Surprise the Chef in Your Family with a Super-Sized Quilted Hot Pad
How to Make the Ultimate Holiday Kitchen Gift
Are you looking for the perfect gift to surprise the culinary pro in your family this Christmas? Look no further. They will be delighted to receive a unique and functional Super-Sized Quilted Hot Pad made by you. This charming accessory will not only add a festive touch to their kitchen but also provides practicality as they whip up their culinary masterpieces.
This simple tutorial will guide you through the easy-to-follow steps of creating a useful yet festive quilting project perfect for any celebration. It will add a touch of Christmas charm to any kitchen. A wonderful gift for the chef in your family!
How to Make a Super-Sized Quilted Hot Pad
A Sustainable Quilting Project
To create the perfect Super-Sized Quilted Hot Pad, the first step is to choose your fabric and gather all the necessary supplies. If you are like most quilters, you’ll have a pile of fabrics already tucked away. It’s time to grab your scrap pile plus any other stashed fabrics for this sustainable quilting project!
In its simplest terms, sustainable quilting means using what we already have. Not only does this allow you to ‘shop’ without standing in line or waiting for a fabric delivery, but this quilting project is free to make!
You can use any scraps you have on hand. Fabric strips are used in this super-sized quilted hot pad, but you can use any fabrics you have. Squares can be assembled into a large rectangle or combine strips and squares together for an interesting design. Do you have some orphan blocks or left over border pieces? These can also be a perfect place to start. Then simply add more where needed to get the finished size you want.
Don’t forget a wonderful backing! You can certainly use a single piece of fabric for the backing or get creative and piece another design for the other side. A reversible super-sized hot pad is a perfect idea!
Download the FREE Super-Sized Hot Pad Tutorial
Choose Your Super-Sized Hot Pad Fabric
Heat Resistant Fabrics are a Must
Selecting the right fabric for any quilt project is always fun. Your choices will not only influence the overall look of the finished hot pad but also determine its durability and functionality. Even better is using fabrics that you already have on hand. You loved them when you purchased them. Now you can use these beautiful fabrics along with all those scraps you’ve collected. So get scrappy!
First and foremost, consider the heat resistance of the fabric. Since the purpose of a hot pad is to protect your kitchen surfaces from hot pots and pans, it’s essential to pick materials that can withstand high temperatures. As a quilter, cotton is my favorite choice for any project. It’s also perfect for hot pads unlike many synthetics that can melt when in contact with heat. Cotton fabrics are a great option as they have excellent heat resistance properties.
Additionally, consider the thickness and weight of the fabric. A sturdy hot pad requires a fabric that can handle the weight and pressure of hot cookware without tearing or losing its shape. Thicker fabrics, such as quilted cotton or canvas, are ideal choices as they provide a substantial foundation for your hot pad. However, ensure that the fabric isn’t too thick, as it may become too bulky when layered and difficult to quilt with.
Choose Aesthetically Appealing Fabrics
When it comes to creating a Super-Sized Quilted Hot Pad to surprise the chef in your family, selecting the perfect fabrics can be lots of fun. A primary consideration is the aesthetic appeal of the fabric. If super-sized quilted hot pad is a gift, it will be a focal point in this kitchen. Think about the recipient and make this thoughtful gift visually appealing for them.
Choose a fabric that complements their kitchen’s color scheme and design. You can opt for bold, vibrant patterns or subtler, more neutral tones, depending on their taste and kitchen decor. The fabric you select will not only add a touch of style to your quilted hot pad but also reflect your personal flair as the quilter. Let your creativity shine!
This is where your fabric stash comes in. Surround yourself with your beautiful fabrics and begin selecting the perfect pieces. Sometimes it’s easier to start with a focal fabric and work from there. If you select a print, then choose some coordinating prints or solids that all work well together. Keep your colors within the scheme of the print your chose and begin putting a plan together.
With your fabrics selected, choose a quilt design that appeals to you and enjoy making your hot pad top. Try a quick strip pieced design like the one I used or combine smaller pieces for a patchwork finish. For a more festive touch, applique a favorite motif in theme colors.
Plan your design to fit within your ideal size. For a hot pad like mine, you’ll want to have a finished rectangle that measures approximately 16” x 20”. Larger or smaller definitely works too, simply create what works best with the fabrics you have.
Recommended Sewing and Quilting Supplies
How to Make Your Hot Pad Heat Resistant
Now that you’ve chosen your fabrics and know what your hot pad design will be, there are some necessary supplies to consider.
Most importantly is a heat resistant layer. For that we’ll use Insul-Bright Thermal Batting which is made specifically as an insulating layer. It is a polyester batting combined with metalized fibers that is breathable and won’t break down with washing. This added layer allows it to resist heat. It can be found where other sewing and quilting supplies are sold. You may either purchase packages of one yard cuts, or buy it by the yard.
