You don’t have to make the corners rounded if you don’t want to, but it’ll be much easier to attach the bias tape to the corners if they’re rounded.
You can use the same color/pattern for both cotton squares, or you can use different ones. For example, 1 piece could be solid-colored while the other could be patterned.
Stack the pieces in this order: fabric, batting, fleece, batting, fabric. The right side of the fabric is the same as the front. The wrong side is the back.
The seam allowance doesn’t matter, but something around 1⁄2 inch (1. 3 cm) would be good. Use a contrasting thread color. This will make it easier to see the basting stitch so that you can pull it out later.
Repeat this process for the top-left and bottom-right corner. Consider using a different chalk color to make the lines easier to tell apart. Don’t worry if the last set of lines are a little further than 1 inch (2. 5 cm) from the corners. The bias tape will cover this up.
You do not need to backstitch here, but you can if you want to. The straight stitch is the most basic stitch on a sewing machine. How you get this stitch on your sewing machine depends on the brand. Refer to the manual that came with it. Use a contrasting thread color if you want the lines to stand out. For a more subtle design, match the thread color to the fabric. Make sure that your sewing machine’s tension works well with the fabric.
If you knotted the basting stitch, cut the knot first.
The bias tape should be right on top of the potholder, not hanging off the edge. You will sew it down first, then fold it over. Pin the folded, narrow edge down first. Overlap the other end of the bias tape by 1 inch (2. 5 cm), then cut the rest off. Choose bias tape in a contrasting color for a more colorful look. Something between 1⁄4 and 1⁄2 inch (0. 64 and 1. 27 cm) would work great here.
The ends of the loop should touch the raw edges of your potholder. The rest of the loop should be on top of the potholder. Remove some of the pins holding the bias tape down, then slip the loop under it so that it’s between the potholder and the bias tape. This is simply a hanging loop. You don’t have to include it, if you don’t want to.
Match the thread color to the actual fabric of the potholder. This way, if any of the stitching shows through at the end, it won’t be as visible. Reverse the sewing machine for a few stitches when you start and finish sewing. This is known as “backstitching” and will keep your stitches from coming apart.
If you added a hanging loop, fold the loop up so that it’s sticking out over the edge of the potholder. Pin it down too. Pull the bias tape tightly enough so that it covers the stitching from when you sewed the bias tape in place.
Use your sewing machine for this step. Match the thread color and bobbin color to the bias tape. If you added a hanging loop, then sew the top edge of the bias tape to the loop to tack it in place.
Check the kids crafting section first. If you can’t find it there, try the rug making aisle next. Do not use a regular weaving room for rugs. It’s not the same thing. The loom needs to have prongs on all 4 sides. The looms in these kits come in a standard size. If you have an option between large, medium, and small sizes, however, stick with the smaller size.
Put the bands left and right prongs, not the top and bottom prongs. This will create the base for your potholder. The bands come in all sorts of colors, so get creative with the pattern. Try all 1 color, a rainbow pattern, or an alternating pattern. You can also just do a random pattern.
Each band creates a double strand. Treat these strands as a single strand. For example, if you have a pink band, weave across the entire pink band. If you’re left-handed, start on the left side of the loom and finish on the right. If you’re right handed, start on the right side and finish on the left. Keep the hook woven across the bands. One end of the hook should be on the left side of the loom, and the other end of the hook should be on the right side.
If you started weaving on the left, pull the hook back towards the left. If you started weaving on the right, pull the hook towards the right.
Remember to hook both ends of the band over the prongs.
The potholder may start to curve around the edges, which is normal. Just keep weaving.
When you’re done, the second loop should still be on the hook. If you’re left-handed, start on the top-left corner and work towards the right. If you’re right-handed, start on the top-right corner and work towards the left.
Work your way around the loom, pulling the previous band through the next one. The potholder will come off the loom bit by bit as you crochet the loops together, so don’t worry about pulling it off.
Gently stretch the edges of the potholder to help it maintain a square-like shape. For a more secure hold, tie the 2 loops together in a double-knot instead of crocheting them.
