How To Make Quilted Potholders

I don't know about you but I seem to misplace potholders and hotpads all the time.  I really think they are on vacation with missing socks out of the dryer.  The cotton potholders are my favorite but you can't find those in the stores anymore.  They aren't much, some cotton fabric, cotton batting, all quilted together and bound.  That sounds like a mini quilt now doesn't it?  I figured this was the perfect opportunity to not only use some scraps and orphaned blocks up, it was the perfect chance to practice some free motion quilting.  Does the cake really care if the flower is a little lopsided?  Of course not!!  This way we get practice and we get a practical item when we are done.  That sounds like a win-win to me.

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The first thing I suggested when doing free motion quilting (FMQ) is get yourself a play list of music that has the same basic speed.  For me it has meant a word of difference for keeping my stitches even.  After that it's time to dig out the supplies your need.

Quilted Pot Holder and Hot Pad Supplies

2 squares of cotton fabric 8" or bigger or 2 orphaned quilt blocks 

2 squares of cotton batting the same size as your squares

Fabric for binding

Basic Quilting Tools

FMQ Hopping Foot

Spray Basting or Hairspray

The first part is really easy.  You make a quilt sandwich.  I used 2 layers of batting because I wanted a little more between my hand and the hot pan.  Since the block is so small I spray basted my blocks together instead of using pins.  Now we do our FMQ!!  It's OK.  Take a step out and try.  I'm no expert in FMQ but the only way we get better is to practiced.

After quilting the potholder it's time to square up the block.  You'll also need about 20" of binding, I used 2 1/4" wide strips and folded it in half.

After you get your binding made up and have your pot holder squared up it's time to sew on the binding.  Bind your pot holder in whatever method you prefer.  I'm a machine girl so I sew both sides with the machine.

That's it you have a completed pot holder in a matter of just a few minutes!  You also got to practice your FMQ so it wasn't wasted.

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