Fast & Easy Sewing Project

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The Potholder/Mug Rug/Trivet

Once again my quilt guild has introduced me to something new, (well, new to me.) 


Our challenge was to create potholders that would be gathered for an International Quilt Museum fundraiser. We each randomly drew crayons from a container to determine what colors we would use. I happened to get red and blue, and went for the obvious red, white and blue theme. Who doesn't enjoy holiday themed accents, right? The technique for this star was taken from Kaye Wood's Hexagon Star Project in Best of Fons & Porter: TableTop Quilts.

And the guild provided squares of Pellon Insul-Fleece, a product that will "reflect heat or cold back to its source." Paired with one or two layers of batting to absorb moisture, this makes for a substantial and effective potholder, . . . or trivet, . . . or "mug rug".   

Left: one of several products available 
Right: layers- backing, batting, Insul-Fleece, batting, front

Insul-Fleece can be found in the interfacing and adhesives section at the fabric store and comes with instructions for use. I chose to quilt through all the layers and finish the edge with binding. However, front and back could also be sewn together like a pillow case, turned right side out and then quilted.


Of course, potholders come in all shapes and sizes, so the options are endless. I've been playing with this idea for gift giving and thinking about the possibilities. Maybe a set of potholders for a favorite chef or baker? Seasonal trivets for that last minute hot dish on a festive table? A cute mug rug (coaster) for that special person who loves to snuggle up with a good book and a cup of tea?

Hmmm, . . . a cup of tea would be nice right now. 









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