Name/Title
PotholdersEntry/Object ID
#1967.9.1 A-BDescription
Pair of blue and white checkerboard pattern potholders.Use
Potholders are designed to protect hands from heat when handling hot pans, and are typically made of thick, often quilted fabric. Usually used in pairs to safeguard both hands, potholders come in various shapes and sizes. They feature an inner layer of heat-resistant material, such as cotton batting, which provides a barrier against extreme temperatures. The amount and type of fabric and batting can vary, offering different levels of insulation, cushioning, and flexibility.Context
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, fabric was a costly resource that was often repurposed and mended to extend its lifespan. Smaller scraps of fabric, once too small for their original purpose, were collected and utilized in various ways. These scraps were often sewn together to create patchwork quilts, used as linings or padding, or employed in other household items. Even the smallest pieces were valued for their potential to contribute to new projects, whether in clothing, home furnishings, or practical items. As the edges of these potholders are not bound, it is likely these quilted potholders were made from a recycled quilt.