String Potholders or Trivets for Christmas
Hello Dear Friends and Readers, Good Morning and welcome to today’s post. This will be a very quick pre-Christmas post. I don’t think that we can have too many potholders or trivets at any time of the year, but especially at Christmas time when more than usual are probably required. Not only that, they make a lovely last minute and thoughtful gift. This is not a new idea as many others have done this before me.
The string potholders I have made over the years are undoubtably my favorites. Somehow they get better with wear. Each one is unique and because of the added fabric between the strings it makes them a bit more robust, and it’s still an awesome way to use that leftover fabric, which would normally be discarded. And as they are washed, they develop that lovely aged crinkly look, which I love.
Today I have made some Christmas potholders by using up fabric scraps in red green and cream. They don’t have to be Christmas fabrics per se, but they can just be scraps that reflect that theme. Please read all instructions before commencing.
Last year I used fabric strings to make these stockings quilted christmas scrappy string stockings
TIP
I suggest making two at a time. This saves a lot of thread, makes the whole process more efficient and allows for continuous piecing.
Now I know you might be thinking ,what with strings should I use? it’s really up to you how wide or thin you would like them to be. Actually using thin strips makes the article more robust because of all the fabric contained in the seams. So probably the most narrow would be 3/4 of an inch. Strings of between 3/4 of an inch and 1 1/2 inches are probably most ideal.
Requirements for String Potholders or Trivets
Fabric Strings Backing fabric and batting of similar size to the backing fabric. Binding Strips cut from the width of the fabric 2 1/4” wide.
TIP
If you are making a larger size ie: 10” or 12” square, a fat quarter for the backing is ideal as the leftovers can be used for the binding.
Making the Christmas String Potholders or Trivets
I think you know the drill it’s not complicated,
Choose a piece of backing fabric. It could be 6, 8, 10 or 12 in.² as an example …..it can be any size you like. Put the fabric right side down. Choose a matching size piece of batting and put it on top of the backing fabric. Make sure to smooth it down nicely. Now collect strings of fabric and beginning on the center diagonal using the longest strings, put one string of fabric right side up and a second string right side down, aligning the edges to one side of the first string. I am making two.
Bear in mind that the seam allowance can be variable, make it whatever suits the fabric you have. Sew along that those fabric edges through all the layers. Turn back the top string so that it now faces right side up.
Finger press and continue adding strings to each side of the center string until the entire piece is covered.
Once the whole piece is all covered, then use your rotary cutter and ruler to square it up. These squared up to 11 ½”.
Prepare a binding strip 2 1/4 inches in width. Fold in half length wise. Sew your binding strip to the right side of the finished potholder or trivet.
Join the ends together in your preferred method turn back to the wrong side and hand stitch in place for a lovely finish.
This project will use a surprising amount of leftover strings of fabric, making them into something useful and beautiful, and give you a sense of satisfaction.
These potholders can be made in any colours you choose. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and consider making some of these as a quick project if you are short of time.
Merry Christmas, and best wishes for the festive season.
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© Susan Stuklis 2022