How to Make a Potholder

Learn how to sew your own beautiful potholders with this easy project. If you’re staring at your fabric scraps wondering what to do with them, let me introduce you to one of my favorite simple sewing projects: the DIY pot holder.

These are fun to make, super useful in the kitchen, and they make a great gift too.

Whether you’re using leftover quilt batting, a square of Insul-Bright, or just layering up cotton fabric, this is a satisfying little project that you can finish in an afternoon.

Plus, we’ll walk through everything step-by-step. If you’re new to sewing or just want to build your sewing skills with something quick and practical, these cute potholders are perfect.

Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s a quick explanation of what you’ll want to gather before starting. Some links may be affiliate links (which means I earn a small commission if you purchase—thank you!):

• Two 10″ x 10″ pieces of fabric (cotton fabric is best—avoid syntheticfabrics)
• One 10″ x 10″ layer of Insul-Bright (or heat resistant batting)
• Optional: a second layer of cotton or thermal batting for extra heat protection
• Thread to match your favorite fabrics
• Sewing machine (a walking foot helps with thicker layers)
• Rotary cutter or fabric scissors
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Pins or fabric clips
• Iron + ironing board
• Optional: bias tape (about 1 yard)
• Optional: hanging loop (a folded fabric strip or a little rectangle piece)

Potholder Tutorial: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep your fabric pieces
Choose your front piece and back fabric. Pre-wash everything so it doesn’t shrink later. Press them flat—no one likes wrestling with wrinkles while sewing.

Step 2: Cut your potholder layers
Cut your two squares of fabric and your batting (or Insul-Bright square) to the same size. Standard size is 10″ x 10″, but you can make mini potholders or oversized ones too. Just keep the layers of cotton batting and heat resistant batting all the same size.

Step 3: Layer everything
On a flat surface, stack your pieces in this order:

1. Back piece (right side down)
2. Layer of Insul-Bright or thermal batting
3. Optional: second layer of batting
4. Front piece (right side up)

If you’re adding a loop, place the folded end of the loop piece between the front and back layers at the top right corner. The raw edges of the loop should stick out of the edge of the stack slightly.

Step 4: Clip or pin layers together
Pin around the edges or use clips to keep things from shifting. Those thick layers can move around easily, especially with lightweight fabrics.

Step 5: Sew around the outside edge
Using about a 1/8″ seam allowance, sew all the way around, leaving a 3″ opening on one long side. Backstitch at the start and end. Straight lines are your friend here!

Step 6: Trim corners and turn
Clip the corners (not through your stitches!) to reduce bulk. Turn the whole thing right side out through the opening. Use a chopstick or turning tool to push out those corners nicely.

Step 7: Press and close the gap
Give it a good press, tucking in the raw edges of the opening. Then top stitch around the whole outside edge to close it and give it a finished look. This is your final step if you’re skipping bias tape.

Step 8: Optional bias tape finish
Want an extra polished look? Sew bias tape around the outside edge. It’ll cover the seam and add a fun design element. Just sandwich the edges in the folded bias tape and sew all the way around, catching both sides.

Bonus Tip: Quilt it!

If you’re feeling extra fancy, stitch some diagonal lines or horizontal lines through all the layers before turning it right side out. It’ll help hold everything together—especially if you’re using multiple layers of batting—and adds a bit of a quilted feel.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Add a hanging loop: Use a safety pin to turn a folded edge of fabric into a simple loop.
• Make a matching set: Use your extra fabric to sew folded fabric coasters or an oven mitt.
• Use what you have: A drop cloth or linen fabric also works for a rustic look.
• Make it thicker: Add more layers of batting or use a stiffer type of fabric on the outside.
• Turn it into a pocket potholder: Add a rectangle piece to the front of the potholder for your hand to slip into.
• Try different shapes: Round, rectangle, or even heart-shaped potholders work great with this method.

Homemade pot holders are a great way to use up your stash and make something practical.

They’re quick to sew, customizable with fun designs, and they use up just the right amount of extra fabric. Once you make one, you’ll want to make a stack of new potholders for every season or holiday.

More easy potholders and free sewing patterns

Sew up a hot pad with a pocket – it’s an easy addition. Plus, this is a quilt as you go technique – which is perfect for using up little scraps of fabric.

Large quilted hot pad – you can make the same hot pad just a larger so you can use it with a 9×13 baking dish.

Grab your scraps and make a bunch of hot pads super quick. These are perfect for gifts as well.

This long quilted pot holder has pockets at each end which comes in handy!

This simple pot holder has a fun little twist in it. Use four fabrics plus your backing and you are set.

Make placemats – just a little larger and not hot ready.. but this is a great project as well to try out.

More Kitchen Sewing Projects

• Projects for your microwave
• 5 sewing projects for your kitchen

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