Shibori Potholders

Potholders – Shibori Style!

By Teri Lucas

Shibori is the Japanese art of shaped resist dyeing. The intricate patterns used in this potholder design were created by folding the fabric like a flag and binding the corners with rubber bands. Teri Lucas, quilt designer, author and teacher, created this virtual potholder design using software by Electric Quilt 6. The hand-dyed fabrics in this quilt are the same fabrics featured in Rit Shibori Dyeing Techniques.

Finished Potholder Size:  8” x  8”  

Hand-Dyed Shibori Fabrics

Before making potholders, you will need to dye 2 fat quarters using the Shibori flag fold technique.  Rit liquid dye colors used are:  Teal, Golden Yellow, Purple and Petal Pink.

Follow directions for Rit Shibori Dyeing under Dyeing Techniques.  Note: Black fabric can be purchased.

Fabric & Batting Needed

• 1 Fat Quarter (18” x 22”) Shibori Flag Fold,  Golden Yellow & Teal
• 1 Fat Quarter (18” x 22”) Shibori Flag Fold, Petal Pink & Purple
• 1/4 Yd. Insulated Batting
• ½ Yd. Black Fabric for borders & backing

Note:  This yardage will make 4 potholders.

Additional Supplies

• Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat and Ruler
• Straight Pins
• Matching Sewing Thread for piecing
• Sewing Machine

Cutting Instructions for Two Potholders:

Golden Yellow & Teal Fat Quarter

• Cut 4 – 3 1/2” squares (“Fussy cut” the squares to capture the part of the design you prefer.)

Petal Pink & Purple Fat Quarter

• Cut 4 – 3 1/2” squares (“Fussy cut” the squares to capture the part of the design you prefer.)

Black Fabric

• Cut 4 -- 1 ½” x 6 ½” strips
• Cut 4 -- 1 ½” x 8 ½” strips
• Cut 2 - 9” squares for backing

Insulated Batting

• Cut 2 - 9” squares

Piecing the Potholder Top

• Note:  Stitch ¼” seam allowances

1.  Lay out four Shibori 3 1/2” squares, alternating colors as shown, creating a simple 4-patch design; repeat for second potholder.

2.  Make a 4-patch design by stitching one Golden Yellow/Teal square to one Petal Pink square.  Press seam allowances to one side.  Then stitch one Petal Pink/Purple square to one Golden Yellow/Teal square.  Press seam allowances to other side.

3.  Pin the stitched squares together, matching the center seams.   Stitch the units together.

Attaching Borders

1.  Stitch 1 1/2” x 6 1/2” border strips to opposite sides of 4 patch square. (Fig. 4).  Stitch 1 1/2” x 8 1/2" strips to two remaining sides of 4 patch. (Fig. 5) 

Making the Pot Holder

1.  Place the black 9” square, right side facing up, on the insulated batting.  Center the pieced potholder on the black square, right sides together.  Pin the layers together.  Stitch around the pot holder, leaving a 2” – 3” opening along one side.  

2.  Trim away the excess fabric and batting.  Turn the potholder right side out, taking care to push the corners out.  Topstitch all the way around to close the open seam.  

3.  Stitch in the ditch around all seams to secure the layers together.