I have been noticing lately that the hot pads that we’ve been using to remove heated pans from the oven and to grasp pots with on the stove……..are expired.  And by “expired”, I mean — getting raggedy. Yeah, I know, what’s wrong with raggedy hot pads, because that’s what they’re there for. But sometimes making something new and pretty, makes a heart happy.
Once I found these simple fabric prints at the store several weeks ago, I knew I wanted them for something. I just wasn’t sure what that would be…..until a few days later when I pulled open the drawer next to the stove, and saw my raggedy hot pads. That’s all it took.
And since Elli and Connor have been helping more in the kitchen lately, I knew I wanted to make some with hand pockets, to keep hands covered. It’s actually a little tough for them to grasp a hot pan and keep it pinched around the edge of whatever they are moving or carrying…so these little pockets are perfect for them!
I used a special type of insulating fleece for the center and Bias Tape around the edges. And each one has a simple little loop at one corner, so they can hang right where you need them.
They actually came together pretty fast….and were one of those “quick and satisfying” type of projects. :)
Once I finished making these hot pads, I was so happy with how they turned out, that I almost saved them to use as a gift. (Can’t you see them wrapped up with some some wooden spoons and mixing bowls? What a fun gift!) But, no one came to mind……so I tossed that thought aside, and began cooking right away with my new little nautical hot pads! Ha!
And since they don’t belong in the drawer with the other raggedy hot pads, I have been hanging them right by the oven……ready for action! :)
Want to whip up a few too? Of course you do!
SUPPLIES (to make one hot pad):
***Check out my Sewing Terms 101 post, for additional help.
First, cut out a square piece of paper that is 8×8 inches. Then use the curved edge of a cup or bowl to trace onto a corner of the paper square to round it off…and then cut it off. Use that curve to trace around the other 3 corners and cut those off as well.
Use the paper pattern to cut out 2 curved squares from your fabric.
Then fold the top edge of your square down a third (2 2/3 inch). Then use the remaining 2/3rds as another pattern piece and cut out 2 of this shape as well.
Then cut 2 pieces of Insul-fleece from the whole square shape and 1 piece of Insul-fleece of the 2/3 pattern shape.
Now, layer your 4 whole square shape pieces with one of the fabric pieces facing down, then 2 layers of Insul-fleece, and then the other fabric piece facing up.
Then layer the 2/3rd pieces the same way, except there’s only one piece of Insul-fleece.
Now, baste stitch around the perimeter of each stack of fabrics, about 1/4 inch from the raw edge, combining the layers all together. (Pinning the layers together first will help keep the layers from shifting while sewing.)
The fabrics will probably shift slightly while sewing….so trim off any extra edges to be sure the sides remain even.
Now, sandwich a piece of bias tape along the top straight edge of the 2/3rds pieces of fabric (using the Bias Tape tutorial, if needed).
The place the 2/3rds piece on top of the full piece, matching up the two bottom curved corners.
Now, starting slightly to the right of the upper left hand corner, begin attaching your bias tape to the back side (without the pocket).
Sew all the way around until about 1/2 inch before you reach the other end.
Now, flip the bias tape up and around to the front side of the hot pad and sew the bias tape closed.
Once you sew all the way around the hot pad, pull the bias tape straight towards you and keep sewing it closed, right off the hot pad.
Continue sewing the bias tape closed for about 5 inches. Cut off the rest of the bias tape.
Fold the end of the bias tape around to the back of the hot pad and tuck the raw end towards the hot pad.
Turn the hot pad over and place the tucked under end of the bias tape right onto the edge of the hot pad. Keep the end lined up with the bias tape edge to blend it in.
Sew the end down to the hot pad.
Then rotate it slightly and sew a few stitches along this edge of the bias tape loop (shown below), to keep it from flapping around.
Trim your threads, iron your entire hot pad flat, and that’s it!
All ready for keeping your hands protected from those burning hot pots, pans, and baking dishes!
And enjoy!
-Ashley
Hi, I’m Ashley—the DIY-enthusiast behind this crazy blog!
