Hey, fellow Tatertots and Jello fans!
I’m Tyra, and I blog over at Ucreate Foods. I want to thank Jen so much for inviting me be here today to share this fun, easy, and practical project with all of you.
It’s the ideal sewing project, even for a beginner, and it’s the perfect gift idea for upcoming Mother’s Day, bridal showers, and graduations…make them one, or make them a whole set – they’re quick, easy, fun, and versatile!
I’m a huge fan of Rachael Ray’s. I mean, isn’t everybody? That’s why I was so excited this Christmas when I opened a package from my mom and found a set of 3 of Rachael Ray’s moppines in there (Mom always buys the absolute best Christmas presents!). How could I not fall instantly in love with this all-in-one apron/dishtowel/double-handed hot pad apparatus?
What’s not to love? I mean, meals were bound to practically make themselves from now on with this handy helper in my kitchen! I couldn’t wait to try it out!
Well, no use sitting around feeling sorry for myself…
Because now, FINALLY, help is always right @ hand.
Supplies Needed:
- 2/3 yd of 100% cotton fabric for the main body
- 20” of coordinating 100% cotton fabric for the main body lining *
- one package of coordinating 1/2” double-fold bias tape
- 1/4 yd of Insul-Bright ** (find it near battings-by-the-bolt)
- 1/3-2/3 yd of coordinating 100% cotton fabric for the inner pocket, outer pocket, and lining* of the outer pocket. You can certainly choose to use all the same print, in which case you’ll need 2/3 yd total, or you can use different prints, like I did, in which case you’ll need 1/3 yd of one print and 2/3 yd of the other.
The pattern pieces for your pockets are available to download for free from 4shared here and here no longer available – see note at top of post. Also, the link to the instructions for simple assembly of the pattern pieces are no longer available from Ucreate Foods.
Once you have the two pattern pieces put together, Here are your all your cuts:
- One 20”x30” rectangle, cut from your main fabric, for the main body. I used a fun, sort of retro looking large-apple-and-pear print in this example, but you can use any 100% cotton fabric you like…be sure to check out all my variations at the end of this post.
- One 18”X28” rectangle, cut from a coordinating fabric (100% cotton), for the main body lining*. I used a tiny paisley.
- Two small cones, cut using pattern piece A (I used a brown stripe in this example), for the inner portion of the pocket.
- Two small cones, cut using pattern piece A from Insul-Bright**, for the insulation component of the inner pocket. THIS IS IMPORTANT! DON’T LEAVE THIS PART OUT!
- Two large cones, cut using pattern piece B (I used the brown stripe in this example), for the lining of the outer pocket
- Two large cones, cut using pattern piece B (I used a cute fruity polka dot in this example), for the outer pocket
- two 16.5” lengths of coordinating double-fold bias tape
- One 4” strip of coordinating double-fold bias tape, for the hanging loop
- personalized tag, optional (but so stinkin’ fun!)…I used the tutorial here to make mine out of twill ribbon (near the bias tape in the fabric store) and a sheet of iron-on transfer paper
* If you’re using a fabric that is somehow double sided or – more likely – one that doesn’t have a right and wrong side, such as terrycloth or muslin, or if you don’t care about seeing the “wrong side” of your fabric on the inside of your help h@nd, you can leave the 18”x28” liner piece and the lining of the outer pocket out altogether. I did this on my purple terrycloth version, way at bottom. It makes the project even easier and quicker than it already is!
**If you’re not familiar with Insul-Brite, here’s a visual. It’s kind of like a slim batting, but one side has a reflective lining on it. That reflective lining should be sewn toward your source of heat. It helps block the heat from reaching your hands. Very important. Very simple. Very absent, Rachael!
Part 1: The Functionality
Start with your four small cones. Consider the reflective surface the “right” side of the Insul-Bright. You want to sew the Insul-Bright so that the reflective surface faces toward the right side of the fabric you’re using for your inner pocket.
This is important because you want the heat-reflective side of the Insul-Bright to end up facing the source of heat (your pot or pan!). Sew your Insul-Bright to your fabric RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER around the curve only. Leave the straight edges alone for now.
Now, turn it right sides out and press.
