If you love colorful kitchen sewing projects, this quilted potholder is a beautiful way to use small pieces of fabric. This design combines a bright fruit-print fabric with white fabric strips arranged in a simple lattice pattern. A layer of batting makes the potholder practical for handling hot dishes, while the rickrack trim gives it a charming vintage finish.
This project is also a great scrap fabric sewing project because you can use leftover cotton fabrics in different colors and prints.
Safety note: For a potholder intended to handle hot cookware, use 100% cotton fabric and heat-resistant batting specifically designed for thermal projects. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can melt when exposed to high temperatures.
✂️ Materials
For one quilted potholder, you will need:
- 100% cotton fabric for the colorful center
- 100% cotton fabric for the lattice strips
- 100% cotton fabric for the backing
- Heat-resistant batting
- Cotton thread
- Rickrack trim
- A small piece of fabric for the hanging loop
- Sewing machine
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Quilting ruler
- Cutting mat
- Pins or fabric clips
- Iron
- Measuring tape
- Round or oval template for the potholder shape
- Optional: fabric marker
📏 Suggested Size
The potholder can be made in almost any size.
For a medium kitchen potholder, a finished size of approximately 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) works well.
You can make it:
- Round
- Oval
- Square
- Rectangular
The example in the photo has a rounded/oval shape, which gives it a softer and more decorative appearance.
Step 1: Choose Your Fabrics
Select a colorful cotton fabric for the center of your potholder.
Fruit, floral, vegetable, and kitchen-themed prints work particularly well for this project.
For the lattice, choose a contrasting fabric. White or cream cotton creates the beautiful open-grid effect seen in the example.
You will also need a coordinating fabric for the back and a decorative trim.
Tip: This is an excellent project for using small fabric scraps.
Step 2: Prepare the Fabric
Wash and dry your cotton fabrics before cutting if necessary.
Press everything well with an iron to remove wrinkles.
This is important because accurately pressed fabric will make the lattice design much easier to sew.
Step 3: Cut the Center Fabric
Cut your colorful fabric into a piece large enough to cover the entire potholder.
Do not worry about making the final shape at this point.
It is easier to create the quilted panel first and cut the rounded shape afterward.
Step 4: Cut the Lattice Strips
Cut several narrow strips from your white or cream fabric.
For a lattice similar to the example, use strips approximately:
1–1½ inches (2.5–4 cm) wide
The exact width is completely customizable.
Cut enough strips to create horizontal and vertical lines across the entire colorful fabric.
Step 5: Create the First Set of Lines
Place the first fabric strips vertically across the colorful fabric.
Space them evenly.
Pin or clip them in place.
Sew along both long edges of each strip using a straight stitch.
Press the strips flat after sewing.
Step 6: Add the Horizontal Strips
Now place the remaining fabric strips horizontally across the panel.
Weave them over and under the vertical strips if you want a more pronounced woven appearance, or simply layer them over the first strips for an easier version.
Make sure the strips are evenly spaced.
Pin everything carefully.
Sew along the long edges of the horizontal strips.
You should now have a grid or lattice pattern covering the colorful fabric.
Step 7: Make the Quilted Sandwich
Prepare the three main layers:
- The quilted lattice panel on top
- Heat-resistant batting in the middle
- Cotton backing fabric underneath
Place the layers together with the right side of the backing facing outward.
Pin or clip the layers securely.
Step 8: Quilt the Potholder
Sew through all the layers to secure the batting.
You can follow the existing lattice lines or add additional quilting lines.
A simple straight-line quilting pattern works beautifully with this design.
Keep your stitching evenly spaced for a neat finish.
Step 9: Cut the Potholder Shape
Place your round or oval template over the quilted panel.
Trace the desired shape onto the fabric.
Carefully cut around the template.
For the design shown in the photo, a slightly elongated oval shape works particularly well.
Tip: Make sure the quilting extends far enough beyond your cutting line so that all layers remain securely stitched together.
Step 10: Prepare the Hanging Loop
Cut a small strip of cotton fabric for the hanging loop.
Fold the strip lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press.
