Skillet Handle Sleeve...Tutorial

I'm constantly burning my hands on my cast iron skillets. I know it's not hard to grab a potholder before lifting the pan from the burner...it's just not a step I often take. I've been saying that I need to make some handle pads for a while. 

{Usually it comes out like, "Ouch!" (slam) "I need to make sleeves for these things!"} 

Well, today was the day. And just in case you, too, have been slamming your cast iron pans down in pain...I thought I'd share the tutorial:)

 Lay your pan {face down} on paper. 

Trace around the handle of your pan, adding 3/4" all around. 

This is your pattern.

 Cut out your pattern, and use it to cut 4 pieces from the fabric of your choice and 2 pieces from a thick batting. 

{I used heavy decorator fabric because that's what I had.}

Put 2 pieces of fabric right sides together. 

Sandwich these between 2 pieces of batting.

Pin to hold in place. 

Stitch down each side only, using a 1/4 " seam allowance.

{Don't sew either end yet.}

Turn right side out. 

{Using a chopstick helps to push/turn the fabric}

Try it on your pan handle to make sure it fits.

Sew the remaining two pieces of fabric together in the same manner, this time using a 3/8" seam allowance. 

{right sides together, sewing down each side only}

Pull the padded piece inside the liner, as shown below.

{The units will be right sides together.}

Line up seams, and stitch around the top edge, using a 1/4" seam allowance. 

It's hard to see in the photo below because I used white thread. Sorry! 

It is easiest to hand stitch this so you don't accidentally sew it closed. 

{This is the straight edge that will be the sleeve opening for your pan handle.}

Turn the whole thing inside out. 

{easier said than done}

It's not too bad if you do it in two steps:

Pull the inside {padded} piece out of the liner through the open end.

It will look like this:

Now, stuff the padded piece inside the liner. 

Straighten it out, and match up your seams.

Sew the raw edges on the end together, making sure to go through all layers.

Turn your sleeve right side out and try it on your pan!

Isn't she cute?

My hands feel better already.

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking to

All Things Inspired

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday