Looking for a quick and easy pattern for a handy hotpad? During Quilt MN, we like to tuck a little bonus into the bag given to all shop hoppers. The bag contains directions for the block that Laurel put together, each store has a different block so you can collect them at each store and use them any way that you like. Each bag also contains a 5" square of one of the limited edition shop hop fabrics.
This year, I made up this nice hotpad with directions for everyone. I had to squeeze all the directions into a small space, which limits how much can be included. So, I've taken pictures of the steps and have them organized here for you! Please use a walking foot for this entire project! It makes a world of difference. If you don't have a walking foot, please make sure you get one. It is irreplaceable for sewing multiple layers, as in straight line quilting. I also don't do a binding without it.
It starts with a 4 1/2" square, centered on a piece of heavyweight cotton batting. I recommend Quilter's Dream Cotton Deluxe batting. Mark an "X" from corner to corner of the 10 1/2" batting square. This gives you a place to center that 4 1/2" square. Each corner of the square should be positioned right on the lines:
Lay a 1 1/2" strip on the side of the square, right sides together, and sew the 4 1/2" length through the 2 fabrics and the batting, using 1/4" seam allowance. No need to backstitch:
Trim off the long tail of the strip in line with the edge of the square:
Finger press the strip open:
Continue sewing strips around all 4 sides of the square:
This is a good time to do just a little planning. Although random is a good idea for something like this, if you do have a limited amount of strips, think about what 4 fabrics you will want in the last row because they have to be the longest. Or, if you don't have any long strips left when you get to that stage, just sew some shorter ones together and use them that way.
Continue with another round on all 4 sides:
And then one more round! You will have reached the edge of the batting, maybe a little more, maybe a little less.
Make a little loop of cord or ribbon or fabric, about a 6" piece. Position as shown below at the upper left edge of the potholder, about 1" away from the left corner. Pin or baste in place:
Layer the quilted square with the insulbrite batting and the backing fabric, all about 10 1/2" square. If they aren't all the same size, trim as needed to make them the same. The makers of insulbrite state that there is no right or wrong side of the batting. Layer the insulbrite on the bottom, then the quilted square right side up, and finally the backing right side down:
Sew around the square, using 3/8" - 1/2" seam allowance. Leave an opening about 6" long in one side for turning. Trim the bulk away from the 4 corners as shown below:
Now, turn right side out. Poke out the corners to look neat and as close to square as you can manage. Hand sew the opening closed. Machine stitch around the outside edge about 3/8" from the outer seam. Stitch in the ditch around the 3 rows of strips.
Now go cook something!
Pam
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