When sewing multiple layers, esp if they have soft bulk to them like batting and faux fur and other textured fabrics, it's best to use a walking foot. Those keep everything aligned. A normal sewing foot tends to push and stretch the top layer(s) forward as the fabric slides under it. That's how you end up getting the upper layers looking longer than the bottom one when they were the same before sewing. The walking foot works in conjunction with the feed dogs under the bottom layer and helps pull all layers of fabric together at the same time as the needle punches through them. Walking feet are a great tool! I used to make teddy bears. I'd take great care in cutting the faux fur, pin everything together and sew them with a regular foot and find the top layer bunching up against the pins and not know why. I finally learned about walking feet and I bought one. Wow! what a difference it made when sewing anything with a pile or layers! No more bunching fabric, even if they have a stretch! They can be rather pricey depending on the machine you have, but they are worth it in the long run if you tend to sew many thick layered and piled fabrics.
Great tutorial! I enjoy your teaching style and the soft music. It's really a shame that people make videos with the music up so loud that it competes with being able to hear their voice. Great little potholder, I'm looking forward to making them. :)
+Marlys Sellmeyer I think the audio is the hardest part. I've lowered my soundtrack since the beginning. I think we can hear ourselves, so we think everyone can! I appreciate your kind feedback. Please stay tuned! Thx!
I love the 'fluffy/puffy' edge all around for the pot holder/trivet. Forgot to put your loop in the corner? Be brave ... sew it into the center of the pot holder/trivet side where the opening is ... just use that same area to start and finish the stitching because you back stitch it. To bulky? Place the looped material ends side by side instead of on top of each other. ;)
I love your videos, they are so informative and every time I watch one I am inspired to create something. Appreciate your talent and ability to convey information in a clear and understandable format. Thank you!
you weren't kidding about all the fibers from turning this potholder. I felt like I was covered in insulation. NOT PSYCHOSOMATIC ON YOUR PART. IT WAS REAL! LOL. FUN THOUGH. AND TURNED OUT NICE
Yes, I just liked it on Facebook! I used to sit in a cloud of fluff, sneezing, working on a batch of 48 or so, wondering, Why am I still making these!?! Thanks!
If you add a short piece of hemming tape to the opened seam then iron it closed before you topstitch. A great way of closing the opening after it's been turned out.
bless your heart. everything that could go wrong did. I luv that u can laugh about it and u just persevere. have u ever bobbin sewed for the couching technique?.
+Diana Wright Just checked in, Diana, working under deadline. The show (video) must go on! as they say. Do you mean bobbin drawing? It is a much more agile, prettier technique in my opinion, especially if you have some shiny, furry little soutache or something. If I can move up to larger pieces exclusively, I will add more back into my work!! Thx!
I stitched around at 5/8" and then top-stitched at 3/8 to close the potholder. You can jump to about 7:50 to see that in the video. Thanks for the question!.
If you embroider on one side how many layers would you use - the 2 layer side or just a layer of the decorative side. Hope I am making myself clear. You do such neat attractive work.
I have only a little experience with hand embroidery, and none with machine, but I would find a way to hoop or somehow stabilize my work and then make the potholder. Sorry i do not really know the answer.
How do you keep all the layers from moving when sewing? I sued a walking foot and still have a problem. Love these pot holders and would like to master them. Would make great gifts.
The layers do shift some. You could spray or hand baste, but I just try to have the stitching and piece square at the end, even if the layers shifted a bit. Good luck!
Sorry, but this fabric is 8 or 9 years old, and I doubt it is still available. The good news is that roosters and chickens are so popular that new fabrics come out all the time. The tan rooster potholders I have pictured on etsy feature a nice current fabric available at Joann's. Good luck.
Don't know if you read these. I'm looking for your rice-filled yoga eye bag or whatever you called it. Would you be so kind as to send me that link, please. Bless you and your creativity! Stay safe.
