a simple hot pad tutorial

I've had a few requests for a hot pad tutorial...AND it's been on my mental list of things to do, so here we go! This is an easy afternoon sewing project...in theory, anyway. :) It's a great way to use up some scraps or mini charm packs.

These were gifts for a friend that I made last year. The patchwork dishtowel tutorial can be found here. The recipes for the sauces can be found in this post.

Supplies needed for one hot pad:
16 2 1/2" squares of quilting cotton
9" square of cotton batting
9" square of Insul-Brite
9 1/2" square of quilting cotton for the back of the hot pad
2 1/2" strip of bias binding, about 36" long

Step 1: Select 16 2 1/2" squares and arrange in a 4 by 4 array.

Step 2: Sew the squares into rows. Sew the rows together and press well. The block should measure 8 1/2" square.

Step 3: Make a quilt sandwich. Layer the backing (face down), Insul-Brite, cotton batting, then the patchwork (right side up).

 Align the layers. Pin baste if desired.

Step 4: Attach a walking foot to your sewing machine. Quilt the piece with straight lines, echoing the seam lines on both sides. There will be shifting! There are a lot of bulky layers, so take it slow and try to let the walking foot do the work. It will probably get a little bit wonky.

Step 5: Use the base of a mug, a cup or a circular object of some sort. Use a marker or marking pen to trace the arc in all 4 corners.

Step 6: Trim off the excess batting, backing, etc. Trim around the marked corners as well.

Step 7: Sew a line of stitching around the perimeter of the piece to hold all the layers together. This makes it so much easier to apply the binding.

Step 8: Make a strip of bias binding 2 1/2" wide by about 36" long. Fold in half, lengthwise and press. (Bias binding is important since the corners are curved.)

Step 9: Attach the binding to the hot pad. If you use a short stitch length (I used a 2 on my sewing machine), the curves are easier to sew. (Check out my bias binding tutorial if you are unsure of how to make it or how to join the last seam. It's the same method as attaching bias binding to a quilt, just on a smaller scale.)

Step 10: Use an iron to press the binding away from the hot pad. (The binding will stand straight up. :))

Step 11: Flip the hot pad over and wrap the binding around to the back to cover the line of stitching. Use wonder clips to hold it in place. Stitch the binding down by hand or machine, whichever you prefer. (I like hand binding, because it usually turns out neater.)

Step 12: Use your new hot pad or give it to a friend! Repeat as needed!

(These also make great indoor Frisbees....but don't tell your kids or grandkids that! Hahaha!)

If you make any hot pads using this tutorial, I'd love to see them!