Quilted Potholders

Are you sick of this fabric yet? I wish I could justify the purchase of new fabric sweetness, but the husband does not appreciate or understand my need {weakness} for beautifully colored cotton variations. {And truth be told, I have an entire dresser that is bulging with my fabric stash. I guess it's like shoes or handbags are for some ladies. But give me my fabric...and all the magnificent possibilities that lie waiting.}

Anywaaay...I had some fabric leftover from my valances and dish mat, so I whipped up some potholders. I've hand quilted potholders as gifts in the past, but these were meant to be quick and to the point so I used the machine. The simple pattern and quilting directions I used can be found here. I'm a lazy binder, though, so I finish my edges differently. I thought I'd share with ya...in case you like to be lazy efficient too;)

Layer the top, batting, and backing fabric, and pin together. {Make sure the batting and backing fabric are at least an inch larger than the front. It tends to shift around when quilting.} Quilt in desired pattern. {More info on the piecing and quilting process can be found here.}

Trim the batting even with the front, but leave the back about 1" wider on all sides.

Turn backing edge over toward potholder along one side and press.
Do this on all sides.

Turn edge of one side over again, onto the front of the potholder. Pin in place, and press.

When you get to a corner, snip off the tip to reduce some of the bulk.

Turn the corner in once.

Fold over the edge right next to it.

While still holding it in place, fold the other edge over.

Pin in place and continue all the way around.

Sew around the perimeter, as close to the edge of the "binding" as possible.

Done! :)

Have a great day!