This one? (There is also a rice trivet and a much bigger rice pack.) Flax Eye Bag with hidden zipper | Easy Gift Project | ZSA Tutorials: ua-cam.com/video/ifKAo0FFzBI/v-deo.html
It is practically impossible to keep the batting and insulbright layers from shifting at least somewhat, but I find that if I follow the line of the fabric (denim and cotton layers) and make the stitching straight and square, the potholder will turn nicely, resulting in a perky little piece. Hope that helps..
I am in the middle of making these. Thank you so much for the tutorial. Your dyed, stamped, and quilted fabric is really lovely. As a suggestion, when you are speaking and teaching, the music you’re playing is distracting and makes it a bit hard to hear you. You don’t need it. Again, thank you!
Nice! One question...why did you use two layers of batting instead of two layers of insulbrite with just one layer of batting in the center to absorb steam? When I use a pot holder i generally dont have a wrong or right side.
If I understand the question correctly, here's my answer: once the potholder is turned, the batting goes cotton-insulbright-cotton. But no matter the layering, I consider it to be two-sided, as you suggested, even though most people will protect the side they think is prettier, or easier to stain, in use. Insulbright is more expensive and slips a lot, especially against itself. The way I layer it seems to minimize slippage. Either way, the manufacturer of the battings suggests only one layer of each (which I think heats through too fast), so three layers is superior. These are a little hard to topstitch. 2 layers of insulbright and one cotton would be even harder, I think. If I did two insulbright layers, I'd probably leave out the cottom. Finally, I do think you should do whatever you think is best!
Oh, one other thought: I used to put six layers of Warm and Natural in my quilted potholders. These were pretty stiff if I quilted them very densely. My tests showed that one layer of insulbright equalled about 4 of cotton. That is why I do the layer that I do. My tests consisted of holding various test layering on my iron turned on high and timing how long it took to get uncomfortably hot--not very scientific, but it has seemed to be good for my customers all these years.
Geraldine Lombardo I agree with you except I think the five layers is overkill whether is it’s batting or Insul Bright. if you had two layers that would be sufficient. regardless of the type. But as zazus said to each his own. I plan to try both ways to see.
They are leftover from making napkins in another video (link below) with these time stamps for the relevant sections on that video: ts2:21 ts4:35 ts5:21. [Sorry, if you click these they will lead back to the potholder video.] As always, the time stamps are also noted in the description below the napkin video itself. Thanks! ua-cam.com/video/VEOw8Xu0ncY/v-deo.html
I love making these potholders....Thank you and I love your calming voice.
...like when you're brushing hair. Perfect! I really appreciate good analogies like that.
Thank you for making this tutorial. So easy to understand and despite equipment failure you did an outstanding job.
When sewing multiple layers, esp if they have soft bulk to them like batting and faux fur and other textured fabrics, it's best to use a walking foot. Those keep everything aligned. A normal sewing foot tends to push and stretch the top layer(s) forward as the fabric slides under it. That's how you end up getting the upper layers looking longer than the bottom one when they were the same before sewing. The walking foot works in conjunction with the feed dogs under the bottom layer and helps pull all layers of fabric together at the same time as the needle punches through them. Walking feet are a great tool!
I used to make teddy bears. I'd take great care in cutting the faux fur, pin everything together and sew them with a regular foot and find the top layer bunching up against the pins and not know why. I finally learned about walking feet and I bought one. Wow! what a difference it made when sewing anything with a pile or layers! No more bunching fabric, even if they have a stretch! They can be rather pricey depending on the machine you have, but they are worth it in the long run if you tend to sew many thick layered and piled fabrics.
I agree on the walking foot generally, but this machine doesn’t have it and goes twice as fast as my one that does. Thanks fo the helpful tip!
These are amazing!! I followed your instructions exactly and they came out looking just like yours!! Thank you so much.
I never thought to use my quilting guide along the edge to get a perfect top stitch, great idea and wonderful pot holders.
Thanks!
