Easy Pot Holders with Carmen Geddes

Create holiday pot holders in a snap with Carmen Geddes' simple-to-follow instructions and a few fabrics from your stash.

[@shanemichelle100]

I love it when your videos come up in my search feed! You are the best, Carmen!

[@flyingeaglewoman8682]

I highly recommend having needle in down position when lifting pressor foot and turning corners, this keeps fabric and stitching lined up tight and together.

[@kristiedentice8021]

I agree with you on that. i do the same thing. i was noticing that as i was watching her sew. but besides that....the tutorial is great to watch.

[@gingernotturno5365]

LOL i was yelling at the video PUT THE NEEDLE DOWN !!!!! but she does explain things well

[@Blessed-2-b-a-Hembree]

New Hope Rising The only time she didn’t leave her needle down is when she did the back stitching. It’s not really necessary to do it then. She left it down after that.

[@pirjoraila4605]

@@Blessed-2-b-a-Hembree No she did not. She had the needle up every time she turned the piece.

[@Blessed-2-b-a-Hembree]

Pirjo Raila When she is top stitching I see the needle down. If you have a different opinion then you have a different opinion.

[@chrisblaszczyk3512]

You do an excellent job of explaining each step for us beginners. These are beautiful.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you Chris- thanks for watching!

[@DF-gu5nn]

Great little gift idea and a nice way to use up scraps. May I suggest you push in that black button on the presser foot when you're going through several layers of fabric. The black button locks the presser foot in the horizontal position and will unlock again once you've passed the extra thick areas. I had a Baby Lock and I remember that's what that black button is for. Then you won't have to wrestle the fabric through trying to get the feed dogs and the presser foot to catch your sandwich from either side. I also suggest you use needle down position when you turn corners. You'll find it much easier to keep on track as you turn those corners. Thank you for making these little tutorials, you're much braver than I am! ❤

[@cannyben123]

Looks so easy a d pretty!! But still we need little techniques to remember. :)

[@mygeorge1951]

Thank you! 😊

[@amenimchen5391]

I have seen so many videos on how to make pot holders!! And I'm not kidding, yours is the best. You explained so well and showed each step so well. Thank you! 😊

[@joannmccraw7235]

Carmen, very nice tutorial. Lots of extra hints on "how to" are always great. The tip on the hanging tab is especially good ... I was always told it "had to be attached on the corner" ... thank-you for saying it is OK not to place it on the corner, and is actually easier and causes less bulk to move it to the side. On your corners, it is always a good thing to leave your needle in the down position and pivot to the next side.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you for watching Jo Ann- I usually put the needle down! Must've been nervous on camera!

[@mindymackenzie8464]

Thank you so much!! I am a brand newbie to sewing and this was a great starter project. Clearly I have a ways to go, but this project includes a lot of the basics and I benefited greatly from your tutorial!!

[@myrleneschain7506]

You are wonderful, Carmen!!! You do a great job explaining your projects. I miss you...Hi to all. Wishing you the best....

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you Myrlene!

[@CherryBlossomHill]

You could quilt the top to the batting, then finish with backing fabric and another layer of batting except make your final batting piece without a seam allowance to avoid bulk in the seams, then top stitch all around the finished edge, that way your quilting will lay flat and you get a 2nd layer of batting. Just one thin layer could burn your hands unless you use 2 potholders together if you only make them with one layer of thin batting.

[@margaretbarnes7821]

The wiggle technique on the corners is awesome. Works great. Thank you

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Margaret!

[@GranC53]

Love this! And thank you for admitting you have sewn all the way around w/o thinking only to realize you sewed the whole thing together lol.. I just did that yesterday! Too funny!! We all make mistakes but its nice to knows others do it as well. When turning right sides out.. I use a wooden chop stick to poke out the edges.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Charlotte-- I'm really good at making mistakes! My motto is A finished project is a perfect project! I always learn what I can improve on the next one!

[@doreenphillips5741]

love your "simple" step-by-step directions;best for me!!Thank you!

[@kristiedentice8021]

Hi Carmen, Just wanted to say, i love to sew & Quilt, & i think this tutorial on making the pot holders is an exellent combonation of the 2. thank you & keep up the great work!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks so much for watching Kristie! Happy sewing!

[@chantalbourrut410]

Double pin, great idea. I am going to adopt it.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Chantal!

[@chuchiedoubek772]

Hello Carmen. Enjoyed your quilted potholder tutorial. You are very warm and encouraging. I can’t wait to make potholders. Thank you! 🥰

[@barbaragraff1272]

Very nice and easy!

[@camagnuson6108]

A layer of insulbrite would be a very good addition. I like the simplicity you have given this project. Thank you.

