Potholders for DIY kitchens – from scraps and old jeans

Making your own potholders is an easy and useful way to give your kitchen a unique touch. Not only are they necessary to protect hands when handling hot pots and pans, but they can also be an elegant accent piece for your interior design. The finest aspect? You don’t have to purchase pricey materials or cloth. You can make long-lasting potholders that are both sturdy and attractive with just a few old scraps or even worn-out jeans.

Denim is a great fabric to upcycle for projects like this one. Denim is an excellent material for potholders because it is thick, long-lasting, and naturally heat-resistant. Give those old jeans a second chance at life in the kitchen rather than letting them collect dust in a closet. Moreover, utilizing leftovers and recycled materials reduces waste and extends the life of your existing possessions, all in line with sustainable living principles.

Beginners can easily complete this DIY project, which is also a great way to practice basic sewing techniques. If you don’t own a sewing machine, you can still complete the task with hand stitching. Potholders made from upcycled fabric are a great choice if you’re looking for a craft project for the weekend or a thoughtful handmade gift. Let’s explore some inventive methods for transforming worn-out textiles into lovely and useful kitchen accessories.

Patchwork potholders

A simple option for beginners

What you’ll need for a patchwork potholder is:

  • textiles of two colors;
  • synthetic padding or batting;
  • bias binding for the ribbon;
  • threads, sewing tool.

How to sew

We will need to create a cardboard template in order to put the idea into practice. It ought to be a square with a 7 cm side. Remove the window while maintaining a 1 cm thick wall.

Cut nine squares out of a template. There is already a 1 cm margin all around these blanks. The squares will be completed with a side length of 5 cm. When cutting, bear in mind that we must make sure that the different squares vary in color in the final product.

Sew the squares together, matching the right sides.

It is possible to sew together pairs of blanks without cutting the thread.

Getting three stripes ready.

On one side, iron the allowances and the seams.

Using the same technique, we sew the potholder’s other side.

With their right sides facing one another, arrange the completed pieces. Sew three sides together. Trim the edges.

Insert two layers of polyester batting or padding by turning the product inside out.

Create a bias tape loop. After sewing the other side, we tuck it into the potholder’s corner.

We just need to quilt the tack. Either a machine or a human can accomplish this.

A simple option for beginners – option 2: video mk

We sew potholders without a sewing machine

To make a potholder out of leftovers by hand using a pattern, you’ll need:

  • remnants of fabric of different colors, 100% cotton;
  • thermal insulating gasket, you can use synthetic winterizer;
  • thread, needle, scissors and other tools.

Description

Sketch the future potholder’s design based on the necessary measurements. Our hexagons measure 27 mm on each side. Nineteen pieces need to be prepared. It is best to cut out a hexagon template right away, allowing for cutting ease. The allowances measure one centimeter on all sides.

Get 19 hexagonal blanks ready.

Let’s now examine the step-by-step instructions for sewing this unique item.

The template should be placed on the blank with the wrong side facing up. Secure with a pin.

After enclosing the allowance around the template, basting stitch the seam. We fill in the remaining blanks in the same way.

With the front sides of the two hexagons facing each other, we fold them and stitch over the edge.

The following image displays the seam’s front side.

Sew the hexagons together again.

When you mix plain and printed fabrics, the final product will have more visual interest.

It is necessary to iron the assembled mosaic, remove the paper templates, and remove the basting threads. For the product’s front and back sides, we now cut square pieces of cloth. Moreover, cut out an identically sized piece of padding polyester.

The bottom piece, the polyester padding, and the top piece, the mosaic patchwork, are assembled in that order. Use pins to secure the "sandwich."

Quickstitch using a "forward needle" stitch all of the hexagons around the edge.

To process the potholder’s outer edges, cut out the facing. Its length should be 10-15 cm longer than the circumference, and its width should be 5.5 cm. We create two opposing folds on the iron facing.

Using a running stitch, sew the facing onto one side of the potholder and then the other. The seam must begin in the center of the potholder side.

Please be aware that you get nice corners when you turn.

Lastly, create a loop and gently hem the facing’s ends.

Owl Potholder

To be creative, we must get ready:

  • fabric of three colors (we recommend using special fabric for patchwork);
  • sealant;
  • bias binding;
  • threads, sewing accessories.

How to sew owl-shaped potholders for the kitchen with your own hands

The product parts will be cut out in accordance with the pattern shown below. It must be printed out in full size, accounting for the scale.

Take new pictures of each component separately and remove the patterns.

Draw the parts’ contours on the fabric.

Cut out in accordance with the labels.

Overall, you must eliminate:

  • wings – 4 fabric parts and 2 sealant parts;
  • dark eye parts – 2 reinforced parts;
  • light eye parts – 2 reinforced parts;
  • body – 2 fabric parts and 1 sealant part;
  • beak – 1 piece of fabric.

