Hearts & Crafts - Project #7: Potholder

Welcome to Mattie's Hearts & Crafts Blog Series! 

To see all projects in this series, click on the label "Hearts & Crafts Projects".

This potholder would be a welcome hostess gift, and so quick to make!  Have fun! 
STANDARD METHOD:  Zigzag Applique, "Zigzapping" 
NOTE:  This project does not use the small heart, so I just left it in.  You could cut it out as in some of the other projects if you wish to use it.  If you do, it is helpful to sew it first, then cut on the dashed lines.  See Crazy Heart Runner, Steps 3-6

MATERIALS:
 6.5" square  for heart applique.
2" x 5" strip for hanger.
9" square for background
9" square backing (you can use an old ironing board cover - silver quilted fabric, heat resistant)
9" square fusible fleece  (if your heat resistant fabric above includes batting, you might not need this - your choice)
1 Quiltsmart Sweet Hearts heart ( a little redundant)

INSTRUCTIONS: (Read first to get the gist of it!)

1) Cut fabrics as listed.

Cut a small slit in the middle of the small  heart.









 
2) Place interfacing rough side (glue dot side) to RIGHT side of fabric.  Stitch on the solid line.  TIP:  The smaller the stitch, the smoother the curve.  I used a 2.0mm on this project.

3) Trim on the dashed line, clipping at the center inner angle.


4) Turn right side out.  Use a pointer-creaser to get a great smooth line and points.  Keep the tool in between the fabric seam, not next to the interfacing! TIP:  I like to use the rounded end of the pointer-creaser first, then the pointed end. Be very careful! Set aside.

5)  Fuse the fusible fleece to the background square. Your Quiltsmart Applique Pressing Sheet will help with fusing the batting to the square.






 


Turn over and cut a small slit - about 3" long - in the middle.  The heart will go over this.

6) HANGER: Press 2 x 5" strip in half to crease the lengthwise middle.









Open and fold the long sides to that crease.  Press again. 

Now fold in half, encompasing all raw edges.  Press again.  Stitch the folded side closed.  You may stitch the other side if you wish. 

Fold the hanger in half and stitch in the corner or close to the corner (as I have).  I don't like the bulk created in the corner, that is why I stitch is close to the corner.  I also like to separate it a bit, also to alleviate bulk. Stitch across, within the seam allowance.

7) Sew the insulated side and the hanger side, right sides together using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Use a pointer-creaser to gently push out the corners.

8) Fuse the heart to the center (we have over 30 ZigZapp designs - you could use many of them!), covering the slit.  ZigZagg stitch around the edges of the heart.  Keep the stitch on the heart, with the needle just piercing the background fabric.  I like a 1.5"mm width and a 2.5" mm length, but use what feels comfy.  This stitching will show on the backside - the heat resistant side.

9) "Top-stitch" around the outside edges.  Use the edge of your presser foot as a guide.  This will give a nice finished appearance.
Clip threads, ENJOY!
 
NOTE:  The technique used in this project is to cover the slit (step 8) with an applique instead of the more traditional approach which is to leave a side opening and whip-stitch by hand the opening shut.  This allows a very nice and structural outer seam, and no hand stitching.  The zigzag stitches will show on the backside of the applique.  I hope you like them, I do!

FUN OPTION:  You may quilt around the heart for more detail. This will show to the backside also, as will traditional quilting.




 
Please send any comments or questions to info@quiltsmart.com, Facebook, or Instagram.  Thanks so much!
I hope you enjoyed this project, send us pics to share!
Take Care, Mattie