How to make a pot holder from socks

When pulling socks from the dryer, you usually don't think about pot holders. However, crafters can make handy pot holders from whichever socks the sock gnomes failed to steal. Knee-high socks work best for this project. Use socks that contrast or complement each other in terms of color, as one sock will be the pot holder front while the other sock will be the reverse.

To make this pot holder functional, add insulating liner, available at a fabric store. For edging, use nonflammable trim of any color or pattern desired. The pot holder size is dependent on the width of the sock when cut open, so the smaller the sock, the smaller the pot holder.

Materials
- 2 knee-high socks
- Fabric scissors
- Needle-punched insulated lining
- Straight pins
- Pinking shears
- Sewing machine
- Trim, 1 inch wide

1. Arrange the socks horizontally on the work surface so the sides are face up. Cut each one across vertically, starting just above the heel. Cut off any elastic at the tops of the socks.

2. Cut open the socks along one side, "filleting" it. Open up the socks. Place them one on top of the other and smooth them out.

3. Cut the largest square you can out of the layered fabrics. Trim the edges so they're straight.

4. Place one piece face up on one sheet of insulating liner. Pin it in place. Cut around the sock's edges. Place the pinned sock on top of a second liner sheet. Do not pin. Cut around the edges. Flip over the stack.

5. Place the second sock piece face up on the back of the cut liners. Pin it in place through the liners only.

6. Sew a 1/2-inch hem around the pieces. Run horizontal lines at 1-inch intervals through the pieces.

7. Fold the trim lengthwise over the edges and pin in place. Sew on the trim.