Folded Star Potholder Tutorial
At our January 2025 meeting, the marvellous Mouse Saint guided us through the process of making stunning folded star potholders. Whether you couldn’t attend or simply want to make another, this tutorial will walk you through each step so you can create your own.
This version of the folded star uses a slightly different technique than the one many of us may be familiar with. Plus, it includes circular binding—an extra challenge that makes the finished piece even more special! So grab your fabric, get comfortable, and enjoy giving this fun and rewarding project a go.
You can follow along online with the full tutorial below, or if you prefer a printable version you can download the step-by-step PDF guide just click the link.
Folded Star Potholder - Step by Step Tutorial
Photos and Written Instructions by Mouse Saint
Supplies
For this project you will need:
Sewing Machine and Basic Sewing Kit inc:
Pins
Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter & Mat
Non-permanent fabric marking tool
Small Ruler
Hand Needle & Thread
Glue
Fabric:
(Cotton or other heat tolerant fabric)
Round 1 – Four x 4″ Squares
Round 2 – Eight x 5″ Squares
Round 3 – Eight x 5″ Squares
Bias Binding – 2″ x 25″
Ribbon – 6″
Backing – One x 8″ Square
Foundation Fabric – One x 8″ Square
Wadding – One x 8″ Square
Insulation (eg insul-bright) – One x 8″ Square
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1
Press the foundation square in half and then into quarters.
Step 2
Fold each square in half, right side down, and then fold up the sides into the middle to form triangles.
Step 3
Stitch across the top of the triangle, about an 1/8″, to help keep their shape when positioning.
Round One
Step 4
Position the round 1 triangles so that they follow the fold lines in the foundation. A small dab of glue on the points will keep them in place.
Pin and sew with a 1/4″ seam.
Step 5
From the centre mark 1/2″ on all four pieces.
Round Two
Step 6
Position 4 of the round 2 pieces onto the marks you’ve made, again glue helps, pin and sew.
Step 7
Measure 1/2″ from the very centre point.
Step 8
Position the remaining round 2 pieces, pin and sew.
Round Three
Step 9
Do the same again with the first 4 pieces of round 3, measuring 1/2″ from the round 2 points.
Pin and stitch.
Add the remaining 4 triangles, pin and stitch.
Step 10
Stitch across all 8 sections using the centre fold lines as a guide.
Sandwich and Shape
Step 11
When all of the triangles are stitched into place, use the circle template provided to mark out your circle, centring the small hole over the middle.
Step 12
Make the quilt sandwich. Background fabric, right side down, wadding, insulbrite and then the sewn piece on top.
Stitch on the line drawn in step 11 to secure all pieces together.
Step 13
Trim excess fabric away, roughly 1/4″ from the stitches.
You can use scissors or your rotary cutter making small straight cuts.
Add Binding
Step 14
Add the double fold bias binding to the front of the pad using a 1/2″ seam allowance.
Step 15
Fold the binding over to the back and add in the hanging loop, either ribbon or excess binding
Don’t pull the binding too tight or it will bend the front!!
Step 16
Slip stitch the binding onto the back of the pad, keeping it as close to the stitched line as possible.
Press from the back first and then press the front.
