"I Heart Cooking" Pan Dividers Tutorial

In our on-going effort to eat healthier

I wanted to get rid of my non-stick cookware

in favor of stainless steel.

My fabulous hubby bought me a set for Christmas.

I Heart Them!

I do not want them to get scratched

so I've been using the cardboard dividers

that came in the box with them.

I was being green by using the cardboard.....right?

Not cute.......nuf said :)

I decided to make some dividers that would match my kitchen

and be so much cuter than the cardboard.

You'll need:

2 - 16" squares of fabric (or fat quarters)

1 - 16" square of batting.

Small co-ordinating scrap for applique

Large dinner plate or platter

Small plate for center circle

Marking pen

Wonder under

Perle cotton floss for applique 

It's best that you read through the entire tutorial

before you begin.

First I used a 13" platter.

My largest pan is 12" and this worked perfectly for me.

I traced the platter onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Next I divided the circle into 4 by drawing a line down the center

and then turning the fabric 

and drawing another intersecting line.

Now the circle had 4 equal parts.

(this drawing is just so you can see it easier)

I placed the smaller plate in the center of the larger circle

and marked where the straight lines intersected with the smaller circle.

These will be your "stop" and pivot marks.

Next I used a vitamin bottle top to draw rounded corners

at the top of the 4 dividing lines of the larger circle.

Next I stacked my fabrics.

The two fabrics should be right sides together

with the batting underneath.

Beginning at the top edge of the circle,

and sewing through all 3 layers,

I stitched 1/8" inside my marked lines

 stopping at the smaller circle and pivoting,

 then making 3 - 4 stitches then pivot again

and stitching back up again and continuing on.

Leave a 4" opening for turning.

This is what it will look like when you are done.

Using sharp scissors,

cut along your 4 dividing lines,

being careful not to cut your stitching.

Cut into the corners in a "V" shape.

Trim off excess fabric to 1/4" all the way around.

Turn inside out through your opening.

I use a wooden dowel for this.

I've accidentally cut my fabric when I've used scissors

to push out projects.

Once you have it all nicely pushed out,

press it being sure to press the open edges

to the inside.

Slip stitch the opening.

I did a 1/4" top stitch all the way around.

Those of you who have mad quilting skillz

can go crazy at this point

and quilt this little guy any way you like.

Take what ever shape you choose for your center.

I used a heart because I love them so :)

Fuse Wonder Under to the wrong side of scrap fabric.

Draw your shape onto Wonder Under

and cut it out.

I use a large pin to scrape a line gently

across the center of my applique.

This makes it easier to remove the Wonder Under

without distorting your cut fabric

by trying to peel it from the edge.

Just bend the fabric where the scratch is

and peel it off.

Easy Peasy :)

Position your applique in the center of your project

and press with your iron.

I used a blanket stitch with #8  Perle cotton floss

but you can use your machine stitching

or any other decorative stitching you like.

You could even go completely wild

and add some rick rack!!!

Now you're done :)

Admire your handiwork!