Lay your main body piece out flat, right side down, then layer your lining piece on top of it, WRONG SIDES TOGETHER, centered so that you have a margin of about 1” all the way around. That is to say, you can see about 1” of the wrong side of your main body piece all the way around underneath your lining piece.
Now, lay your inner pocket + insulation piece (the one you just sewed around the curve only) down on the main body piece, lining it up with the corners of the liner (or about 1” from the outside edges of the main body piece if you’re not placing a lining), and pin all four layers together. Be sure the reflective layer of Insul-Bright faces the main body piece. Not to harp, but I know first hand what will happen without insulation.
Do this in any two kitty corners of the main body, so that you have this:
Now, sew that curve again, with about a 1/8” seam allowance, this time to attach the inner pocket to the main body, like so:
Repeat for the other inner pocket.
Now, let’s put the outer pockets together. (When you get to the end of the tutorial, be sure & check out my variation with the ruffle around the pocket!) We’re working with both our large cones, WRONG SIDES TOGETHER.
Cut two 16.5” lengths of your bias tape.
Sew the bias tape around the pockets, along the curve only of your two large cones WRONG SIDES TOGETHER, using a 1/8” seam allowance.
Trim ends of bias tape flush, if necessary.
Repeat with the other two large cones for the other pocket.
Part 2: Assembling It
Now, lay your outer pocket down on top of your inner pocket (which, you’ll recall, you’ve already sewn along the curve to the main body piece). Line it up along the straight edges.
Your outer pocket component will overlap your inner pocket component by about an inch at the curve. This is perfect.
Pin along both straight edges, through all layers. Do this on both pockets.
Now, we’ll make our side seams…
Fold your side in about 1/2”, and press it flat along the entire length.
Then fold it over again (overlapping onto the pocket edges), and sew with about a 1/8” seam allowance. Do this on both sides, along the entire length of the side. This secures all side pocket components to the main body while simultaneously making your side seams.
Notice, we still haven’t touched our top or bottom seams. Just leave those pockets pinned in place there – we’ll get to the top & bottom seams soon.
Part 3: Securing the Pocket
Now, we’ll secure our pocket and fit it to our hand. I have average hands. The seams indicated on the pattern I’ve provided should be adequate for you. If you have extra large hands, you may want to move the seams out an inch or so, but the placement of the seams on the pattern is about perfect to keep the help h@nd where you want it when you’re using it to remove a hot pan.
Pull Pattern Piece B back out. See those little blue dashes on the pattern (there are four)?
Place your pattern on top of your pocket, lining it up at the corners and edges. Then, line a straight edge up along those dashes…
Fold your pattern up onto the straight edge, and use your fabric pencil to mark a line along the straight edge onto the fabric.
Now remove your straight edge and pattern.
…and sew along the lines.
These seams help hold the help h@nd nicely around your hands while you’re trying to take a hot pan out of the oven, and they keep the pocket from gaping open when it’s hanging.
Part 4: Finishing
We’re almost done…let’s just put our hanging loop & label (if desired) on there!
Sew along the open edge of your little 4” piece of bias tape, using a 1/8” seam allowance.
Take the strip, lay it down RIGHT SIDE UP, and fold up 1” of one end at a 90 degree angle, like so:
…and press. Do the same on the other end.
Fold top of main body piece down 1/2” and press. Just like you did on the sides before.
Find the center of the main body piece by folding it in half (sides together) and placing a pin right at the fold on the lining side.
Open it back up. Now that pin marks the center. Center your loop on either side of your pin.
Make sure each side of the loop will be caught under your next 1/2” fold (when you make your final seam) and pin in place at both ends. Now’s also the time to place your tag, if you want one. These tags are so fun and easy, and they add a cute, personal touch to any hand-made gift. I also like to attach them to anything that I make for my kids, in hopes that one day they’ll discover that all their most treasured possessions have this one little thing in common.
Clip the corners of your side seams at a 45 degree angle before folding and sewing your top & bottom seams. This will just make a prettier, more square seam at the corners.
Now, just fold that edge over another 1/2”, overlapping onto the top of the pocket, and sew in place along the entire length, using a 1/8” seam allowance. Repeat on the bottom seam.
I like to come back and reinforce the seam right over that hanging loop, just in case somebody tugs a little too hard on there. 
You’re done! Now go make dinner!
Step 5: Use It!