Fold the raw edges toward the center and press again.
Sew along the long edge to create a narrow fabric strap.
Alternatively, you can use cotton twill tape.
Form the strip into a loop and temporarily pin it to the edge of the potholder.
Step 11: Attach the Rickrack Trim
Now comes the decorative detail that gives this potholder its vintage look!
Place the rickrack trim around the outer edge of the potholder.
Pin it carefully around the entire perimeter.
For a rounded shape, work slowly around the curves and gently ease the trim into place.
Sew the rickrack securely around the edge.
Step 12: Finish the Outer Edge
Cover the raw edges with a strip of cotton binding or another suitable finishing method.
Sew around the entire edge, making sure the hanging loop is securely caught in the seam.
Go over the area where the loop is attached a few times to reinforce it.
Step 13: Give It a Final Press
Trim any loose threads.
Press the finished potholder carefully.
Your DIY quilted potholder is now ready to use or give as a handmade gift!
🍊 Creative Ideas for Your Quilted Potholder
The lattice technique is especially fun because you can create many different versions from the same basic pattern.
Try:
- 🍓 Strawberry fabric
- 🍋 Lemon or citrus prints
- 🍊 Orange-themed fabrics
- 🍎 Apple prints
- 🌸 Floral fabrics
- 🌿 Botanical prints
- ☕ Coffee-themed fabrics
- 🎄 Christmas fabrics
- 🎃 Halloween fabrics
- 🌈 Colorful scrap fabrics
You can also change the lattice fabric from white to cream, beige, black, or a contrasting color.
🧵 Tips for Making a Professional-Looking Potholder
Press as you sew.
Ironing each section makes a huge difference in the final appearance.
Keep your strips evenly spaced.
A quilting ruler is very useful for creating a uniform lattice.
Use heat-resistant batting.
Regular craft batting may not provide enough protection from heat.
Reinforce the hanging loop.
The loop will be pulled repeatedly when the potholder is hung, so secure it with several rows of stitching.
Don’t make the quilting too loose.
The quilting should hold the layers together securely.
Easy Variations
Make a Round Potholder
Use a circular template and follow the same construction method. This creates a cute round quilted hot pad.
Make an Oval Potholder
An oval shape, like the one shown in the inspiration photo, is perfect for larger plates, pans, and baking dishes.
Make a Matching Set
Use different fruit fabrics while keeping the same white lattice design. You can make a coordinated set of lemon, strawberry, orange, and apple potholders.
Turn It Into a Trivet
Make the piece slightly larger and use it as a decorative quilted trivet or hot pad for serving dishes.
Why This Project Is Great for Scrap Fabric
One of the best things about this DIY potholder sewing project is that it doesn’t require large amounts of fabric.
The colorful center can be made from fabric scraps, while the lattice strips use relatively small pieces of cotton.
It’s a wonderful way to turn leftover quilting fabric into something useful for your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabric is best for making a potholder?
100% cotton is a good choice for the fabric layers. For the middle layer, use heat-resistant batting intended for potholders, oven mitts, or thermal kitchen projects.
Can I make this potholder without a sewing machine?
Yes. The project can be sewn by hand, although a sewing machine will make the lattice and quilting considerably faster.
What is the difference between a potholder and a hot pad?
A potholder is generally used to protect your hands when handling hot cookware, while a hot pad or trivet is primarily placed underneath hot dishes. This design can be adapted for either purpose.
Can I use leftover fabric?
Absolutely! This project is perfect for fabric scraps and quilting leftovers.
Can I make the potholder in different shapes?
Yes. Round, oval, square, and rectangular shapes all work well.
Final Thoughts
This DIY quilted potholder is a simple and creative sewing project that turns colorful fabric scraps into a useful kitchen accessory. The combination of a bright printed fabric, white lattice strips, quilted layers, and rickrack trim creates a charming handmade look.
Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with different fabrics, shapes, colors, and sizes to create your own collection of homemade potholders.
They also make wonderful handmade gifts for birthdays, housewarmings, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or anyone who loves sewing and quilting.
