Multi-Piece Embroidered Oven Mitt (In-the-Hoop)

This tutorial shows how to assemble both the large format version and split version of an in-the-hoop oven mitt. 

Cut a piece of the main fabric and a piece of water-soluble stabilizer that are both larger than the hoop. Spray the water-soluble stabilizer with temporary spray adhesive and smooth it onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together tightly.

Load the first embroidery file on the machine, attach the hoop, and embroider the entire first piece.

After the embroidery is done, unhoop the first piece and set it aside. Repeat the previous steps to embroider the rest of the oven mitt pieces on the main fabric and cutaway stabilizer.

If you are using the large format version of the design, it will all be in one piece - not split into two pieces. You will not need to follow the directions for sewing the top and bottom pieces together later in this tutorial.

Use an iron and press the first piece with a pressing cloth on top to help it lay flat.

After pressing, measure and cut the seam allowance around all edges of the design. We are using a 1/2in seam allowance for our example. For straight edges, measure 1/2in outwards from the sewn border around the piece and cut there to leave a border seam allowance fabric around all edges of the piece. This can be done by using a rotary cutter and quilting ruler or by drawing it on the fabric and cutting on the drawn line with a scissor.

For curved edges, measure 1/2in outwards from the curved edge and mark it with a fabric marking tool.

Cut out the design following the 1/2in seam allowance and trim corners.

Repeat this for the bottom half of the split design. If doing the large format version, repeat to trace the 1/2in cut line all around the design and cut out, then trim corners. 

Then, arrange the pieces on the work area to show what pieces go next to each other. This makes it easier to see which sides get sewn together.

Lay the top piece over the lower piece with right sides together. Match up the edges of the pieces where they will be sewn together and pin or clip them together along that side. For best alignment, carefully look between the pieces and make sure the outer borders are lined up.

The trick to perfectly lining up panels is to pay close attention to the embroidered outer borders of each panel. While pinning, always make sure to line them as best you can. While sewing, stitch right on top of the embroidered border. This will help prevent gaps between the pieces and help maintain the correct seam allowance.

Sew the pieces together along the pinned side following the outer border line and your seam allowance.

After sewing, press the seam with a pressing cloth so it lays nice and flat.

This completes the front piece of your oven mitt if using the split version of the design.

The Next steps can be used with the large format designs as well to complete the oven mitt. 

To make the back piece, lay the embroidered front piece on top of the main fabric with right sides together. Trace the shape onto the fabric and cut it out.

For the lining of the oven mitt, we have a printable pattern. After the pattern is printed at actual size (or scaled to 100%), tape it together following the guides on the printed pattern.

Cut the printed pattern out along the outer line. Each printed pattern will have a 1/2in seam allowance included in the pattern. To create the lining trace the shape onto your fabric using a fabric marking tool.

Repeat to trace the pattern on a second piece of fabric, make sure to turn the pattern face down so the second lining piece mirrors the first piece. Then cut out.

After cutting out the lining pieces, spray the back or wrong side of your lining fabric with temporary spray adhesive and smooth both pieces onto pieces of Insul-Brite.

Quilt the lining fabric and Insul-Brite together with a grid pattern. Repeat for both pieces.

Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut around the shape of the oven mitt to trim away the excess Insul-Brite.

Lay the front and back pieces on top of each other with right sides together. Pin or clip them together along the sides and bottom. Leave the bottom of the mitt open.

Sew the front and back pieces together using a 1/2in seam allowance. Leave the bottom edge open and unsewn as this will be the opening of the oven mitt later.

Lay the two lining pieces on top of each other with right sides together. Pin or clip them together along the sides and bottom.

Sew the two lining pieces together using a 1/2in seam allowance. Again, be sure to leave the bottom edge open and unsewn.

To reduce bulks in the seams and help the outer part of the oven mitt turn out, use a pair of pinking sheers to trim the seam allowance down. Alternatively, you can instead trim the seam allowance down with regular scissors and then carefully cut notches around the curves, avoiding the seam.

To add a hanger, you will need something that is about 1/2in wide x 4in long. You can use ribbon, cord, bias tape, or make one out of fabric like we have here.

Fold the hanger into a loop, and pin it in place along the open edge of the mitt. Make sure to point the loop downwards, so the raw edges of the loop match up with the raw edges of the fabric.

Turn the outer piece of the oven mitt right-side out. Then slide the lining of the oven mitt inside, wrong sides together.

Use a 1/4in seam allowance to baste or temporarily stitch the outer, lining piece, and hanger loop to hold them in place for the next step.

After basting the pieces together, attach your double fold 1/2in bias tape to the open edge of your oven mitt.

Turn the loop upwards and use a few stitches on your machine to tack it upright.

Embroidered oven mitts are a fun and usable accent for any kitchen. Make an oven mitt to match your style or give one as a sweet gift.