(So sorry the background noise is like the Duggars at the zoo…it’s really only just two hungry kids & a pair of bossy dogs!)
Step 6: Make A Hundred More!
This is such a fast & easy project! I love it because you can modify the dimensions slightly to accommodate your fabric stash.
Here’s one I did entirely out of terrycloth. It’s one of my favorites. It’s also a little less than 18” in that dimension. I used a purple terrycloth remnant that I found, and I only had enough fabric to make it 16”x28”. This variation comes together a few minutes more quickly because you don’t have to cut a liner or outer pocket liner.
Here’s one I did out to use up some flannel scraps I had. The flannel is surprisingly absorbent, and I love it because it’s so soft. And cute…I’m a total sucker for paisley! 
And here’s one that I did from my stash of simple muslin. I made this one to match my Frills Over Thrills apron, and I just love the variation of the ruffle instead of bias tape on the pocket. It really only takes a few minutes longer to make that sweet little ruffle.
The next one I make, I want to do an monogrammed applique on the pocket – won’t that be fun?
Once you get one of these made (please send me a picture!), you’ll never want to be in your kitchen without one. I usually have two out at once, and I have almost an entire drawer dedicated to my help h@nds. I so hope you enjoy making and using these as much as I do!
I do hope you get a chance to visit me over at Ucreate Foods one of these days… Since Ucreate Foods is primarily a feature blog, I’m looking forward to receiving your emails and your recipe submissions for possible future features! That will help me get to know you, too – something I look forward to very much! Oh, and those few of you who might already know me know that whenever I do a tutorial for a project like this I usually like to follow it up by holding a giveaway for a custom-made one.
Or two.
Just sayin’.
Well, the way I see it, when you lose a BFF of Rachael Ray’s caliber, you’re probably going to need to pick up at least a few replacements!
Thanks again, Jen!
{And check out Tyra’s Cute Magnetic Menu Board Tutorial}
This post sponsored by
I would love to be able to contact Tyra about the possiblity of purchasing her Help H@nd, I am not a sewer but I accidently found her Help H@and looking for Rachael Ray’s moppine on Pinterest, this is exactly what I want, I Tweeted you but I really don’t know much about Tweeting, I am a facebook person or email, Please let me know ginger
has anyone ever received a reply about their questions
ginger » Hi Ginger! Did you have a question somewhere that I missed?
Yes my question is right there next to this one dated February 28
Hi Ginger! I’ve tried to reach the person who originally wrote this post — as you can see, it’s a guest writer — and I can’t reach her. I’ve been trying for a year or more. I’ve updated the post to show that the downloads are no longer available. I’m so sorry!
Hi can you email me the pattern pieces, thank you.
[email protected], please email patterns, thank you
Please email pattern pieces for the pockets.
Thanks,
Kim
Can I possibly get the pattern pieces emailed to me?? Both the sites didn’t work out for me :/ [email protected] thanx 🙂
I have printed ALL your directions for the moppine pattern and purchased the fabric, insulbrite, etc. to make some for Christmas. However, the websites with the actually pattern pieces are no longer available. I need to know how large to make the pockets. Can you help me?
Could you please send me the copy of your helping hand..
Many thanks. You did a wonderful job of explaining it, but I need a pattern in my sewing. It is not possible to purchase ready-made moppines anymore and I really want to make some.
kraftykrissy
Agree, we all need the pattern please.
Please, please, please send me the pattern for helping hands. This kitchen needs this sooo bad and one won’t be enough. Love your site thanks
Marge
I am so excited to find this tutorial. I love RR and love her moppines, so sad to hear they were not well made (makes me glad I didn’t dish out the money for them). I am disappointed that it has been 2+ years since this was posted and the pattern pieces are STILL unavailable for proper downloading. I definitely am going to make these and I guess I will just wing it for the corner pieces. These are going on my Christmas to-do list if I can get the pattern figured out. Thanks again for the wonderful tutorial and tons of great pics, I think I will be able to figure it out, but again, very disappointed that it still is not fixed. I have some beautiful flannel I can’t wait to try for this!
i also couldn’t find the patterns on the links above, however i was able to find something another person created to make one…. i hope the creator of this blog doesn’t mind me re-posting her page…. she also posted the link to her page in the comments below. http://cassiadawn.blogspot.ca/2012/08/giving-helping-hand.html
I was hoping you would be able to send me the cone pattern pieces via e-mail. I can’t seem to gain access to the pattern pieces.
