Another tutorial. I'm on a roll here. This one was inspired by a case of mistaken identity. I saw this picture and thought what adorable hot pads. When I looked closer I realized they were actually coasters but I was smitten with the idea of making hot pads.
I decided to make mine out of vintage linens. You could use old tablecloths from the 40's or 50's. These happen to be made out of tea tray cloths from that era.
The biggest challenge I had was finding heat proof cloth for the batting. I wasn't sure if regular old batting would work and didn't want to test it out. Then I was wandering through IKEA and spied an ironing board cover. Perfect! The heat proof pad was separate from the cover and it was only $4.99.
Here we go:
Step 1-3
Gather your materials:
Fabric and trims. I used wide rick rack and some cotton crocheted lace.
Heat proof fabric - either from your fabric store, or in a pinch from an ironing board cover.
Cutting mat, straight edge, scissor and rotary cutter (Tip: If you are prone to cutting cardstock with your rotary cutter do yourself a favor and put in a fresh blade. Ahem).
Step 4
Cut out two 9 1/2" squares of fabric (Note: You can have the pattern on both sides of the hot pad – in this example there was only a printed image on one end of the tea tray so the other end, or side, is plain) and a 9 1/2" square of heat proof cloth.
Place the heat proof cloth against the wrong side of one of your fabric squares. Baste together (keeps it from shifting around when you are sewing the layers together).
Step 5
Line your rick rack or trim up to the the right side of the other square of fabric, up against the edge. I find that the jumbo (5/8" wide) rick-rack turns out perfectly if you line it right up against the edge and baste it just slightly under 1/4" away from the edge.
Step 6
Place your two pieces of fabric right sides together and sew using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a 4" opening. Trim the heat proof fabric as close to the line of stitching (to get rid of some of the bulk at the edges). Remove your basting stiches from the heat proof cloth.
Step 7
Turn your pot holder right side out.
Step 8
Sew about 1/8" in from the edge of the fabric to close the opening and finish off the pot holder.
How cute! Clever use of the ironing board cover. You are on a roll! Keep rolling because I am loving these tutorials.
I love them, can’t wait make some of my own. Both coasters and pot holders. My mind is spinning on different ideas.
I love the vintage fabric! So cute!
Diane
Your idea of the ironing board cover is great; however, there is a product called “Insul-Bright” specifically made for oven mitts, pot holders, tea cozys that reflects heat or cold. You can get it at any quilt store and probably Joann’s and Michael’s. Happy sewing!
Super cute idea! I have some vintage tablecloths begging to be re-purposed. Thanks for the idea. Hot pads (or coasters) are greta gift ideas!