Love the demo on napkins with buttons on best I've seen Jan x
Thanks! I hope you make them!
Great tutorial! I enjoy your teaching style and the soft music. It's really a shame that people make videos with the music up so loud that it competes with being able to hear their voice. Great little potholder, I'm looking forward to making them. :)
+Marlys Sellmeyer I think the audio is the hardest part. I've lowered my soundtrack since the beginning. I think we can hear ourselves, so we think everyone can! I appreciate your kind feedback. Please stay tuned! Thx!
I love the 'fluffy/puffy' edge all around for the pot holder/trivet. Forgot to put your loop in the corner? Be brave ... sew it into the center of the pot holder/trivet side where the opening is ... just use that same area to start and finish the stitching because you back stitch it. To bulky? Place the looped material ends side by side instead of on top of each other. ;)
Thanks for sharing! Really cute potholders.
+Deborah S Thanks!
I love your videos, they are so informative and every time I watch one I am inspired to create something. Appreciate your talent and ability to convey information in a clear and understandable format. Thank you!
That is so nice to know. Thank you for watching and commenting.
nice, easy, thanks- palm springs, ca.
Very nice and looks quite simple. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks!
you weren't kidding about all the fibers from turning this potholder. I felt like I was covered in insulation. NOT PSYCHOSOMATIC ON YOUR PART. IT WAS REAL! LOL. FUN THOUGH. AND TURNED OUT NICE
Yes, I just liked it on Facebook! I used to sit in a cloud of fluff, sneezing, working on a batch of 48 or so, wondering, Why am I still making these!?! Thanks!
My pot holders turned out great! Thank you for your help and clear instructions.
So glad you made them and are happy with them! Take care and keep in touch! And many thanks for your support!
Beautiful
you are an artist!
So nice! Thank you!
It really gives a beautiful result sewing the potholder that way. Nice work! as always :-)
Thx!
Informative video with beautiful results. I will try to make these . Thanks for sharing
+Janice DeBusk thx!
Great Christmas gift idea. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks!
i made mine today turned out beautiful. thank you for sharing
Great! I would love to get a picture to share with everyone, if you feel like it... Either way, Thanks!
If you add a short piece of hemming tape to the opened seam then iron it closed before you topstitch. A great way of closing the opening after it's been turned out.
bless your heart. everything that could go wrong did. I luv that u can laugh about it and u just persevere. have u ever bobbin sewed for the couching technique?.
+Diana Wright Just checked in, Diana, working under deadline. The show (video) must go on! as they say. Do you mean bobbin drawing? It is a much more agile, prettier technique in my opinion, especially if you have some shiny, furry little soutache or something. If I can move up to larger pieces exclusively, I will add more back into my work!! Thx!
Love (all) your Art Work!!!! ❤️ Greetings from Belgium 😍 Marie
Thank you so much!
Great job 🌺🌹💕😍👌
Thank you!
well done and easy to follow instructions but the music was just a little bit loud ...thank you for sharing
+Ruth Freeman Sorry about that. I think the newer videos have the music turned down a tad. Thanks for commenting.
Beth, is the seam 1/2" or 5/8" for the finishing
I stitched around at 5/8" and then top-stitched at 3/8 to close the potholder. You can jump to about 7:50 to see that in the video. Thanks for the question!.
If you embroider on one side how many layers would you use - the 2 layer side or just a layer of the decorative side. Hope I am making myself clear. You do such neat attractive work.
I have only a little experience with hand embroidery, and none with machine, but I would find a way to hoop or somehow stabilize my work and then make the potholder. Sorry i do not really know the answer.
thank you - love your videos - thank you for taking the time to make them and answer questions
How do you keep all the layers from moving when sewing? I sued a walking foot and still have a problem. Love these pot holders and would like to master them. Would make great gifts.
The layers do shift some. You could spray or hand baste, but I just try to have the stitching and piece square at the end, even if the layers shifted a bit. Good luck!
do you have to use denim material? can you use 2 pieces of cotton fabric?
