I found an old DIY heart pot holder that I made a long time ago. I remember thinking it was a "complicated" sewing project but it's not that complicated I promise. Feel free to skip the needle felted and the punch needle details altogether.
Materials
Fabric. I used red. You can skip the punch needle watermelon and just use plain, patterned or scrap pieces of fabric for your holders.
Insul bright or batting to make the heat protective layer. I just used plain fleece since I don't plan on holding things at extreme temperatures.
My pattern found here.
Scissors, thread and sewing machine.
Instructions
Punch your watermelon design. Remember that you can skip this step altogether and use any type of fabric you have.
Once you have your pieces finished, cut the rest of the fabric. You will need:
1 piece of the front pattern in your choice of fabric or punch needle piece
1 piece of the front pattern in the batting if you're not using a punch needle piece
4 pieces of the pockets (2 of each side)
2 pocket pieces of the batting or whatever material you are using as a "barrier", I used fleece
Sew the pockets first
Layer the batting, then a piece of fabric face up, then a piece of fabric face down. Pin and sew alongside the inside curve. Repeat on the opposite side.
Turn the pockets right side out and press. Top stitch alongside the curve. Once finished, take the pockets and layer them on top of your punched piece (or regular fabric). The front piece should be right side up, then the pockets and then the other front piece right side down. I didn't add a layer of batting (fleece) to the front as I found the yarn provided enough thickness. Note: Before you layer your pieces be sure to sew around the edge of your punch needle piece. This will prevent it from fraying while you turn it. This is also when you add needle felted details.
Once layered and pinned, flip to the punched side while you're sewing so you can get as close to the edge as you can. Start at the bottom, leaving the space in between the pockets as an opening to turn it.
Once you've sewn all around, trim the excess fabric and turn your watermelon. Top stitch the opening and you're done! Just remember that these aren't meant to hold extremely hot things ;)
