Materials Needed

• 1/2 yard of cotton fabric (for front and back)
• 1/2 yard of cotton batting or Insul-Bright (heat-resistant batting)
• Coordinating thread
• Basic sewing supplies: scissors, pins, sewing machine, iron
• Optional: bias tape or fabric strips for binding edges

Skill Level

This project is suitable for beginners who have basic sewing skills, including straight stitching and using a sewing machine. It’s a great way to practice quilting and binding techniques.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut Your Fabric and Batting

Cut two squares of cotton fabric, each measuring 9 inches by 9 inches. Cut one square of batting the same size.

Step 2: Layer the Pieces

Make a sandwich with the batting in the middle and the two fabric squares on the outside, right sides facing out. Pin the layers together to keep them from shifting.

Step 3: Quilt the Layers

Using a sewing machine, quilt the layers together by sewing straight lines across the square. You can sew vertical lines spaced about 1 inch apart, then sew horizontal lines to create a grid pattern. This quilting holds the layers securely and adds texture.

Step 4: Trim the Edges

Trim any uneven edges so all layers are the same size.

Step 5: Bind the Edges

To finish the pot holder, bind the edges with bias tape or fabric strips. Fold the binding over the edges and sew it in place, mitering the corners for a neat finish.

Step 6: Add a Hanging Loop (Optional)

Cut a small strip of fabric, fold and sew it into a loop, then attach it to one corner of the pot holder for easy hanging.

Tips for Success

• Use 100% cotton fabric and batting for heat resistance.
• Take your time quilting to keep stitches even and straight.
• Press your fabric and binding well with an iron for crisp edges.

For more beginner sewing projects, check out our Beginner’s Guide to Sewing a Simple Drawstring Bag.