2piecesCotton fabric for both the top and bottom layersfor this project I made this new fabric with selvage from my stash, using a slightly different method than the one in this tutorial for making fabric with selvage
Cut your fabric and batting to size. For my hot pads I used two panels of selvage fabric of 7 1/4" by 7 1/4"and 8 strips of fabric for the trim, 4 of 7 1/4" by 2" and 4 of 10 1/4" by 2". I cut 2 pieces of cotton batting of 10 1/4" by 10 1/4"
Assemble the top and bottom fabric layers: Add the trims to the edges of the fabric piece so they match right sides together, and pin. Start with one set (i.e. add the small trims first) and continue with the second set once the first set is sewn.
If you want to add a hoop to your hot pads you'll need a strip of fabric of 5" by 2" for this. Prepare the hoop by pressing the strip in half, then press the sides in towards the middle, then fold the strip again to close. Edge stitch then twist the strip into a hoop, press and sew the bottom to keep together.
Sew the first set of trims to the fabric piece, using a 1/4" allowance.
Open the seam and press flat.
Repeat for the second set of trims.
Repeat the steps above for the bottom panel.
If you've been using my method for making a fabric panel out of selvage, now it's time to remove the paper backing of the hemming tape.
Add a layer of cotton batting to the wrong side of each fabric panel (top and bottom) and press with your iron to stick together.
Quilt the layers by sewing across them in your desired pattern. This can be straight lines, free-motion quilting or any decorative stitching your machine accommodates.
When quilting there shouldn't be any moving of the batting and fabric thanks to the glue in the hemming tape. But if you find slight discrepancies, even out the edges a bit with your rotary cutter.
If you opted for adding a hoop, attach the hoop to the corner of one panel, on the inside of the panel. Sew with 1/8" allowance.
Place both quilted panels right sides together and sew with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a 3" gap in one of the panels.
Turn the fabrics right side out through the gap.
Press the seam inside and close the gap with a ladder stitch or top stitch around the entire hot pad.