Let’s make a pot holder together! I am so excited to share this fun technique that I just discovered. It’s perfect for beginners or experienced sewers alike – let me show you how it works… This week I will show you a fun quilt block technique: Cut as You Go and X Marks the Spot. This technique is excellent for a beginner sewer or an experienced sewer. I made a baby quilt using this technique, but I want to share the methods using a smaller project with you. So let’s make a pot holder together!
Excited to get started on this project? Check out the video tutorial below or follow the step-by-step instructions! You choose how you want to learn to do this project! The video tutorial is excellent for those who want to see the project come together, and the step-by-step instructions are perfect for those who want a more detailed look at each component. Either way, you’ll be able to create this project with ease! So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
Supplies
- 100% Cotton Fabric – Three Fat Corners work great
- Batting – I used 100% Cotton Battering
- Insul-Bright
- Thread
- Scissors
- Fabric Pen
- Ruler
*Disclaimer: Links above are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you by clicking on these links. Some products may have been provided to me by vendors. However, all opinions and reviews are strictly my own.
Step 1 – Cutting
To start, you will need a couple of different fabrics. For this project, I am using three different fabric patterns. Cut two quares of varying material, 5 inches by 5 inches.
Step 2 – Sewing
Now it’s time to sew the squares together. Place the squares right sides together. Sew around the outside of the square using a 1/4 seam allowance.
Step 3 – X Marks the Spot
Now it is time for X marks the spot! Use a fabric pen to draw a diagonal line from each corner.
Then carefully use a seam ripper or scissors and cut along the X you just drew.
Then press out each triangle. Clip the edges to square up the block.
Step 4 – Repeat
Cut another square the same size as your new square.
Place the squares right sides together. Sew around the outside of the square using a 1/4 seam allowance.
Step 5 – Repeat X
You guessed it, time for another X. Use a fabric pen to draw a diagonal line from each corner. Then carefully use a seam ripper or scissors and cut along the X you just drew. Then press out each triangle. Using a ruler, it is time to square up the block. I square up the block by using the previous block as a measuring starting point.
Step 6 – Repeat to Size
Repeat the previous steps until you have the size of square you want for your project. I like using an 11-inch block for a potholder.
Step 7 Layer Potholder
To turn your square into a potholder, you will need to add some 100% batting and some Insul-Bright and backing for your potholder. The next step is to layer your squares.
#1 New Quilt Square right side up
#2 Potholder Back right side facing the right side of the new quilt square.
#3 Lay the cotton batting on top of the potholder back.
#4 The Last layer is the Insul-Bright.
Step 8 – Sew Border
Now clip all 4 layers together, mark a 4-inch opening on the square side with the tailor’s chalk or fabric marker pen (I used erasable ink), and sew 1/4-inch seams along the edge except for the 4-inch opening.
Clip the corners and turn right through this last un-sewn section. Then poke out the corners carefully and give it a good press.
Step 9 – Top Stitch
The final step in making this potholder is to top stitch along the edge. First you want to give the potholder a good press with your iron.
I like to use a longer stitch length of 4mm so that the seam lays smooth.
This is a great quilt block technique for beginners or experienced sewers.
The Cut as You Go and X Marks the Spot technique is perfect for making a pot holder, baby quilt, or any other project you can imagine. Give it a try and see what you can create!
Happy Sewing!
If this project inspired you, check out some of my other projects for more inspiration!
Don’t forget to check out my Fun Stuff Crafts Amazon Storefront!
Social Media Links
CLICK HERE If you want to join the Facebook Group, Crafts, and Inspiration, hosted by Fun Stuff Crafts! I share and encourage members to share tips and projects in the group. Please answer the questions to be added to the group!