I tried to check the websites cited in your tutorial, however, they seem to be no longer available. I would like the pattern pieces to make these helping-hands for myself and friends. Can you help me out? Thankyou
I also would like the pattern! I am making this for Christmas! Thank you! [email protected]
I too would like the pattern. What a great gift idea! Can you email it or let me know another link?
Hi! I am making this for my mom, but I can’t seem to access the cone pattern pieces. Would you be able to send via email? Thanks so much. [email protected]
Would you be willing to send me a copy of the pattern, please???
[email protected]
Thank you
Could you email me a copy of this pattern, please? [email protected]
I seem to be echoing the crowd…but…I would REALLY love to make this, if you have time to send the pattern to me, also. THANK YOU, very much! My email is [email protected]
I would love the full pattern to be emailed to me at [email protected]. I have copied all the details listed on this page, but need the details from the “here” and the “ucreate foods” links.
Thanks!
Kristy
Hi, I would like a copy of this pattern as well. Thank you. [email protected]
THe links to the pattern are not working, how can I get a copy? I would like the apron as well.
Thank you
Martha
I would like a copy of the instructions. Could you e-mail please. [email protected]
Thanks for the tutorial! I noticed the pattern was missing after I’d bought all the supplies, so I went ahead and made my own. I posted my version of the pattern for the inside and outside pockets on my blog: http://cassiadawn.blogspot.ca/2012/08/giving-helping-hand.html
Hi!! I was hoping if it’s not too late if I could get a copy of the pattern also? It still won’t download correctly 🙁 my email address is [email protected] Thank you so much!!! Can’t wait to make one or two or more lol!!!
Hi everyone!! I have an email in to Tyra and I am trying to track down the file for this project. I will let you know as soon as I get it and I will replace the link. Thanks!!
xoxo
This is a great tutorial but such a shame that after 20 plus minutes of being redirected and downloading crap to find the cone shaped pattern pieces that they still could not be found. Would love to be able to find those or be told how to make them.
I am so sorry Myra! I am not sure where the download is for that project. It was a guest project. I have an email in to Trya who made this project and I am trying to track down the file. I will let you know as soon as I do and I will change the link in that tutorial. I am not sure why it doesn’t work now. Thanks so much!!
xoxo
I’d love the pieces to this pattern if at all possible! [email protected]
I would love to have a copy of this pattern. Could you please email me one? Thank you so much.
Sorry, I forgot to post my email. It is [email protected]
Thanks,
Dallas
I, too, cannot download the pattern pieces. I just got an embroidery machine for mother’s day and I bought the insul-bright. Looking forward to making your cute, cute, cute (and practical) helping h@nd. Would it be possible for you to email me the pattern??? Thank you so very much!
Pat
[email protected]
Hey,
I love this! Can you send me the pattern? My e-mail is [email protected]
Thanks!
Lulusruffles.com
Could you please email me the patterns for this? Can’t wait to make one! Thanks so much! [email protected]
Hi, I think this is brilliant and would really like to make it for my Mom for mother’s day.
Unfortunately I cannot access the patterns and was hoping that you’d be able to send me the patterns please?
Thank you!
Hello, I had been searching for the actual Rachael Ray Moppine and it seems they’ve discontinued the item now. I stumbled upon this DIY project and thought I could do this, save money, and get EXACTLY what I wanted. I tried to download the patterns, but it says the link is invalid. PLEASE PLEASE send me the patterns I would LOVE to try and make this myself. All the ones you’ve made are so pretty. THANK YOU in advance and I look forward to hearing from you…BTW my email is [email protected]
Hi,
Would you please send me the pattern for your Help@ Hand. I would love to make some of these.
Muriel
Tyra,
Just love, love, love this apron,towel, potholder. It is just awesome. Could you please email me the pattern? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks
Kim
What an awesome idea! I tried to get the patterns but it won’t let me 🙁 Can you email me the patterns? Also, do you have a store where I could get it already made?
Has the pattern for the apron thingy been posted to a new place? I noticed several people last year commented and they were sent the pattern. Is there another way to get it? I hate for you to have to email each person that asks for it!lol Tks and TFS very cute!