In addition to the thermal batting, cotton batting is a necessity. It provides insulation, padding, and retains any moisture created by condensation from high heat. Polyester batting is not a suitable substitute as it will melt when exposed to high heat.
For our purpose, we need a double layer of cotton batting. One layer on each side of the Insul-Bright to absorb any condensation caused by the heat. Otherwise, we’ll end up with a very soggy hot pad. This is also a great product to use for pot holders, oven mitts, mug rugs, soft lunch sacks, coasters, and casserole covers.
Other Supplies You’ll Also Need
Recommended Quilt Cutting Supply List (aff links):
Rotary Cutter * Rotary Blades * Rotary Mat Ruler * Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Check out this Rotary Blade Sale!
Super-Sized Hot Pad Assembly
While the key to a well-made super-sized hot pad lies in its properly layered assembly, the size is a personal choice. Make it as large as needed or make multiple smaller hot pads that may better suit the situation. You can see another variation I made that’s slightly smaller than this one. My super-size hot pad measures 16” x 22” and it’s a great size for a very large casserole. So decide on your desired size and start piecing your own!
You will need a total of five layers in your hot pad assembly and each will be cut to the same size. Both your front and back pieces you made, plus two layers of cotton batting, and a single layer of Insul-Bright.
Layer and Baste Your Quilt Sandwich
The easiest way to baste this project is with a spray baste adhesive. I use 505 Temporary Quilting Adhesive. It’s simple to use, works great, and eliminates the need for all those pins! The thickness of these five layers makes using pins very challenging and hard on your hands. A quilting adhesive is quick and easy. As always, follow the product directions for use.
Choose How to Quilt Your Hot Pad
Consider how you may want to quilt your hot pad. If your design has lots of long, narrow strips then you may want to quilt in long curvy lines to soften the look. Using narrow lines of quilting looks great with larger blocks of fabric as the quilting creates an additional design element. If you have a central patchwork block, echo quilting will enhance that focal area. Appliqued areas are also a perfect spot for some echo quilting.
Regardless of the quilting design you choose, I strongly recommend that you use a walking foot for your quilting. With five fabric layers, it will likely be challenging to maneuver it all evenly. Using a walking foot keeps your fabrics moving together smoothly so everything stays where it needs to be. Check out how to use a walking foot for some suggestions that may work best for you.
With your quilt sandwich secured and quilted, trim your hot pad so all the edges are even. This will allow your binding to be attached smoothly.
One Last Design Decision
My favorite way to finish hot pads and placemats is with rounded corners. Those square corners tend to get in the way around a full dining table. Besides casserole dishes and plates are generally round or have rounded corners so why not trim your hot pad for a better fit.
Adding a radius or curved corner is very easy. Once the quilting is finished, use a round object to draw a curved line in each corner. For this project, I used a roll of painters tape which worked perfectly. Keep in mind a small size jar will create a smaller curve. A large bowl however, will create a wide rounded corner. You decide which works best for you.
Simply use a chalk pencil or quilting marker to draw your line in each corner. Then with either your scissors or rotary cutter trim off those corners. This step adds a nice, finished look to your super-sized hot pad!
The Final Step: Binding Your Hot Pad
Which Quilting Binding to Use
There are two common ways to add quilt binding. First is the traditional quilt binding made with long strips cut along the grain that sewn together. Then it’s sewn around your quilt sandwich. Check out my detailed quilt binding tutorial to see just how it’s done. Alternatively, you can use a bias binding. The advantage is that the bias cut of this binding will curve beautifully around your new hot pat.
If you’ve not tried bias quilt binding before, watch my video tutorial to see how well it works. Give a try especially if you rounded your hot pad corners. A bias binding is a breeze to work with and wraps very easily around your quilt sandwich. The difference with bias binding is that the binding strips are cut on the bias. This can be a tedious task unless you know this awesome secret! The simple way to make your own bias quilt binding. All you need is a fat quarter and this Free Printable Bias Binding Tutorial.
Enjoy Your New Super-Sized Hot Pad…
… or gift it to someone special. Now that you have this step-by-step guide to create a Super-Sized Quilted Hot Pad, give it a try and surprise the chef in your family. It makes both a thoughtful and functional gift. Not only will it add a touch of Christmas charm to their kitchen, but it will also be a practical accessory that they can use while preparing their favorite holiday meals.
So, get started now with this super-sized hot pad tutorial and show your love and appreciation for the chef in your life! Yes, even if that’s YOU!
I hope you enjoyed learning how to make your own super-sized hot pad for the holidays.
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