Nature's Bounty Potholder Designed by Sue Marsh Finished size: 8" x 8" plus hanging loop Safety tip: Unless appropriate batting/lining fabric is used, do not use potholder to hold hot pots/dishes or to protect surfaces. Use only for decorative purposes. If potholder is to be used to hold hot items, place a layer of cotton batting and a layer of Insul-Brite™ fabric between potholder top and backing (Diagram I). Bind all layers together. DO NOT use polyester batting since high temperature can cause it to melt and create a possible burn hazard. You Need! Black (background & binding) ... 1/8 yard Red texture (star, binding, hanging tab) ... 1/4 yard Batting (low loft) ... 12" x 12" Optional: Insul-Brite™ fabric ... 12" x 12" Backing ... 12" x 12" Foundation paper Sewing thread (use cotton thread if potholder is to be used to protect against heat) Machine quilting thread (use cotton thread if potholder is to be used to protect against heat) Sew! Step 1. See McCall's Quick Quilts July 2004 issue for Star Block cutting and assembly instructions. Step 2. Layer potholder top, batting (Insul-Brite™ fabric if desired), and backing together (see Diagram I). Machine quilt layers together. Trim quilted potholder to 8" x 8" square. Step 3. Bind potholder with red texture fabric. Attaching Hanging Loop! Step 4. To make hanging loop, fold red texture 1"x 4"strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press (Diagram II). Open, then fold long raw edges in to center fold and press. Fold in half along original fold and press, then topstitch. Fold in half as shown. Tack hanging loop to back of potholder, tucking raw ends underneath.