Grandma's Fan Pot Holder

This quick and easy pot holder is based on a traditional block pattern called “Dresden Plate”. There are several ways to construct this block, and this is one of them. Since some might fall in love with it and want to make a whole quilt, I am deviating from the book a little and showing how to make beautiful appliqué circles with turned edges. First, read all the instructions on pages 44 - 47 and all my tips. Then gather your supplies.

Trace the templates from the book insert and cut the 3 Dresden blades from your fabrics. Wait to cut the fabric for the quarter circle. Carefully press 1/4” at the pointed ends of the blades.

Decide on the blade order and stitch them side by side. I began at the pressed end to be sure the edges lined up. The other ends will be covered by the quarter circle and will never be seen. Press the seams open. Line the straight fan edges along the B square edges and baste along the sides. Set aside.

Now, the quarter circle. The template in the book is designed for raw edge fusible appliqué. In other words, there is no seam allowance added along the curve, only along the straight sides. If you choose that technique, read the instructions on page 4 in the book. It is a quick and easy method which we have used in February and March of this Pot Holder Sew Along. For a finished edge, try this. Make the template using freezer paper or other stiff paper that will hold its shape. Use the template to cut your fabric, adding ¼” seam allowance to the curved edge. Hand stitch a row of running stitches in the middle of the seam allowance. Pull gently to gather the seam allowance along the curved edge of the template.

When the curve is the way you want it, stitch a little knot to keep the gathering thread from slipping. Press and remove the paper template.

Layer the pot holder top with the cotton batting square. Use a machine blanket stitch around the fan blades and the quarter circle to complete the appliqué.

Layer the appliquéd top, the insulated batting square and the back. I used clips to keep the layers together, rather than pins. Attach the loop to the back as illustrated on page 47.

I did all the quilting before I bound the pot holder but I am going to recommend that you only do the echo quilting before the binding. After it is bound, quilt inside the Dresden blades. By doing this, you can see where the binding is and line up your quilting nicely. See you next month for another fun pot holder!