A quilted potholder is lovely--but it won't do you any good in the kitchen if it isn't functional. Selecting a great filling or "batting" for your potholder is an essential part of your project. You can choose to use a heat-proof batting, use multiple layers of quilt batting or recycle batting from another item to complete your quilted potholder.
Use Heat-Resistant Batting
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You can purchase protective batting designed for kitchen products and ironing board covers at a quilt store. This batting has been specifically made for items that will be exposed to extreme heat and is used just like a regular batting.
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Use Regular Cotton Batting
Thick cotton batting can be used for a quilted potholder, if you layer it. Use three layers of cotton batting for your potholder, and quilt as usual. Do not use polyester-based batting for potholders, as it will not block heat effectively.
Recycle Another Heat-Resistant Item
If you have an old heat-resistant ironing board cover, you can recycle it and use it to fill your potholder. Just cut a double layer of heat-resistant fabric from the cover, and use it as your batting.
Use Felted Wool Batting
You can use several layers of felted wool as the batting for your potholder. Cut three or more squares of felted wool fabric and layer them to use as batting. You can purchase felted wool fabric or wash a wool sweater to felt it. An adult-sized sweater should yield enough wool for several potholders.
Knit and Felt a Batting Layer
Use 100 percent wool yarn, and knit a square that is at least 30 percent larger than your potholder. Machine wash the square in hot water to felt it. Allow the square to air dry, and use it to fill your potholder. Hand knitting that has been felted in this manner yields a soft, dense fabric that is ideal for blocking the heat from a hot pan.