[@gingernotturno5365]

i feel the same way because the batting is not enough to stop from burning yourself

[@carmengeddes5153]

Good idea!

[@user-dy3ed5sg4t]

Great tips, I enjoyed this! You can use the black button on the presser foot to level it to get over humps.

[@learntocrochet1]

Oh My Goodness! The ol' two pins = STOP! I thought no one else did this but me... Thank you for a clever and quick way to make pot holders.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching! It's that time of year again for holiday sewing!

[@emmasharp9848]

I'm going to make one tonight, thanks for this helpful video, can't wait to get started 😁

[@littlequiltsong9576]

Great tutorial! Carmen did a wonderful job showing and explaining. Now I need to make some too :)!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks so much! It's that time of year again!

[@beverleybrowning3480]

Great ideas. Thanks! Suggestions tho: if you put one of those foam nail files at the back under the presser foot, it helps the machine go through the thicker fabric at the corners ( tip from Sew Very Easy). The nail file is just pushed back out of the way as the machine sews.

[@dalainebloom4505]

Very, very Cute. This is the first time that I have ever seen one of Your videos. I will be watching more. I have subscribed to Your channel. Thank You for the wonderful tips. I am a beginner sewer. I need all of the help I can get. LOL!!! Thank You again for sharing this adorable potholder video. 😊👍🏼

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you for watching Dalaine!

[@moon-ud8tq]

Loved the colorful squares and black backing

[@cperm1]

Super cute potholders! Now I have to go make some!🥰🥰🥰

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Cindie! A good idea to use Insul-Bright instead of batting if you want it more heat resistant!

[@joselinahuber523]

Hi Carmen Great tutorial. Love the pot holder idea. I am not a quilter... i just have too many left over fabrics. You made it easy for me to consider this project. Thanks for sharing.

[@himanshusrivastav2756]

Joselina Huber 57inches6846

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you for watching Joselina!

[@bonnieraekonjevich2776]

It was great to make these as a way to keep practicing on my Baby Lock Sashiko machine for a baby quilt. It is an instant gratification project and you explain it well. :-)

[@carmengeddes5153]

Great idea!

[@kristiedentice8021]

Thanks so much for the quick & great tutorial on how to make the pot holders. Gonna have to make them.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Kristie--it's time for holiday sewing again!

[@charlottebarnes6761]

Thank you so much your directions are sooo great just what I'm looking for if i lived around you i would be at all your classes you are the best

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you Charlotte--very kind of you to say!

[@tammykloss7132]

Thank you for this tutorial. I'm just learning to quilt and think this will be super cute to make and helpful to practice stitching. Super cute idea❤

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Tammy! Potholders are a good way to practice!

[@apribrooks2107]

Just made my first one. Great instructions. I wish I could attach a photo of it

[@ehitest6588]

I’m a new subscriber. Saw you on you tube. Haven’t sewed in a while . Used to make costumes and had a craft business. Retired now and would like to get back to sewing. These would make good gifts for my relatives. I like how you explain things slowly and the videos show a close up of the sewing.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you very much for watching-- have fun sewing!

[@pattyjennett3869]

Just got back into sewing and I love all these sewing videos 😍😍😍😍😍

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks so much for watching Patty!

[@nailahameedullahsaeed647]

Have been doing so much stitching and love all its material and procedures but you make it look even more easier and fun👌. Thank you☺ Just maybe of any use; my mom used thick knitting needles to turn corners out, so do I.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Good idea Naila! Thank you for watching!

[@tinafreethy9571]

So cute! I am going to make a bunch of these for an upcoming craft show! Thanks for sharing!!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Great idea Tina! Thanks for watching!

[@carmengeddes5153]

@Tina Sparks Good idea! Thank you for watching!

[@GGriffinXI]

Awesome video. Great teaching and instructions. Thanks so much💖

[@viv4843]

This is the cutest fabric.

[@chriswest1429]

Hi Caren thank you so much for this tutorial you made the instructions so clear and easy to follow with your step by step guide Chris😊❤️

[@lindatoledo9339]

Nice job. Great instructions 👍👍

[@janesecarrigan7175]

My grandmother never wasted anything. She used to cut up old towels and use those as batting in pot holders.

[@rube940]

Janese Carrigan great

[@kivakarmen8628]

Wow! I love it. Sometimes it's go to defy tradition. With all this fancy smancy quilting it is just so nice to be creative and craft.

[@margaretmcallister6041]

I like that idea. Thanks for sharing it!

[@stevenpowers1458]

I use the cheap quilted bed spreads.

[@kristiedentice8021]

never thought bout doing that, but ya.......cool idea!

