It’s so satisfying to sew something that you know will be put to good use, isn’t it? This handy potholder pattern will help you stitch up a set of potholders that are just the right size for each hand, and the straps on each holder ensure you can always keep a good grip on the hot items in your hands! Depending on your experience level, this free potholder pattern can be used to make a set of potholders in around an hour or less. Let’s get started!
Even more quick and easy sewing project ideas!
Important Tips Before You Sew a Potholder with this Free Potholder Pattern
What are the finished dimensions of these DIY potholders? Each potholder measures 8.5×6″.
How much fabric/other notions will I need to make a set of potholders with this pattern? You will need approximately 1/4″ yard of two medium-weight fabrics (home decor fabric, twill, canvas, etc.) , a 9×12″ section of Insul-Bright, and 1 package of bias tape.
How can I know if the pattern printed properly? Refer to the square in the lower corner of the pattern and ensure it measures precisely 1″.
Can I make larger/smaller versions of these DIY potholders? Absolutely! Simply reduce or enlarge the pattern slightly when printing. The amount you scale the pattern will depend upon the size of the hands you are fitting, so I recommend printing at the desired scale, and then ensuring the hand fits easily within the outer boundary of the body pattern piece. Bear in mind that enlarging/reducing the pattern size will impact the amount of bias tape needed for each potholder, so you will have to manually measure to find the length needed for those sections.
What is Insul-Bright? Insul-Bright is a lining fabric that is made with polyester fibers woven through a metal film. It helps reflects heat/cold back to its source and is great for insulating projects like this one. Insul-Bright can usually be found in the utility fabric section.
Can I add a second layer of Insul-Bright when making potholders to make them extra heat resistant? Feel free to add an additional layer of Insul-Bright to these homemade potholders to give them even more heat protection, or if you tend to have very heat-sensitive hands.
Handy Potholder Pattern Supplies
- Handy Potholder Pattern (scroll below for the free download)
- Medium weight fabric in 2 designs
- Insul-Bright (see note above)
- 1 package extra-wide double fold bias tape
- Coordinating thread
Equipment
- Sewing machine
- Sewing clips
- Iron
(Check out my essential list of sewing tools here)
Note: If you’re not familiar with how to sew with bias tape/binding, I highly recommend you read my bias tape sewing guide before you begin.
Handy Potholder Pattern Instructions
Scroll below for a printable PDF version of these instructions.
Using the pattern pieces, cut out the following for each set of potholders you wish to make:
- 2 front body pieces with fabric 1
- 2 back body pieces with fabric 2
- 2 Insul-Bright body pieces
- 2 front strap pieces with fabric 1
- 2 back strap pieces with fabric 2
- 2 Insul-Bright strap pieces
(Cuts needed for one potholder are shown below.)
Assemble the Straps
For each strap, create a “sandwich” of the following:
- 1 back strap piece, wrong side up
- 1 Insulbright strap piece
- 1 front strap piece, right side up
Carefully align the outer edges of the three stacked pieces; clip or pin together. Baste stitch 1/8” along each of the long edges. Cut 2 5.5″ sections of bias tape. Stitch these bias tape pieces to each of the basted edges, encasing the long raw edges completely in the binding.
Repeat the steps above to assemble the remaining strap.
Assemble the Potholder Body
For each potholder body, create a “sandwich” of the following:
- 1 back body piece, wrong side up
- 1 Insulbright body piece
- 1 front body piece, right side up
Carefully align the outer edge of the three stacked pieces; clip or pin together. Baste stitch 1/8” along the outer perimeter.
Position one of the assembled straps face up on the front side of the potholder body so the strap is centered 3” from the top and bottom curves of the potholder body. Baste the strap into place along each of the strap’s short sides.
Cut a 26″ section of bias tape. Affix the bias tape around the perimeter of the basted pieces using the method detailed in my bias tape sewing guide.
Repeat the steps above to finish the remaining potholder.
In no time at all, you have a handy set of homemade potholders!
A set of these DIY potholders makes a terrific gift for a cooking/baking enthusiast when paired with kitchen essentials (whisks, spoons, measuring cups/spoons, etc.). These would be great to give as a wedding or housewarming gift, too!
To Download the FREE Potholder Pattern, Click Here
Handy Potholder Pattern
Equipment
- Sewing Machine
- Sewing clips
- Iron
Materials
- Handy Potholder Pattern click link in post for free download
- Medium weight fabric in 2 patterns
- Insul-Bright see note above
- Extra-wide double fold bias tape
- Coordinating thread
Instructions
- Using the pattern pieces, cut out the following for each set of potholders you wish to make: 2 fabric front main body pieces, 2 fabric back main body pieces, 2 Insul-Bright main body pieces, 2 fabric front strap pieces, 2 fabric back strap pieces, and 2 Insul-Bright strap pieces.
- For each strap, create a “sandwich” of the following: 1 back strap piece, wrong side up; 1 Insul-Bright strap piece; 1 front strap piece, right side up.
- Carefully align the outer edges of the three stacked pieces; clip or pin together. Baste stitch 1/8” along each of the long edges. Cut 2 5.5" sections of bias tape, and stitch these bias tape pieces to each of the basted edges, encasing the long raw edges completely in the binding.
- Repeat the steps above to assemble the remaining strap.
- For each potholder body, create a “sandwich” of the following: 1 back body piece, wrong side up; 1 Insulbright body piece; 1 front body piece, right side up.
- Carefully align the outer edge of the three stacked pieces; clip or pin together. Baste stitch 1/8” along the outer perimeter.
- Position one of the assembled straps face up on the front side of the potholder body so the strap is centered 3” from the top and bottom curves of the potholder body. Baste the strap into place.
- Cut a 26" section of bias tape. Affix the bias tape around the perimeter of the basted pieces using the method detailed in my bias tape sewing guide (linked in post).
- Repeat the steps above to finish the remaining potholder.
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.