We create a seal between the body blanks by folding them so that their right sides are facing each other.

We apply the beak detail on top and verify that the cuts line up. Use pins to secure each layer.

Use a zigzag stitch to sew the beak’s two sides together. The third side of the detail is still unresolved at this time. We stitch all of the material layers together at the same time.

Using pins, secure the light details of the eyes in their proper locations.

Stitch in a zigzag pattern all the way around.

After securing the eyes with pins, stitch the shadowy features.

With the wrong sides of the fabric blanks for the wings facing each other, fold them and sandwich a sealant between them.

Stitch three layers of material together to create a decorative seam in the middle.

Use bias tape to finish the wing cuts on one side. Unfold it and sew it to the incorrect side of the detail to accomplish this.

After that, flip the tape to the front, and stitch it along the border.

Put the potholder together by fastening the wings.

We attach the front side of the unfolded binding to the incorrect side of the item. Continue sewing, avoiding treating the potholder’s upper part.

Stitch around the edge after turning the binding to the front.

Cut 0.3 m of the binding off, then locate and mark the center. Sew on the facing after aligning this point with the upper open section’s center. Rotate it to face the front.

Create a machine stitch by sewing the binding’s edges while also processing the potholder’s open upper section.

The binding’s free ends should be folded into loops or ears before being machine or hand-sewn.

Cups

To create, we’ll need:

  • two types of fabric;
  • batting;
  • bias binding;
  • threads, sewing accessories.

How to sew oven mitts for the kitchen with your own hands using a pattern

Four rectangular blanks should be cut out of the main fabric. 16.5 x 21.5 cm in size. Along the short side, trim off two corners, forming them into smooth curves.

Four 5.5 x 16.5 cm strips and two 5.5 x 20 cm strips for future handles will be cut from the finishing cloth.

Cut two 3 x 5 cm pieces out of the piping. Trim the edges of each piece.

From the batting, cut out two pieces that are 15.5 x 22 cm. Repeating the shapes of the pieces from the main fabric, trim the corners off the short sides of the pieces.

Prepare two strips of batting or fabric that are backed with synthetic padding in order to seal the handles. The strips measure 1.5 by 20 centimeters.

Sew the 5.5 x 16.5 cm finishing strips onto the main pieces.

Stitch along the long side after folding the handle pieces in half, wrong side out.

Turn with a wooden stick inside out.

For ease, use a pin to tuck the seal into the handles.

To prevent the batting from bunching up when being used, quickly topstitch one piece of the main fabric and the batting together.

Sew a piping rectangle, resembling a tea bag, onto the second piece of the main fabric. We hand embroider the thread using it. You can do it on a machine if you’d like.

We start putting the potholder together from scratch. As shown in the photo below, place the handle and batting on the quilted portion of the main fabric. The main portion lies face up, as you can see.

Put the second half of the main fabric on top, face down. three sides are machine stitched.

Inside out, turn the potholder over. Use bias tape to process the upper edges.

The potholder is prepared! In the picture below, you can see the product from both sides.

Butterfly

To assemble it, we’ll need:

  • fabric of several colors that can be combined with each other;
  • bias tape — 1 m;
  • synthetic padding;
  • buttons;
  • decorative braid;
  • threads, sewing accessories.

How to sew a potholder

The pattern below can be used to make this adorable butterfly potholder.

From the main fabric, cut out two body parts and four wing parts.

Cut two pieces of padding polyester, one large and one small. There are 5 mm allowances on the inside of the wings.

We use synthetic padding to reinforce the wings’ outer layer. The wing blanks are folded right sides inward, and then we sew them along the inside edge. We flip the wings inside out and notch the allowances. We sew along the edge three to five millimeters away from the fold.

We use adhesive padding polyester to reinforce one major component. After folding the second section so that the right sides are facing one another, we secure it with pins. Using two pieces of tape, we cut out antennae and pin them. We use two lines to stitch. These lines are outlined in red in the picture. We turn the body inside out and cut the polyester padding in two places at the base of the wings.

The picture below illustrates the decorative seams on a product made of a different fabric, but they are essentially invisible because of the fabric’s pattern. It’s acceptable to sew the product’s layers differently from the diagram if you follow your own stitching pattern. The symmetrical pattern is the most important feature for the potholder.

Cut out the part shaped like a drop with a 5 mm margin for the applique on the wings. Put a hand stitch through it. Using a template, cut out a round blank for the second decoration. Its diameter ought to be double the finished decoration’s diameter. After positioning the blank and template on the wing, stitch around the edge.

Using hand stitches, sew around the rim.

A button is used to fix and close the cuts after pulling to the center.

Add a few more buttons for embellishment and create decorative hand stitches. For decoration, you can use drapes or felt.

Fold the main portion and the wings. Make two counterfolds of the cuts on the piping and iron them. Attach the piping to the edge by pinning it.

