Turn old jeans into kitchen heroes with these stylish and sturdy pot holders.
Looking for a way to upcycle those old jeans and protect your hands from hot pans? Say hello to DIY Heat-Resistant Pot Holders—a practical, eco-friendly craft that’s surprisingly fun and looks downright charming when finished. Whether you’re baking sourdough or serving up a skillet supper, these potholders add rustic, handmade flair to your kitchen essentials.

🧵 What You’ll Need:
- Denim from 1–2 pairs of old jeans
- Heat-resistant batting (like Insul-Bright)
- Cotton fabric for backing or lining (optional, for extra style)
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or fabric clips
- Sewing machine or heavy-duty needle and thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Bias tape (store-bought or handmade, optional for edges)
✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Choose Your Size and Shape
- Classic squares (7×7″ or 8×8″) work great, but you can go round or even create a mitten-style potholder.
- Cut two denim pieces for each pot holder, and one piece of heat-resistant batting to match.
2. Add a Lining (Optional but Pretty)
- If you want your potholder to have a fun fabric lining or reversible side, cut a piece of cotton fabric in the same size as your denim pieces.
3. Layer It Up
Stack your layers in this order:
- Backing fabric (if using) – face down
- Heat-resistant batting
- Denim piece – face up
You can quilt straight or crisscross lines through the sandwich to help hold layers together and add texture.
4. Stitch It All Together
- Sew around all sides with a ¼” seam allowance.
- Leave a small opening to turn it right-side out.
- Once turned, press flat with an iron.
5. Add the Final Finish
- Topstitch around the edges to close the hole and give your potholder a professional touch.
- You can also add bias tape around the edges for a cleaner or more colorful finish.
- Want to hang it? Add a small denim loop at one corner before sewing up!
🎉 Final Thoughts:
These DIY Denim Pot Holders are not only functionally fabulous, they’re also a sustainable way to repurpose thick, heat-blocking denim into something useful. They make adorable housewarming gifts and are perfect for everyday use. Plus—if you mess up a stitch or two? That just adds to the rustic charm.
Click here to read more clever ways to use old jeans:

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