Baking season is here! Whether it’s pies cooling on the counter, casseroles heading to the table, or cookies fresh from the oven, the kitchen feels extra warm and inviting during the holidays. And what better way to bring quilting into the mix than by making your own quilted hot pads?
These small but mighty projects are a perfect way to blend practicality with timeless quilt style. They’re quick to make, wonderful for using up scraps, and they double as thoughtful handmade gifts. Let’s dive into this cozy project!
✂️ Supplies You’ll Need
- Quilting cotton (scraps work beautifully!)
- Batting (cotton or insulated batting for heat resistance)
- Backing fabric
- Binding fabric (a coordinating print or solid)
- Basic quilting tools: rotary cutter, ruler, cutting mat, pins, sewing machine
Step 1: Choose a Simple Block
Hot pads are small, so simple blocks work best. This hot pad is made with the 9” leaf block from my Changing Leaves Pattern.
Cut your fabrics into pieces to create a block around 9″ x 9″
Step 2: Assemble the Block
Piece together your chosen block design, pressing seams as you go. Because hot pads are small, accuracy is key—take your time to keep everything square and neat.
Watch the Tutorial below! Download the Pattern here to follow along.
Step 3: Make the Quilt Sandwich
Layer your block with:
- Backing fabric (right side down)
- Batting (one or two layers; add insulated batting if you’ll use these for very hot dishes)
- Quilt block top (right side up)
Pin or spray baste the layers together.
Step 4: Quilt It
Quilt through all layers with straight or wavy line quilting. For example:
- Stitch in the ditch for a clean finish
- Diagonal lines for a crosshatch effect
- Wavy or free-motion quilting for a playful look
This adds texture and secures your layers together.
Step 5: Bind the Edges
Trim your hot pad so it measures about 7.5″ x 7.5″, making sure all edges are straight and corners are square.
Cut binding strips 2.25″ wide and prepare them as you would for a quilt. Attach the binding all around the edges, mitering the corners neatly. Hand-stitch or machine-stitch the binding to finish.
Optional: Add a small fabric loop in one corner before stitching the binding—perfect for hanging your hot pad on a hook!
🎁 Handmade Charm
These quilted hot pads are the perfect blend of practical and pretty. They’ll serve you well for pies and casseroles straight from the oven, and they make thoughtful gifts for friends, neighbors, or holiday hosts. Choose festive fabrics for the season or go with timeless prints for year-round charm.
So while you’re baking this holiday season, why not quilt alongside it? You’ll have something beautiful to pull out of the oven—and something beautiful to pull it out with.