While basting, fold the piping to the opposite side of the potholder. Kindly take note that the potholder’s back side should have piping that is 1-2 mm wider than its front side. Stitch along the stitching seam on the front side. If preferred, you can use blind stitches to hand-sew the second side of the binding.

Remembering to create a loop is important when creating the edging.

Kitchen potholders "Bell"

These unique caps are a great asset for a teapot.

They can be styled to resemble pears, eggplants, or Christmas trees.

Let’s stitch a strawberry bell.

  • green and red fabric;

  • fabric for lining;
  • heat-resistant lining;
  • ready-made narrow piping;
  • threads, sewing equipment.

How to sew unusual potholders

Following the suggested drawing, cut out the pattern. Be mindful of the 5 mm required allowance.

Use an applique stitch to attach the sepals. All you have to do is use a zigzag stitch.

Next, gather every layer of the bell and quilt.

Make a mark on the bell’s top.

Using a compass, draw a circle around it (see pattern).

Trim any extra fabric by cutting it in a circle.

Pipe the cuts to completion. You can cut the desired strip from the fabric if you don’t have any suitable pre-made piping in that color. Just remember that you have to cut at an angle.

Cut off any extra piping to trim the product’s edge.

After inserting a tape loop into the corner, fold the piece in half. Sew with a machine.

Upon completion, flip the bell inside out.

Cupcake

In order to sew, you must:

  • fabric of two colors;
  • ribbon;
  • button;
  • synthetic padding;
  • threads, sewing accessories.

Description

Let’s sketch out a cupcake design. Shapes and sizes are subjective. The product’s symmetry is the most important factor.

The section should be marked, cut out, and folded in half as shown in the photo below. For the polyester padding, repeat the procedure.

Sew the parts in two lines to the unfolded form’s center. In half, fold. Sew encircling the area, leaving a tiny gap.

Turn the item inside out and sew along the edge, taking a 2 mm step back. Stitch the left open area at the same time.

For the hat, cut out two blank pieces. After inserting a loop, fold them with their front sides facing each other. Write, leaving space for gaps. Turn inside out and sew around the edge, leaving 1-2 mm space between stitches.

Aligning the edges, fold the main portion and the hat. Sew the border.

Sew a button and a bow on.

Using leftover fabric and old jeans to make potholders is a creative and useful way to upcycle fabric while also giving your kitchen a unique touch. These do-it-yourself projects are great for beginners and revitalize old materials that would otherwise be thrown away. You can make strong, heat-resistant potholders that are fashionable and useful with just a few basic sewing skills. Repurposing old fabric into kitchen essentials is an eco-friendly way to turn discarded items into something useful and unique, whether your style is rustic or more colorful.

Potholders for the kitchen Apple and Pear: video mk

Material Description
Old Jeans Use denim from worn-out jeans as a sturdy base. It’s durable and perfect for high-heat kitchen use.
Fabric Scraps Repurpose leftover fabric pieces for decorative layers or lining. They add color and style to your potholder.

Using old jeans and fabric scraps to make potholders is a creative and useful way to repurpose materials that might otherwise be thrown away. In addition to being inexpensive, this project reduces waste because it makes use of items you already own. Using strong materials like denim results in a kitchen accessory that is ideal for daily use because it is heat-resistant and long-lasting.

The versatility that comes with creating your own potholders is one of its best features. Colors, patterns, and textures can be combined to create something genuinely original. The options are endless, whether you choose to work with more complex shapes or stick with a straightforward square design. This project is an excellent way to express your creativity with little work because it’s easy to start and doesn’t require much sewing experience.

Handmade potholders bring a unique touch to your kitchen that goes beyond their usefulness. Additionally, they can be thoughtful gifts, particularly if they are made to match a person’s style or favorite colors. You are embracing a sustainable, do-it-yourself mentality that values both creativity and resourcefulness by repurposing something as basic as old jeans and fabric scraps into a functional item.

Video on the topic

Kitchen potholder from jeans.

I sew from squares quickly and I advise you to do the same. Patchwork sewing for beginners

🔥 An incredibly simple way to sew a potholder from old jeans 🔥 Potholder without edging 🔥

DIY potholder. From old jeans in 10 minutes

No edge processing, no bias tape. I sew patchwork potholders 3 options.

KITCHEN POTTERS WITHOUT BIAS BINDING – 7 IDEAS – DIY – Potholders for the kitchen without edge processing

Kitchen potholder from jeans.

Kitchen potholder from old jeans.

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Anastasia Belova

I have been working in the textile industry for over 12 years. My main hobby is studying the properties of fabrics and their impact on our everyday life. I love to talk about new products and share practical tips on caring for different materials. My collection contains hundreds of fabric samples from all over the world, and I am ready to share my findings with you!

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Tkani-Furnitura.com
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