Quilted hot pads are great for making when you need a quick gift, or an update in the kitchen! They are perfect for using up scraps of fabric, trying a new technique or making in batches to have on hand for last minute needs.
There are a few things to know about making hot pads, trivets, or anything that you are picking up hot items with- it needs to protect you from the heat!
The best way to do that is to use insul bright batting, extra layers of regular batting or thicker fabric.
The hotpads with pockets add another layer of protection, but can be tricky to bind with all the extra layers.
Make sure you take the stitching slow, and possibly enlarge your stitch length so it doesn’t get stuck in the thickness.
There are a lot of options out there when it comes to the quilted hot pads- you can go larger for large baking dishes, pockets, hooks or loops, fun ric rac binding, ones that close or fold, fun shapes…etc.
I think the best part is that you can use leftover quilt blocks that have been orphaned, or your scraps of fabric.
One way to use your scraps is the Mile a minute way. For this, you’ll sew all your pieces together to make a larger one, and then cut it to the size you need. Super simple.
Materials:
cute fabric or mile a minute fabric – pick it up at Connecting threads or Fat Quarter Shop
Supplies you may need:
- Rotary cutter or a new sharp blade
- Cutting Mat
- Quilt Ruler
- Sewing Machine this brother is my favorite!
- Iron here or here
- Thread
- Bobbins
- Scissors
- Seam Ripper not my favorite thing to do!
25 + Quilted Hot Pads
Microwave bowl- don’t pinch the sides and you have a great hot pad!
Single Fabric hot pad- super simple!
Easy Hot Pad – practice your machine quilting!
Large Trivet or hot pad – great for using a quilt block!
Circle Hot Pad Tutorial – great for strips of fabric
Make a hotpad with a vintage quilt!
Applique Quilted Hot Pads – any applique will work for these
Round potholder – use your quilt blocks!
Strawberries- make them larger for a hotpad!
Cathedral window – larger hotpads
Twisted mug rugs- make a bit bigger for the hotpad version
Ready to try something different with your orphan quilt blocks?!
What is the best fabric for making hot pads?
It’s important that the outer fabric layers are not synthetic, as they should be able to withstand heat up to 400° Fahrenheit. Cotton is a good choice for the outer layers as it’s heat resistant and readily washable. Between the outer layers is the main source of heat protection.
What kind of batting do you use for potholders?
The best batting for pot holders is Insul-Bright, specifically because it is heat resistant. Quilt batting will also do. In additions, a wide variety of materials, such as heavy duty denim, drop cloths, or old dish rags. Just avoid using any lightweight fabrics as the heat will be transferred easily.
How many layers of batting do you use?
I would recommend that you use at least 2 layers of batting material. Either towels or cotton batting or a combination of batting and Insul-Brite.
Additional Hot Pad Resources
- 10 Quilted hot pads
- How to make a hotpad
- Quick and easy hot pads
- Quilt as you go placemats
- Microwave Projects you can sew
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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Hey! I was looking for quilt hot pads and your website was one of the first one. Cute ideas!
I very often make potholders when I finish a project. I keep a stash because, who doesn’t love new potholders. I try and make pairs for giving but my kitchen doesn’t mind coordinating colors.
I have found that they are a great way to try new quilting patterns.