I love this idea, but was unable to download the pattern as well. Could you please send me the patterns I am going to try to make for a friend for her bridal shower. Thank you.
Is the reflective batting washable?
So fun! Such a great concept! I went out and bought supplies to make FOUR of these for Christmas gifts . . .
but then the links to the pattern pieces didn’t work! Can you please, please send me the patterns (hopefully asap, since i was going to start them today!)?
Hey!! I would love to make these for Christmas. Can you send anyone send me a copy as soon as they get a chance?? We’re celebrating early so I don’t have a ton of time 🙂 Thanks!
did you ever get the pattern, Kerri? I’m in the same predicament!
I like the Guest Tutorial but I am unable to download the pattern could you send me a copy, PLEASE. I would like to make them for Christmas gifts! Thank you.
@Rebecca I just sent you an email with the pattern pieces attached. I’d love to see a picture of the final product once you’re done! [email protected]
@Penny I’ll pm you on FB (it’s the only contact info I could find). If you’ll send me your email I can get you the pattern pieces as well. Thanks!
I saw these a few days ago and bought the supplies to make them. When I visited I am now unable to download the pattern. I am so sad HELP!!! =) Could you please send a copy of the pattern to me? Thank you for your site it’s amazing!
Do you have the pattern that Tyra sent to you for the helping hands?? I would like to make one as well. Thank you! If you do I would like for you to email it to me if you don’t mind. [email protected].
When I went to download the patterns, they were gone. Can you send them to me? I had a request from a lady at church to make her one today. Thanks so much!
If you received the pattern for the helping hands project from Tyra could you please forward it to me at [email protected]. Thank you so much I appreciate it.
I've been wanting to make one of these ever since I saw Rachael Ray's moppine. Thanks for showing me how! Love it!
this is awesome, especially because even though i dont cook often its nice to have the support from being burned lol.
Oh I just love this idea!!
UMMM! Is it me or did I miss the apron part? It looks like it is a towel with pot holder pockets that you "tuck" into an apron. Is this correct?
Rach is too my BFF, good thing she can be two places at once, hehe. I can't wait to try this, and thank you for saving me the burnt hands had I purchased them for my self. So much on TV is just not what it seems!! Thanks for the step-by-step!
So clever, cute and functional1
What an amazing idea! Thanks for the tutorial! I can't wait to make one.
@Jewelsdpu,
NOT a silly question at all…I didn't clarify, did I? To wear it as an apron, I just stick it in a couple places along one edge into the waistband of my jeans!
Im getting ready to make one this weekend. I just learned how to sew and this "Hopefully" is easy enough to create. I will share when I complete it!! Thanks for sharing!! Hugs & Smiles, Dannette
This is great.I am new to sewing and I will have to try this ~Becca
What a great tutorial! Love those pretty fabric too!
Hugs
Charo
Sew (lol) cute! If I can just get my crabby old sewing machine to work, I'd love to try this!
Okay…this might be a silly question…but how is this an apron? How do you tie it around your waist?
Thanks!!
Can't wait to make one. I have a bridal shower coming up. Not to mention mothers day and two mothers who are impossible to buy for, this will be perfect!! Thanks for the knocked-up tutorial! 😉
So much fun to see Tyra over here today!!
I can't say enough awesome things about her…this gal can do it all!!
agreed, that RR piece is NOT insulated well! and the first time I used it the towel part flopped right into my pot of boiling water I was straining – lesson learned! haha
That is a great tutorial! I am just learning to sew and I can totally do that. Thanks.
I love the fabric used too, so bright and cheerful.
@Euharlee,
This is WAY easier than the last bow tie I made. You can totally do it – and don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have along the way! [email protected]
Go for it!
great idea & LOVE the fabrics!
I love this! I've been making aprons out of towels, but was wondering how to do a cute half-apron. I think this is the ticket! Thanks for the tutorial!
I love the concept, AND the fabrics that you used. I think I might try this! Are you sure it's a good idea for a beginning sewer?
As of now, my most successful project was a bow tie…
I'm just sayin'…
http://www.thatredheadedstepchild.com
This is a wonderful idea. I absolutely LOVELOVELOVE the fabrics. They are such wonderful hues.