How to make an oven mitt

1. Materials & tools

Materials (one mitt (double it for a pair))

• Outer fabric (heavy cotton, canvas or quilted cotton — 100% cotton) — about 50 cm × 40 cm
• Lining fabric (also 100% cotton) — the same amount
• Quilt batting (100% cotton) — enough for two layers
• Wide bias tape — about 40 cm
• Thread (cotton or polyester)

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Home” → “Oven mitt” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the palm width, total length, thumb projection and loop length. Presets cover standard, large and short.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the mitt body, the thumb and the hanging loop. Mark the notch on the body where the thumb attaches.
2. Cut the pieces
   Cut 4 body pieces (2 outer, 2 lining), 4 thumbs (2 outer, 2 lining), 2 body layers and 2 thumb layers in batting, and 1 loop.
3. Mirror the pieces
   Flip the pattern over for two of the body pieces so they mirror each other. Cut all four the same way round and you end up with two mitts for the same hand.
4. Check your materials
   Fabric and batting must both be 100% cotton. Polyester melts under heat.

4. Sewing

4-1. Make and attach the thumb

1. Sandwich batting between the outer and lining thumb pieces and baste round the edge.
2. Finish the edge where the thumb joins the body, either bound with bias tape or double-folded.
3. Lay the thumb on the outer body at the notch and baste it in place.

4-2. Build the outer and lining layers

1. Stack batting with the two outer body pieces and baste the three layers as one unit. Do the same for the lining.
2. Two layers of batting insulate better but make the whole thing thicker. Increase the presser foot pressure and change to a heavier needle (size 90/14).
3. If the thickness makes it hard to handle, quilt a grid through the layers first to lock them together.

4-3. Sew outer and lining together

1. Place the outer and lining right sides together and sew all the way round, leaving the wrist open.
2. Clip the seam allowance every 5 mm around the fingertip curve and at the base of the thumb. With this much thickness, skipping the clips means it will pull when you turn it.
3. Trim the seam allowance to 7 mm.

4-4. Turn and bind the wrist

1. Turn right side out through the wrist opening. It is thick, so work it through a little at a time.
2. Bind the wrist edge with the wide bias tape.
3. Catch the ends of the loop in as you bind, so you can hang the mitt up.
4. Make the mitt for the other hand the same way, with the pieces mirrored.

✏️ Every material must be 100% cotton. Polyester fabric and polyester batting melt or shrink under heat. Buy batting labeled 100% cotton or flame-resistant. This is the one thing not to compromise on — it is a burn risk.

5. Tips & variations

• Two layers of batting: one layer lets the heat through. Use two for the oven; one is fine for lifting a saucepan lid.
• A heavier needle: with this many layers a standard 75/11 needle can snap. Switch to 90/14 or heavier.
• Cover the wrist: a longer mitt protects your forearm when you reach into the oven. Adjust the length to how you actually cook.