[@bellesparks4374]

I like the tab away from the corner and suggestion of two layers of batting instead of insul brite.

[@ShirleyDeeDesigns]

Oh too funny, I thought I was the only one who sews all the way around sometimes! 😊

[@lindatonkin3802]

So cute! I'm going to make this. Thank you for sharing.😊

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Linda! It's that time of year again!!

[@susanhouser3676]

So cute! I use a chopstick to turn out my corners and it works well.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Good idea Susan--thanks for watching!

[@SophieBird07]

A bamboo bbq skewer works well too.

[@tambrayork1652]

Would also make a GREAT Mug Rug for coWorkers to have on their desk at work.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Super idea Tambra- it's that time of year again!

[@jimflack9462]

I use a knitting needle when I turn to get the corner points out. Works like a charm, but I like your wiggle method. I'll try it next time. TFS!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Knitting needles are a good idea! Thanks for watching Jim

[@pegisullivan3062]

Very nice. Great ideas. Thank you

[@hestrariley5034]

Great ideas.

[@Wanda6308]

I enjoyed that demonstration . Thank you. I am a new subscriber. I found you through You tube.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks so much Wanda!

[@rosemarymcneal8518]

I like ur tutorial on potholders. thank you.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you for watching Rosemary

[@nmayor8290]

I love the tab tip!

[@ravenrockasylum5571]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you. 😀

[@iceli9395]

Thanks esp for the tiny iron image. Looks so manageable.

[@mariaabrams2990]

Carmen,I am going to take the chance to make a pot holder .thank you for shearing.i will let you know. They are very nicely.

[@deepastel2374]

Very good! Well done and quickly!

[@DH-qz2so]

Use Wonder Clips to mark the end spots for sewing your opening, rather than pins...it is a lot more obvious...and use need down feature and pivot in the corners.

[@janetehoffman]

D H a

[@lyocasio]

Or Bobby pins

[@joanbellis9462]

D H mr.Dominic

[@debbiejohnson8673]

D H r

[@cwfan2]

When I turn corners I leave the needle down in the fabric.

[@carmengeddes5153]

I usually do that Sue! Must've been nervous on camera! Thanks for watching!

[@barbaragorin2235]

I loved this video! So we’ll explained and fun

[@marshaberlin2388]

She’s great, so patient!!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks Marsha!

[@camagnuson6108]

Thank you, so much. Loved your presentation and the project. (I've subscribed.)

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Cheryl-- it's that time of year again! Holiday sewing!

[@alicechristian2980]

What a great Tutorial. I love to Sew, but only by hand, I have a Seeing Machine, but have not Mastered yet how to use it. TFS 🙏👍

[@FizzleFF]

Missed seeing my BFF - TenSisters at my local quilt show! Hope you make it to town in 2020..

[@carmengeddes5153]

Hi Rhonda!! Hope to see you soon!

[@Marla.22]

Love these! 💞

[@chandracox6814]

Use the heat n bond stabilizer instead of regular batting.

[@saraschmitt1464]

What's the difference will one hold heat better than the other

[@carmengeddes5153]

Good idea Chandra-thanks for watching!

[@carmengeddes5153]

@@saraschmitt1464 Heat and Bond has a fusible side so holds everything together. There is also a product called Insul-Bright that is insulated that works well for potholders- it's not fusible. Thanks for watching!

[@gingernotturno5365]

i was wondering why you don't leave the needle down when you turn? i find it much neater when you do

[@carmengeddes5153]

I wonder too! Maybe a bit nervous on camera! Thanks for watching Ginger!

[@joannefountain5355]

That was very cute. Thank you.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you for watching Joanne!

[@jyotijoshi7598]

Very nice 👍

[@marilynvancamp5031]

Thankyou for the vidweo. I will make some of thjese for Christmas giftsa.

[@janetehoffman]

Insul Brite works well also.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Good idea Janet!

[@nowars4951]

I love it realy lam happy to see all the steps thanks alot .....

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you for watching! It's time for holiday sewing again!

[@lanastewart7310]

Love this project! Thank you!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Lana--it's time for holiday sewing again!

[@quiltingjen]

If you use needle down it makes pivoting around the corners easier.

[@lucillewong1161]

Very nice!👍🏼

[@patwahl4008]

Do you have a video re your star pot holder? I am a bit bored with the five patch. I am worried about cutting off my star points but yours look perfect. My thanks. Pat

[@joannamurphy2050]

Great tutorial

[@johannepaquette969]

Good teacher.

[@gailsanders7737]

A kitchen quilt!!

[@KathyDurbin]

Hi I am new to channel we are connected on my end now. Love this idea I'm going to start making some for Christmas presents thank you for sharing.

