Hot Pad Tutorial

Hot Pad Tutorial

I am going to make a first attempt at offering a tutorial.

I have made these before but had to trial and error my process again and want to save it for the future. I was embarrassed at Thanksgiving when I opened the drawer to get my hot pads out in front of guests. The ones I have didn't look very nice. I decided I need to fix that before Christmas.
You will need:
-Fabric for the top- embroidery samples, quilt blocks, plain fabric, either cotton or heavier home dec type. I started with some machine embroidery samples and also used some pieced fabric that was leftover from a quilted jacket. I cut my squares 7 ½ inches.
-Cotton or cotton blend quilt batting scraps, also can use 2 layers of flannel, cut same size as top square. Poly batting is not as heat resistant as cotton, so you might burn your fingers and it may melt.

-Old cotton bath towel, cut in squares 1 inch smaller than top pieces, mine were 6 ½ inch squares.
-Backing fabric, I used home dec cotton… also denim, duck… same size as top fabric.
-I used a size 16 or 18 sewing machine needle.

Here are my embroidery sample squares cut out for the top . You might notice that the embroidery samples have issues, I was trying out colors, that's why they are samples. These are potholders, it won't matter!

And batting cut to fit

Next step is to sew the top to the batting, using a straight or decorative stitch.

Here are are the smaller toweling squares. The size difference is so the thick towel is not caught in the side seams at all, easier sewing.

Lay a piece of towel on top of a backing fabric square and pin at the sides.


Turn over and sew across from corner to corner. I just eyeball it. You may need to lengthen your stitch a little.

And remove the pins.

Place a top square with batting, right side up, and put a backing square with toweling, right sides together.

Using a straight stitch and ¼ inch seam allowance, stitch around 4 sides, leaving a couple inches open on one side for turning. Use a narrow foot or your zipper foot if possible, so the foot is not riding on top of the towel piece. I sew from the toweling side.

Clip the seam allowance at the corners straight across
Then clip again at an angle to reduce bulk after it is turned.

Turn the right sides out and push out the corners gently. I use a point turner, but a chopstick, knitting needle, or crochet hook all work, too.

Press the square flat and turn under the opening and press.

Topstitch across the opening and around all 4 sides, using a little less than ¼ inch seam allowance. It’s easier if you are not sewing through the towel layer.

Finshed! Now go throw away your stained, scorched, old hot pads and don’t be afraid to use these when you have guests at Christmas!