Definitely don't use polyester.

For a shop hop favor my LQS gave beautiful hot pads. Beautiful, but ... don't use them! Hang them from a hook! Hot, hot, hot. I'm thinking they just used regular batting.

Don't use any polyester -- it does not like heat. I have used multiple layers of warm and natural but I have also put insulbrite in the middle of two layers of warm and natural.

This is what I use also for my potholders I usually us two layers of old jean fabric and sandwich the Cotton in between the jeans.

Don't use Polyester batting for hot pads, period.

I've melted/burned through cotton covered polyester batting filled hot pads when brushed against the heating element in my electric oven, and in a hot oven (425+F). I kept the hot pads because they were large enough to use, even with the scorch marks but have been far more leery about using home made ones ever since that happened.

If you MUST use up your poly batting in hot pads, use them for hot plate carriers or mug rugs, where they are exposed to lower temperature pans/cups, rather than oven direct heat. This will keep your warm plated items from losing their heat while traveling/ sitting on tables, and it will not hurt yourself.

I save old towels that have outlived their usefulness for my potholders. You can always find areas where the towel isn't so worn, and cut out your squares for insulation. I use two squares of towel for insulation, plus a layer insulbrite, and those potholders will stand up under the most intense heat. I pick up the insulbrite when I can get it on sale, and usually have some around. My gift recipients love my potholders, and often ask for more, because they say they are "sturdy, pretty, and you never burn your fingers with them." So that's my secret. Oh, and I use the prettiest quilt blocks and colors for the outer layers of the potholders, often doing a series of similar quilt blocks and colors for a gift. But the real secret is in the two layers of towels plus the insulbrite -- best and sturdiest insulation there is!

When you do this where does the insulbrite go? Between the towels?

Felted wool is also an awesome filler for potholders.

I heard someone say that they used old towels which I thought was a good idea. We often use them to pick things up.

hugs,
Joanne

i've got the same question. what a GREAT idea!! this has been a very useful chat for me to come and visit! thank you! :)