Autumn Acorn Potholder

An insulated pot holder stitched in a fun acorn shape is the perfect fall update for your kitchen. Beautiful autumn embroidery adds even more seasonal flair; a ribbon loop is perfect for hanging while not in use.

Cut out the pattern pieces.

Prepare the quilter's cotton for the embroidered front of the pot holder.

Place the section 1 pattern piece on top of the cotton.

Pin in place. Trace the shape using an air-erase pen.

Print the design from embroidery software to make a template. If you do not have embroidery software, you can use a piece of paper the same size as the design to gauge the placement of the design. We also recommend Wilcom's Hatch software which comes in different levels depending on what you'd like to use the software for. Hatch Organizer works well to view your designs, print dielines and templates, change design colors, and create basic design layouts. (This is an affiliate link, learn more about affiliate links here)

Place the template in the shape. There should be at least 3/4" between the outer edges of the design and the side and bottom edges of the shape.

There should also be at least 1" between the top edge of the design and the top edge of the shape.

Mark the center point and the horizontal and vertical axis lines.

Remove the template and spray a piece of medium-weight cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive and smooth the cotton on top.

Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together, aligning the marks on the hoop with the lines on the fabric.

Attach the hoop to the machine and load the design.

Move the hoop so that the needle is aligned with the center point on the fabric.

Embroider the design.

When the design has finished, trim away the excess stabilizer on the backside of the embroidery.

Cut out the shape.

To prepare the back and inner lining pieces, lay the Insul-bright flat with the shiny side facing up.

Place the cotton batting on top of the Insul-bright, then place the ironing board fabric on top of the batting right side facing up.

Place the embroidered cotton piece on top of all the layers, right sides together. Pin in place. Cut around the shape of the cotton.

Sew a 1/4" seam along the side and bottom edges only. Trim away the seam allowance leaving about 1/8" excess behind, being careful to not cut the seam.

Turn the fabric right side out in-between the cotton fabric and the ironing board fabric. Press the seam with an iron.

Then top stitch a 1/8" seam around the side and bottom edges only.

Prepare the top of the pot holder by pinning section 2 of the pattern on top of the quilted cotton fabric.

Trace and cut out the shape.

Next, lay the Insul-bright flat with the shiny side facing up.

Lay the ironing board fabric on top with the right side facing up.

Place the quilted cotton piece on top of the layers, right sides together. Pin in place.

Cut around the shape of the quilted cotton.

Note: I am not adding batting to the top section as the quilted cotton fabric already contains batting.

Prepare the loop hanger by cutting 10" length of the ribbon or cotton strapping.

Form it into a loop and insert it between the quilted cotton layer and the ironing board fabric as shown.

Leave about 1/2" of the raw edges of the ribbon extending out past the edges of the fabric.

Pin in place and sew a 1/4" seam along the side and top edges only -- leave the straight bottom edge open for turning.

Turn the top fabric right side out and press the seam. Turn the opening in 1/2" and press.

Insert the bottom cotton section inside the top quilted cotton section.

The edge of the bottom section should be about 3/4" inside the top section.

Pin in place and top stitch a 1/8" seam around the side and top edges of the top section.

Then sew a 1/4" seam along the bottom edge to attach the bottom section.

This pot holder gets a fun, autumn look thanks to its acorn shape and fall embroidery.

Stitch it as fall decor for your kitchen, or give as seasonal gifts!