front of your potholder. Also, cut batting or other heat-resistant material for the inside of your potholder. You might want to use multiple layers.
Layer the pieces 1. batting 2. backing fabric right side up 3. Patchwork piece right side down. Pin the layers.
Sew around the potholder with a 1/4" seam allowance leaving an opening for turning. Make sure you clip the extra seam allowance at the corners to reduce bulk.
I find it easier to press one side of the opening to the inside, flip over the potholder and press the other side of the opening to inside. It is easier to match the seam and get a clean, straight edge.
I like to edgestitch around the entire potholder, this closes the opening. I do an additional 1/4" around the potholder and then I like to add some quilting for detail on the potholder. Enjoy your quick and fun project. A great gift and a nice project to use some scraps.