How to to Make a Quilted Hot Pad

Beautiful quilted hot pads that match your kitchen decor are fun and easy to make. Using just one fabric, a 10-inch hot pad takes about an hour to complete. Make hot pads out of your favorite quilt block pattern or make up your own pattern. Let your creative juices flow.

Instructions

1




Measure your fabric squares accurately

Wash, dry, and press the cotton fabric. Place the fabric on the rotary mat, and with the rotary cutter, line up the rotary ruler on the 0 inch line and cut a straight edge. Cut one 10-inch square, or any size you prefer, for the top of your finished hot pad. If you have a favorite block pattern that's nine inches square, use that. Using the same technique, cut the back square 2" bigger on each side than the top square. If you are using a 10-inch square for the front, the back will be a 14-inch square. Cut two pieces of insulating fabric the same size as your top square.

Turn on your iron so it will be hot when you're ready to use it.

2




Set your stitch length on 10 stitches to the inch

Place your largest square right side down on the table. Center both pieces of insulating fabric on the large square. Put the top square directly on top of the insulating fabric with the right side facing up. As if you were looking at a clock, secure the four layers with safety pins at 2, 4, 8, and 10 o'clock. Sew a large "X" diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner through all layers. If you prefer, you can sew vertical lines or create your own pattern. Remove the safety pins. Clip the loose threads with the scissors.

3

Place the hot pad on the ironing board with the top facing up. On one side of the large back square, fold the edge over one-half inch and press. Repeat for the remaining three sides. Fold each edge over one-half inch again so it overlaps onto the top square. This is the border. Pin one side of the border to the hot pad and stitch it in place. Do the same on each of the other three sides.

4

To make the loop for hanging your hot pad, cut a piece of cotton fabric one inch by five inches. Lay the fabric on the ironing board with the right side down. Press each long side one-half inch toward the middle. Turn each end over one-quarter inch and press. Fold the strip lengthwise, press, and stitch the edges together. Fold the strip in half to create a loop. Attach this to the back of the hot pad at one corner by hand or with your sewing machine. Now your hot pad is done.