Learn about making potholders with fabric twine created with scraps of fabric. They are so fun and colorful, and work well for handling hot pans from the oven.
After I made the Fabric Twine Plant Hanger, I had plenty of leftover fabric twine for another project. Why not make fun and colorful potholders or trivets?
More Scrap Fabric Projects
How to Make Fabric Twine Pot Holders
If you haven't made fabric twine, it's an easy craft and a great way to use up scrap fabric. You can find tons of videos online on how to make fabric twine to get started.
You could also use clothesline or cotton roping for this project, similar to my Easter Basket DIY.
You'll need to decide on the size of your potholder or trivet. I made mine 7 inches by 5 inches.
These required a little over 4 yards of fabric twine for each potholder. However, it may vary depending on the thickness of your fabric twine, the overall size, and how tightly you sew the twine together. But at least this gives you a place to start.
Step 1. Start sewing your potholder by folding the twine the length you want and using a nice, wide zigzag stitch to attach the two pieces together.
Be the first to receive new posts and get access to our Subscribers Only Page.
I used white thread, mostly so that it would show up in the photos for you to see. However, you could choose a dominant color from your fabric twine or even black.
I have to say that I actually like the white.
Step 2. When you get to the end, keep the needle in place as you turn the piece and continue to add more twine from the spool, and sew it to the previous piece.
Step 3. Continue adding lengths until you get to the size you want.
Step 4. Finish with some back stitches and then cut the twine off from the spool.
If you notice any large gaps, you can easily slide the potholder under the presser foot to the gap area and sew it closed with more of the same zig-zag stitches.
As you can see, my edges are not exactly straight. You could certainly take more care and make your own a little more unified if you prefer.
These are a little rustic, but I always love that look.
DIY Fabric Twine Potholders - Colorful and Functional
Equipment
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
Materials
- Fabric Twine -approx. 4 yards
- White Thread or coordinating thread of your choice
Instructions
- Sew your potholder by folding the twine the length you want.
- Use a wide zigzag stitch to attach the two pieces together.
- When you get to the end, keep the needle in place.
- Turn the piece and continue to add more twine from the spool.
- Sew it to the previous piece.
- Continue adding lengths until you get to the size you want.
- Finish with back stitches and then cut the twine off from the spool.
Cindy
Just a little add on ... when I have my potholder the size I want... I continue with the twine around the outside edge and make a small loop to join the end.. finishes quite nicely and I can hang on a hook .. 😉
Patti Estep
That's a great idea Cindy. Thanks for sharing.
Helen
Are the pot holders heavy enough to not have a hole to burn you while using?
Patti Estep
Helen, you can make sure that there are no holes when you sew them. However, they do not have any heat-resistant material that you may see on a commercial potholder so they may get hot.
Carolyn
May I ask where you got your spools for your fabric twine? I love them!
Patti Estep
I bought that one at an antique shop and painted it. I have also seen them for sale on Etsy.