That will work fine. Thanks!
Where have you got the rooster printer fabric? Would really like to get some of this.
Sorry, but this fabric is 8 or 9 years old, and I doubt it is still available. The good news is that roosters and chickens are so popular that new fabrics come out all the time. The tan rooster potholders I have pictured on etsy feature a nice current fabric available at Joann's. Good luck.
Don't know if you read these. I'm looking for your rice-filled yoga eye bag or whatever you called it. Would you be so kind as to send me that link, please. Bless you and your creativity! Stay safe.
This one? (There is also a rice trivet and a much bigger rice pack.) Flax Eye Bag with hidden zipper | Easy Gift Project | ZSA Tutorials: ua-cam.com/video/ifKAo0FFzBI/v-deo.html
I went to Joann’s and found a 4 oz and a 12 oz denim. Which one did/would you use?
I’ve used both. The 4 is easier with a home machine and when turning the corners.
What are the dimensions of the fabric before they are sewn together?
8.5 x 8.5 inches. Thanks.
Zazu's Stitch Art thank you so much. I love all of your videos. You are the best❤️
How do you keep all of those layers from shifting? Thank you!
It is practically impossible to keep the batting and insulbright layers from shifting at least somewhat, but I find that if I follow the line of the fabric (denim and cotton layers) and make the stitching straight and square, the potholder will turn nicely, resulting in a perky little piece. Hope that helps..
@@ZazusStitchArt Thank you. I think my work will improve as I try to make more. They turned out “ok,” but nothing close to as nice as yours!
I am in the middle of making these. Thank you so much for the tutorial. Your dyed, stamped, and quilted fabric is really lovely. As a suggestion, when you are speaking and teaching, the music you’re playing is distracting and makes it a bit hard to hear you. You don’t need it. Again, thank you!
Nice! One question...why did you use two layers of batting instead of two layers of insulbrite with just one layer of batting in the center to absorb steam? When I use a pot holder i generally dont have a wrong or right side.
If I understand the question correctly, here's my answer: once the potholder is turned, the batting goes cotton-insulbright-cotton. But no matter the layering, I consider it to be two-sided, as you suggested, even though most people will protect the side they think is prettier, or easier to stain, in use. Insulbright is more expensive and slips a lot, especially against itself. The way I layer it seems to minimize slippage. Either way, the manufacturer of the battings suggests only one layer of each (which I think heats through too fast), so three layers is superior. These are a little hard to topstitch. 2 layers of insulbright and one cotton would be even harder, I think. If I did two insulbright layers, I'd probably leave out the cottom. Finally, I do think you should do whatever you think is best!
Oh, one other thought: I used to put six layers of Warm and Natural in my quilted potholders. These were pretty stiff if I quilted them very densely. My tests showed that one layer of insulbright equalled about 4 of cotton. That is why I do the layer that I do. My tests consisted of holding various test layering on my iron turned on high and timing how long it took to get uncomfortably hot--not very scientific, but it has seemed to be good for my customers all these years.
Geraldine Lombardo
I agree with you except I think the five layers is overkill whether is it’s batting or Insul Bright. if you had two layers that would be sufficient. regardless of the type. But as zazus said to each his own. I plan to try both ways to see.
What type of needle did you use in making these? Denim?
The denim is quite light, so I use a 14. With thicker denim, I would move to a 16. I have denim size 16, so I would use it.
💖👍
how did you make your loop?
They are leftover from making napkins in another video (link below) with these time stamps for the relevant sections on that video: ts2:21 ts4:35 ts5:21. [Sorry, if you click these they will lead back to the potholder video.] As always, the time stamps are also noted in the description below the napkin video itself. Thanks! ua-cam.com/video/VEOw8Xu0ncY/v-deo.html
you need to turn your volume up or talk louder,.
Sorry. I think my newer videos are better:(