Simple Hostess Gift - Potato Bag for the Microwave

The first of the simple gift and decoration tutorials for my Christmas in July celebration.

Have you heard of the Potato Bag?

Potato Bags are a popular microwave tool for steaming vegetables, and reheating items like rolls or tortillas.  Completely washable and dryer safe, these attractive and practical bags make great hostess gifts.  Plus they are easy to make, and take a minimum of time and materials.  You will probably want to make one for yourself as well as some to give as gifts.  So let's get started.

You will need:
2 Fat Qtrs of 100% cotton fabric
Warm Tater 100% Natural Cotton Batting*
Cotton Thread

*You can probably find this specialty batting at your local quilt or craft shop.  I also have it available in my fabric shop.

Cut:
Cut the fabrics and batting each 11" wide x 22" long

Layer and baste with your favorite method. 

I use curved safety pins.

Quilt in any pattern you like.  This is a good time to practice your free motion quilting because there isn't any bulk to fit under the machine.  Check out a tutorial for free motion quilting here.

I used an all over stipple

Serge or zigzag all four edges.

Then turn short sides to inside 1/2" and stitch with a straight stitch to hem.

With the decorator fabric inside, fold both sides of bag into the center, overlapping seamed edges by 1".  Using a straight stitch and a 1/2 seam allowance, sew both side of bag shut. 

A walking foot is very helpful to keep these quilted layers from moving while you are stitching.

Turn right side out, poke out corners, and voila!  Your potato bag is finished.  Easy right?  You will probably want to make several more.  These are a great stash buster project too.  You could even piece the cover piece, or use a block that has been sitting in your UFO pile.

Be sure to wash before use

Happy Sewing ♥