How to Make Nine Patch Potholders

Note from Cheri: Mary Wilkins, a Canadian quilter, sewer and editor of Sew-Whats-New.com, gave us the instructions for making these terrific patch potholders. This is a great wayy to use up fabric scraps. As long as you have a sewing machine, they are simple, inexpensive and take almost no time to make. Instructions are below the photo. For lots of great sewing ideas, tips and instructions, click here to visit Mary's site.

These potholders are fun to make and so quick. Mary made hers in a 9 Patch Block, but you can make any pattern you like. She also used 3 layers of cotton terry cloth for the batting. Make Matching Accessories: Cafe Curtains Circular Tablecloth Easy Cloth Napkins Table Protectors

Our block is made up of 2 inch squares of two different colours. Then borders (also 2 inches wide) were put on top and bottom, then the sides. Once your block is made you make a loop of the border fabric. Place this loop in one corner on the right side of the holder. Cut a backing the same size as the block. For batting you can use 3 layers of terry towel. Place your towelling down first, then the quilt block right side up. On top of that in one corner pin your loop, with raw edges even with block. On top of that place your backing right side down. Sew all around outer edge using a 1/4" seam making sure you have caught the loop in your stitching line. Leave opening about 3" wide along one edge to turn. Turn and machine stitch around entire edge, making sure your opening was stitched closed. You can really use your imagination with these and they are pretty as well as useful.