This is a super easy project that you can make in under 30 minutes with scrap fabric! I’ve made a bunch of these and there are so many ways you can customize them to put your personal stamp on such a handy, everyday item. Give these DIY potholders as thoughtful gifts, or custom-make some to perfectly match your home.

How to Make a DIY Potholder/Trivet

Version 1: No binding method (Easy)

1: Cut out your fabric

I recommend using cotton for this project since it’s tough enough for everyday use and will hold up to heat and washing. You can experiment with contrasting colors and patterns and make something unique to your own style! For the batting, I recommend using 2-3 layers of all-cotton batting or Insul-Bright which is specially designed for heat resistance.

2: Sew the batting to one side of the fabric

Sew your layers of batting to the wrong side of one fabric square to hold it in place. Use a basting stitch for this step.

Tip: To baste, set your machine to the longest stitch length.

3. Make the loop

Fold your 4″x2″ fabric piece in half with wrong sides together and press with an iron. Then open it up and fold the edges in towards the center crease. Fold it in half once more to make a long, thin strip with the edges neatly folded inside. Press and stitch along the unfolded edge.

4. Pin and sew the loop and both pieces of fabric

With right sides facing, pin your squares together. Fold your loop piece in half and tuck it inside your squares with the edges just outside the squares. You can put your loop in the corner or center it on one of the sides. Sew around the edges of the squares, leaving about 2″ open so you can turn the potholder inside out.

Clip the corners and trim any excess seam allowance. Turn your potholder inside out and use a chopstick or pencil to poke the fabric out in each corner. Fold the opening inside and stitch across to close it.

5. Add the quilting stitches

Here is where you can add your own personal touch! To finish your potholder, add decorative topstitches in whatever pattern you like. On the blue/red potholder, I chose to topstitch the perimeter and then just stitched two lines on top to create four squares. For the party cat one, I stitched diagonally to make traditional diamonds. You can stitch diamonds, squares, thin rows, or really anything you like!

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Version 2: Binding method (Intermediate)

1: Cut out your fabric

Just as in Version 1, cut out your fabric squares, batting, and fabric that will make your loop.

2: Pin and sew

Make a fabric sandwich by layering one fabric square right side down and place your batting on top. Then place your second fabric square on top with the right side facing up. Pin all three layers together and stitch together in the pattern of your choice. I chose to follow the lines on my fabric, but you could stitch thin rows, diamonds, or freestyle your own design!

3. Make your loop and pin/clip on the binding

Make your loop just like in Version 1 (Step 3). Pin or clip your bias tape around the perimeter of your potholder as shown in the photo below. you want to unfold the bias tape and pin it against the edge of your fabric. Place your loop between the bias tape and your potholder wherever you’d like it to go. The edges of the loop should line up with the edge of your fabric and bias tape.

You’ll sew inside the crease closest to the edge of your fabric. Go slowly around the corners and pivot your needle to continue stitching along that outer crease. Leave ~2″ of extra binding at both ends so you can fold them in to finish later.

4. Stitch the other side of the binding onto your potholder.

Trim the excess seam allowance from the corners and all sides and fold the bias tape over to the other side of your potholder. Fold over the corners as shown in the photo below and pin or clip the binding nice and snug against your fabric. You’ll now want to slowly stitch the bias tape down as close as possible to the edge (almost touching the fabric, but not quite). This part is pretty tricky so take your time.

5: Press your potholder and you’re done!

Enjoy your brand new potholder/trivet or give it as a gift!