Cotton Potholders for Everyone

A kitchen is not complete without potholder. A potholder is a small pad made of yarn of fabric which is used to handle hot cooking utensils. They are fun and easy make.

One of the best things to use to make potholders is cotton. Cotton is a durable material. It can take multiple washings. Cotton can absorb moisture rapidly. It is an all around good choice.

Personally I like a big square pot holder. I can use it to grab a hot pan or as a trivet. Homemade potholders are one of my favorite gifts. I make themes for every holiday. It is fun, easy and practical.

Quilted Cotton Potholders

1. Preshrink you favorite cotton fabric.
2. Cut squares 7 X 7 inches
3. Sew three sided together
4. Fill with a 6 � X 6 � square of table felt. This should fit snugly into the little bag you have made.
5. Sew the final side.
6. Here is where I am traditional, but I understand if you want to use a machine! I hand quilt the potholders. You can use the pattern of the fabric or just do lines. Either will work well.

I prefer table felt, but there are other fillers you can use. Old cotton bath towels are great filling and a way to recycle. Regular cotton batting is another option. You want to be sure that you put enough layers to protect you from the hot pans. That means at least four layers.

Another great option is a crocheted cotton potholder. Use 100% cotton yarn. They have many that are specially designed with kitchen colors in mind. Use a size H crochet hook. Chain 54 stitches. Single crochet through the front loop only of all 54 stitches. Continue to crochet around through all the back loop stitches. Keep going with this same pattern. The shape will change and evolve. Eventually, it will fold flat into a double thick square.

Cut the table felt and stuff the potholder. Seam up the center with a flat stitch. Slip stitch the table felt through the yarn. Perfect!

If you would like to get your children involved there are the ever famous cotton loom potholders. Single these are a burn waiting to happen. However, you have the children do the weaving with the cotton loops. After they are completed you can join two potholders with the proper filling and you have created a master piece together.

The perfect gift may be pots and pans with a set of pot holders. Maybe a recipe book of family favorites with a pair of potholders is a good idea. If your recipient is cooking challenged, perhaps some cookie and brownie mixes and a pair of potholders is the ticket.

They are fun, practical and affordable. Give them a try.