[@wishmikaayodhya8845]

Thank you very much for sharing this god bless you

[@janetehoffman]

Very nice presentation ✂️✂️✂️✂️❤️

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you!

[@twyla2575]

Hi Carmen - great tutorial and easy to follow. Just a friendly suggestion.....maybe say you are turning it Right Side Out instead turning it inside out.

[@merciamenezes9656]

Some you tube ornaments

[@c.v.yardley]

I'm English, and we say inside out :-)

[@twyla2575]

@@c.v.yardley That is interesting and good to know.

[@lindalivingston9067]

My daughter said “wrong side in” when she was little. She is now grown and is a avid quilter and crater.

[@vivianctk]

Great gift. Idea....can't wait to making these. What were your measurements for your fabrics? Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Hi Vivian. Thanks for watching! My measurements were 8-10 inches square for the front and cutting the backs just a bit bigger. I like using left over quilt blocks! I did add a small border on some of the smaller ones-- I like bigger potholders!

[@ginaarmstrong1388]

Cute iron!!

[@andreamarybufton5761]

Hi sorry I cant make out what you are saying for the padding. Lovely pot holders x

[@irenamangone]

Great idea thank you

[@cwfan2]

The needle should be down into the fabric before turning the corners.

[@karenrickert9430]

Sue Nuckles the machine automatically lifts the needle and the presser foot.

[@jimflack9462]

@@karenrickert9430 Does Carmen's machine also cut the thread? I can adjust my new machine to either lift the needle or leave it down, but not the presser foot. Having a automatic thread cutter would be fantastic, save time and thread!!

[@karenrickert9430]

Jim Flack I looked it up, it's a Babylock Unity, and it looks like it has all the bells and whistles. Thread cutters, auto threaders and embroidery

[@deniseview4253]

I use a chop stick to push out the corners.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Good idea Denise!

[@SuzetteG316]

I love these but two things are lacking in this tutorial, one is to use a walking foot if you have one (it makes it SO much easier to go through all those layers) and also absolutely use your needle down feature if you have one so that when you pivot in the corners it's easier and you won't mess up your stitches (and you won't have to back stitch). I have honestly never seen a tutorial for quilted items that didn't do these to things or at least mention that it's the best way to complete the project.

[@nancystrowger6941]

Good Idea. I will have to try that.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Nancy- it's time for holiday sewing again!

[@darleneappleman3911]

A cute idea

[@lubnavaqarunisa4207]

Beautiful.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you for watching Lubna!

[@mmaditshabamlandeni3861]

How many inches should a potholder be? I've noticed that the ones we buy from the retailers are a way too small and i dont like them, i end up using tea cloths to hold pots.

[@terryskytte7339]

I am wondering, what size needle are you using and what is your sewing machine tension set at?

[@koriewilson3643]

Great teacher!!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you Korie!

[@dorothyherrera3419]

I was wondering if you did't have any batting. because i cannot find any at walmart, can a persong use a felt square? i have plenty of them.

[@fyrekrystaal27]

I like this video. Could you give the directions for making the quilt block? I have leftover fabric from making bowl cozies and I have not done a quilt block before.

[@RileyBlakeDesigns]

Hi Lisa, Carmen used a few different quilt blocks in this tutorial. Our best suggestion for learning new quilt blocks is to check out Jenny Doan's KZbin channel from Missouri Star quilt Co. She has dozens to choose from and great instructions to learn how to make them. Here's a link to the channel kzbin.info

[@monicac8772]

Great tutorial.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Monica!

[@zibahayatshahi1559]

Beautiful!

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thank you for watching! It's time for holiday sewing again!

[@elainefink4058]

LOVE LOVE LOVE

[@carmengeddes5153]

Thanks for watching Elaine!

[@sjchauhan4802]

Looks very nice.... Did u iron interfacing into front side of the fabric.....?

[@auntdee9678]

Are the squares mini-charm size...2 1/2 x 2 1/2? thanks! Love these potholders!

[@brendaperez984]

Do you have enough heat protection from regular cotton batting? I love these, and think they're a great gift for my daughter to make for teacher gifts.

[@phoenix9999]

No, add insul bright. My first potholder were similar with added rags and it it wasn't enough to protect my hands from the heat. The ones I made with the batting and insul bright was better.

[@phoenix9999]

This is a great tutorial if you use the potholder for a bag. Which is a cute gift.

[@carmengeddes5153]

Good idea! My holiday potholders are probably used more for decoration! LOL

[@carmengeddes5153]

@@phoenix9999 Good idea!

[@Sophie_kent]

What kind of batting did you use? Is it a heat protectant ?