Monday, November 14, 2016

Color + Log Cabin = {Pattern}

I guess you could call me the 'queen of pot holders' lately!  I've made a million and with each set I mindlessly piece, layer, quilt and bind.  It's second nature and should be expected after so many sets.

There has been interest in a tutorial for these culinary delights, so yes...I put together a tutorial along with a pattern for this set of pot holders.  

1/4 Log Cabin Pot Holders
9" x 9"
I couldn't resist the chance to share my process and come up with a design that I could share with you.  Log cabin blocks can be as simple or as complicated as you want.  The 'logs' can be the thick or thin, light or dark, mixed width or the same size...this is one of those blocks that will always be a 'go to' for most any quilter.  Pattern available here!


For this block, the corner square starts at a whopping 1 1/4" square.  Pretty tiny, but very doable. This kind of block is put together on two sides.  You continue to add strips until it grows to the size you are after.  I like to press my seams open to reduce the bulk.


The smallest width is 3/4" and the widest is 1 1/2".  There are 14 colors used that will eventually grow to 9" square.  Yes, a little ambitious and I wondered why I needed to take it to that level more than once.  My answer is I like a challenge, I like color!  


This is the result of building those logs!  After a good hot steam pressing, the time has come to layer the pieces!  


I use a layer of cotton batting and insul-bright in every pot holder.  Insul-bright is a product from The Warm Company.  It 's heat resistant, not heat proof.  At least one layer of cotton batting is recommended when used for pot holders and oven mitts.  Insul~Bright is not recommended for microwave use.  This product is widely available.  Jo-Anns, Walmart and many online shops carry it.

  

To make the quilt sandwich, I lay my backing (right side down if using a print), insul-bright, batting and top right side up.  There isn't a right or wrong side to insul-bright.  


Pin to secure the layers together and quilt as desired.


I didn't do anything special in the quilting department.  Random straight lines with a lot of thread color changes!

I've never had problems quilting pot holders using this many layers.  I recommend using a walking foot or dual feed.   


Once the quilting is finished I square up each pot holder.  I don't know if there is a standard size, but I tend to make my sets 8 1/2" to 9" square.  

The pattern I designed is for a 9" block.  But we all know depending on how accurate you are with piecing or how accurate your 1/4" seams are, size may vary.  Which is why I make the outside log wide enough to play with.  

Finishing off with binding in yet another color is always welcome in my book!  My personal choice for binding is 2 1/4" strips.  I always use a scant 1/4" when stitching the binding to the front.  This allows a little extra binding to wrap around the thicker than usual layers.  


You can find the pattern for these pot holders in my Craftsy Pattern Shop:  Log Cabin Pot Holders

23 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. I’m not one to shy away from color! I love using scraps and these are perfect for those skinny strips we tend to hold on too!

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  2. thanks - this set is very bright and would be lovely in a kitchen that is white and plain I think - it would add brightness and be great looking

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    1. A neutral or white kitchen would really make these pot holders standout! I have a hard time holding back on color, especially using scraps!

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  3. Nicely done Jayne, so bright and cheery!

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  4. Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. I like to make potholders for Christmas gifts and I always need a new pair...they get so grungy and I can't get them clean!

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    1. They do get messed up when used! Luckily as quilters we can make more and more!

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  5. Yes thanks Jayne: I picked up your pattern along with your paper pieced pattern.

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  6. Nice tutorial; thanks for taking the time to write it up. I love the bold colors on these pot holders, so graphic and modern!

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    1. I’m trying to be proactive in the pattern writing department! The log cabin block is such a classic and always fun to play with!

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  7. I love your pot holders. They are full of energy!Reading your post is a good start for a new day! Thanks and have a nice day!

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  8. Hello Jayne, just wanted to thank you for doing this tutorial, it answered a few questions and if it's ok, I would like to print it out for my personal patterns folder. This folder is just for me, but I will not print a copy if you would prefer. I love the way you put your colours together, so vibrant.
    Kate
    kateorchardmerkel@sky.com

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  9. Thank you for linking up! Precision in such small items is awesome, and I feel like we are going to be seeing a lot of log cabin style work in the next year based on what I saw through IG of Fall Market!

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  10. Beautiful! I might have to make a few of these for holiday gifts. Thanks for sharing the pattern.

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  11. These are bold and beautiful and I am glad that you mentioned the heat resistant product as I was not aware of it ! :)

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  12. I love log cabin blocks too! Great tutorial for making the pot holders :)

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  13. Love your sense of color and your ability to make cutest mini quilt projects. When I remember my Craftsy login/password, I plan to download your pattern. Hopefully I'll have better brain functioning in the morning after coffee! Take care, and thanks! Mary

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  14. These are stunning, Jayne, I love how bold they are.

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  15. SOLD on this wonderful tutorial! Thank you for sharing such a great idea AND a great tutorial! You answered quite a few questions that I've had about making potholders! And I love how they are almost like strip quilting - perfect! I so glad I found you on Main Crush Mondays! Thank you!

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  16. These are awesome! Such a great twist on a classic block with bright fun colors.

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