Olivia Carter
Cast iron skillets are a staple in every kitchen, but that metal handle can get extremely hot! Nobody wants to burn their hands while cooking, which is why a handle cover is a must-have. Instead of buying one, why not make your own?
Making a cast iron skillet handle cover is not only practical, but it’s also a fun and creative project. Plus, you can customize it to match your kitchen decor or personal style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this DIY project is perfect for everyone.
To make a cast iron skillet handle cover, you only need a few basic materials and some sewing skills. The main material you’ll need is heat-resistant fabric, such as cotton or silicone. This will help protect your hands from the heat of the skillet. Additionally, you’ll need a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and pins.
Once you have gathered all your materials, you can start by measuring the width and length of your cast iron skillet handle. Use these measurements to cut two pieces of heat-resistant fabric. It’s essential to include an extra inch or so for seam allowance.
Preparing the Materials
Before you start making a cast iron skillet handle cover, you will need to gather a few materials. Here is what you will need:
- A piece of fabric, preferably heat-resistant, that is large enough to wrap around the handle of your skillet
- A ruler or measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your skillet handle
- A pair of fabric scissors to cut the fabric
- A sewing machine or needle and thread for stitching the fabric
- An iron for pressing the fabric and creating neat edges
- A fabric marking pen or chalk for marking the fabric
- Pins or clips to hold the fabric in place while sewing
Make sure that the fabric you choose is suitable for high temperatures, as it will be in direct contact with the hot skillet handle. You can choose a fabric that is heat-resistant or use a regular fabric and add a layer of heat-resistant batting or Insul-Bright between the layers.
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Measuring and Cutting the Fabric
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools. This includes a ruler, tailor’s chalk or fabric marker, scissors, and the fabric of your choice.
Start by measuring the length and width of your skillet handle. Use the ruler to accurately measure the dimensions. Write down the measurements so you can refer to them later.
Once you have the measurements, lay your fabric flat on a clean, smooth surface. Use the ruler and tailor’s chalk or fabric marker to mark out a rectangle that is slightly larger than your measurements. Make sure to leave a bit of extra fabric on each side to allow for cutting and sewing.
After marking the rectangle, use the scissors to carefully cut along the lines. Make sure to follow the markings precisely to ensure your handle cover fits correctly.
Once you have cut out the rectangle, test the size by wrapping it around the handle of your skillet. If it’s too loose or too tight, make adjustments by trimming or adding fabric as needed.
Now that you have your fabric cut to size, you’re ready to move on to the next step in creating your cast iron skillet handle cover.
Sewing the Handle Cover
Before beginning to sew the handle cover, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. You will need a sewing machine, coordinating thread, fabric scissors, measuring tape, pins, and your chosen fabric. Once you have everything ready, you can follow these steps to sew the handle cover:
1. Measure and Cut the Fabric
Start by measuring the length and width of your skillet handle. Add an extra inch to both measurements to allow for seam allowance. Using these measurements, cut two identical rectangular pieces of fabric.
2. Pin the Fabric Pieces
Take one fabric piece and fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. Align the raw edges and pin them together. Repeat this step with the other fabric piece.
3. Sew the Fabric Pieces
Using a ½ inch seam allowance, sew along the pinned edges of both fabric pieces, leaving one of the shorter ends open. This will create a tube-like structure with one open end.
4. Turn the Fabric Right Side Out
Gently turn the fabric right side out through the open end. Use a chopstick or pencil to push out the corners and ensure a clean shape. Press the fabric with an iron to remove any wrinkles.
5. Topstitch the Open End
Fold in the raw edges of the open end and press them with an iron. Topstitch along the edge to secure the folded fabric in place and give the cover a finished look.
6. Attach the Handle Cover
Slide the handle cover onto the skillet handle, positioning it so that the fabric covers the entire handle. The snug fit will prevent the cover from slipping off during use.
And there you have it – a homemade cast iron skillet handle cover! This simple sewing project not only adds a stylish touch to your cookware but also helps protect your hands from the heat. Get creative with different fabric patterns to match your kitchen decor or even make a few extras to give as thoughtful handmade gifts.
Attaching the Handle Cover to the Skillet
Once you have finished sewing the handle cover, it is time to attach it to the cast iron skillet. Follow these steps to securely attach the handle cover:
Step 1: Positioning
Place the handle cover over the handle of the skillet, ensuring that it is centered and aligned properly.
Step 2: Securing with Pins
Use sewing pins to secure the handle cover in place. Insert the pins through the fabric and wrap around the skillet handle, ensuring that the cover is snug and will not move.
Step 3: Sewing the Cover
Using a needle and thread that matches the color of the handle cover, sew along the edges of the fabric. Make sure to stitch through all layers to ensure a secure fit. Use a strong and durable thread to prevent any tearing or fraying.
Step 4: Reinforce the Seams
For added durability, reinforce the seams by sewing over them a second time. This will help to prevent any unraveling or loosening of the stitches over time.
Step 5: Trim Excess Thread
Using a pair of scissors, carefully trim any excess thread from the handle cover. Be sure to cut close to the fabric to create a neat and clean finish.
Once you have completed these steps, your handle cover will be securely attached to the skillet. This will provide you with a comfortable and safe grip while cooking with your cast iron skillet.
FAQ
Why do I need a handle cover for my cast iron skillet?
A handle cover for a cast iron skillet is important because the skillet’s handle can get extremely hot during cooking. A handle cover provides insulation and protection, allowing you to safely grip the handle without burning yourself.
What is the best fabric to use for a cast iron skillet handle cover?
The best fabric to use for a cast iron skillet handle cover is one that is heat-resistant and durable. Some popular options include cotton, denim, or canvas. It’s also a good idea to use insulated batting or heat-resistant fabric to provide additional protection against the heat.
