Log Cabin Pot Holder Tutorial: Easy Scrap Fabric Quilting

Cozy up your kitchen with this charming log cabin pot holder, a delightful quilting project perfect for using up those precious fabric scraps! This tutorial guides you through creating a rustic yet refined pot holder, showcasing the beauty of simple patchwork techniques. No need for extensive quilting experience – this project is designed for beginners and seasoned crafters alike, offering a satisfying way to utilize leftover fabrics and add a touch of handmade warmth to your home. The unique log cabin design is surprisingly easy to master, resulting in a piece that’s both functional and visually appealing.

This simple pattern utilizes basic sewing skills and readily available materials, ensuring a quick and enjoyable crafting experience. Ready to transform your fabric scraps into a beautiful and useful kitchen accessory? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own adorable log cabin pot holder.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Insulbrite batting
  • 820 batting (or similar)
  • Backing fabric (8x8 inches)
  • Bias binding tape (approximately 1 inch wide)
  • Scrap fabric pieces
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot cookware. Do not rely solely on a quilted pot holder for extreme heat.
  • Avoid using fabrics that are flammable or easily melt near high heat sources. Choose 100% cotton fabrics or other heat-resistant materials.
  • Before first use, wash and dry your finished pot holder to pre-shrink the fabric and ensure its durability.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Materials

    • Prepare fabric and batting layers. Cut two 8x8 inch squares of batting (Insulbrite and another type) and one 8x8 inch square of backing fabric.
    • Prepare the center piece. Choose a small scrap of fabric (approximately 2 inches wide) for the center of your pot holder.
    Prepare the center piece. Choose a small scrap of fabric (approximately 2 inches wide) for the center of your pot holder.Prepare the center piece. Choose a small scrap of fabric (approximately 2 inches wide) for the center of your pot holder.
    Prepare Materials
  2. Log Cabin Construction

    • Begin Log Cabin quilting. Sew fabric strips to the center piece one at a time, right sides together, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Vary strip widths for a more interesting design. Alternate between accent and main colors.
    • Flip and top stitch. After sewing each strip, flip it open and top stitch along the seam to secure it. Use a consistent stitch length (the tutorial uses 3) to save time.
    Flip and top stitch. After sewing each strip, flip it open and top stitch along the seam to secure it. Use a consistent stitch length (the tutorial uses 3) to save time.Flip and top stitch. After sewing each strip, flip it open and top stitch along the seam to secure it. Use a consistent stitch length (the tutorial uses 3) to save time.
    Log Cabin Construction
  3. Trim and Square

    • Trim the quilted top. Once all strips are sewn, trim the edges of the quilted top to your desired size (approximately 7.5 inches square).
    Trim the quilted top. Once all strips are sewn, trim the edges of the quilted top to your desired size (approximately 7.5 inches square).
    Trim and Square
  4. Attach Backing

    • Attach the backing. Place the backing fabric right side down onto the quilted top. Sew around the edges with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance. Trim excess backing.
    Attach the backing. Place the backing fabric right side down onto the quilted top. Sew around the edges with a scant 1/4 inch seam allowance. Trim excess backing.
    Attach Backing
  5. Make Hanging Loop

    • Create hanging loops. Cut a 5-inch length of bias binding. Fold it in half lengthwise and sew along the long edge to create a loop. Set aside.
    Create hanging loops. Cut a 5-inch length of bias binding. Fold it in half lengthwise and sew along the long edge to create a loop. Set aside.
    Make Hanging Loop
  6. Attach Binding

    • Attach the bias binding. Start about halfway down one side, leaving a small tail to join later. Sew along the folded edge of the bias tape, creating a clean finish. Use the fold of the bias tape as a guide.
    • Miter the corners. To turn the corners neatly, fold the bias tape at a right angle, creating a mitered corner. Sew through the fold to secure.
    • Attach hanging loop. Before reaching the final corner, position the hanging loop between the pot holder layers and sew it in place.
    • Finish the binding. Continue sewing the binding around the pot holder. At the final corner, overlap the ends, trim excess, and fold to create a clean finish. Backstitch to secure.
    Finish the binding. Continue sewing the binding around the pot holder. At the final corner, overlap the ends, trim excess, and fold to create a clean finish. Backstitch to secure.Finish the binding. Continue sewing the binding around the pot holder. At the final corner, overlap the ends, trim excess, and fold to create a clean finish. Backstitch to secure.Finish the binding. Continue sewing the binding around the pot holder. At the final corner, overlap the ends, trim excess, and fold to create a clean finish. Backstitch to secure.Finish the binding. Continue sewing the binding around the pot holder. At the final corner, overlap the ends, trim excess, and fold to create a clean finish. Backstitch to secure.
    Attach Binding
  7. Final Trim and Finishing

    • Trim and finish. Trim any excess fabric or batting. Neaten the corners, ensuring all raw edges are concealed.
    Trim and finish. Trim any excess fabric or batting. Neaten the corners, ensuring all raw edges are concealed.
    Final Trim and Finishing

Read more: DIY Super Cute Whale Shower Curtain: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Tips

  • Don't worry about precise measurements when piecing; trim to the final size at the end.
  • Use a consistent stitch length to save time.
  • If you sew the bias binding at a 1/4 inch seam allowance instead of following the crease, you can double fold the binding to fix this.
  • Adjust the video speed using the gear symbol to better follow the steps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inconsistent Seam Allowance

Reason: Varying seam allowances lead to inaccurate block sizes and a wonky finished pot holder.
Solution: Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance consistently throughout the project by using a seam allowance guide or pressing foot.

2. Improper Pressing

Reason: Not pressing seams open or to the side creates bulky seams and prevents accurate piecing.
Solution: Press each seam open or to one side as you go, using a pressing cloth to avoid scorching the fabric.

3. Poorly Finished Edges

Reason: Leaving raw edges exposed can lead to fraying and a less professional-looking pot holder.
Solution: Use a serger or zigzag stitch to finish the edges before quilting or binding to prevent fraying.

FAQs

What type of fabric is best for this log cabin pot holder?
Cotton fabrics are ideal for this project because they are heat-resistant and easy to sew. Scraps of quilting cotton work perfectly!
How much fabric do I need for one pot holder?
You'll only need fabric scraps! The exact amount depends on the size you want, but even small pieces can be used effectively. Aim for strips approximately 2.5 inches wide.
Do I need any special quilting tools for this?
No special tools are required. A sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand-sewing), scissors, and an iron are sufficient. A rotary cutter and mat can make cutting the strips easier but aren't necessary.