How to Sew Magnets Into Potholders
Sew magnets into potholders so you can store them on the refrigerator or the stove, within easy reach when you need them. Choose potholders that have any color or pattern, but they should be the quilted or layered with trim binding the layers. Crocheted potholders, for example, won't work for this project. Strong thread, such as cotton hand quilting thread, will hold the trim securely in place. For best results, find thread that matches the potholder. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Seam ripper
- Scissors
- Package of round craft magnets
- Hand sewing needle
- Hand quilting thread
Instructions
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1
Use the seam ripper to pick a thread hold the binding or trim on the potholder. Fold the trim toward the front of the potholder, and slide the tip of the seam ripper under one of the threads, pushing it until the seam ripper cuts that thread.
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2
Cut several of the threads with the seam ripper, until you have made an opening wide enough to allow you to slide a magnet inside the potholder. Pull any pieces of the cut threads out, and trim the ends of the thread on the potholder with scissors, getting as close to the potholder as you can without cutting it.
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3
Separate the layers of the potholder's fabric and batting to make a pocket for the magnet. Some potholders have stitching that holds the layers together placed here and there throughout the potholder. If yours does, make the pocket a little to the side of the stitching. Pop a few more threads with the seam ripper if necessary. Slide a magnet into the opening.
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Smooth the layers as much as possible. Fold the bias tape or other trim back into place. Remove just enough of the batting in that place to get the trim to lie correctly if the section where the magnet sits is too bulky, and fold the trim back into place.
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5
Cut about 12 inches of thread from the spool, and thread the needle. Pull the needle about five inches down the length of the thread, and knot only the longer end of the thread. Leave the other end free.
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6
Open the pocket and place the tip of the needle inside, under the trim at the right edge of the opening. Push it up through the potholder's outer fabric and trim. Pull the needle through until the knot meets the material. (Starting on the inside hides the knot.)
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7
Place the tip of the needle one stitch length to the left and push it back down through all of the layers of material. Continue making stitches in this manner until you close the opening. Oversew to tie it off, making a few stitches over and over in the same spot, then sliding the needle under those stitches, pulling it through and cutting the thread.
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Tips & Warnings
Add another magnet, either next to the first one or on the other edge of the potholder, if one craft magnet isn't strong enough to hold it.
Sew with clear monofilament (fishing line) or use a contrasting color of quilting thread and stitch all the way around the edge of the potholder if you can't find thread that matches the potholder.
Be careful when using seam rippers, which can slip and cause an injury.
References
- Photo Credit Fall Colors Ovenmitt and Potholders image by Joyce Wilkes from Fotolia.com
