Hot Mat Tutorial

This is a tutorial for a hot pad for your table...it is several layers thick, so it's not pliable to use as a hot pad for the oven...it's to set hot plates or bowls on at the table or counter after you take them out of the microwave or oven.  I'm making them for every cabin this year.  I'll sew a ribbon on one corner and hang them in the kitchen area.  We have nice wood tables in some of our cabins and they continue to get "white" spots from a hot dish being set directly on the wood.  I'm hoping the addition of these cute pads will encourage the guests to use them!

 

I cut my fabrics 9" square for each mat...you need six 9" squares of fabric...2 different coordinating fabrics to create the pattern on top.  The batting is insulbright...it is a layer of filling that has a foil-like middle to repel the heat so the table doesn't overheat.  The bottom fabric is muslin, since that will end up on the inside of the mat and won't ever be seen....

I used 2 blue 9" squares and 2 red paisley 9" squares...fold each one in half and press a nice crease.  Pick one of those colors to use as the "bottom" of the mat...and layering from the bottom...muslin, insulbright, "bottom" color, 2 blue pressed and laid together with folds touching in the center and 2 red paisley squares, pressed and laid together on top of the blue with folds touching in the center...you pick up one edge of the red and pull the blue over top of it...if you look closely at the picture above, the top red color is laying horizontal, with blue laying over the left side of the red fabric...the bottom red will be laid back so it shows on the lower left side...

Stitch about 1/2" seam all around the mat...do not leave an opening...the top center where the folded fabrics come together will serve as the spot to reach your fingers in and flip the fabric right side out!  Clip the points off all 4 corners to eliminate bulk when you turn the fabric right side out.

 

This photo shows the mat after it has been turned right side out...if you peeked inside the center you would see the muslin fabric that was laid on the bottom of the pile before we stitched everything.  I use a point turner...a dowel rod that my hubby sharpened to a point for me.  I poke the corners gently so the dowel doesn't push clear through and make a hole...just gently to make a nice looking point on each corner...

At this point, I sew a decorative stitch down the center on both sides to seal the folded fabric...less chance for food to get into the folds...

 

I finish up the mat with a top stitching on the edge of the mat...on all sides.  It just looks nice and makes the mat lay flat.

 

Here's the finished hot pad/mat with a piece of ribbon on the back for hanging...I made the mats 9" square because I can get 4 strips out of a yard and at least 4 squares out of each strip...with a yard of 2 coordinating fabrics, you can make plenty of these mats...if you don't own a resort they would make nice gifts...

I think my guests will like them!  And my tables will be protected!  

I have made this pattern for years with 4" or 5" squares for coasters...a set of 4 tied together with a pretty ribbon or jute make a great gift.  If I've totally confused you with my directions...check out this http://craftinomicon.blogspot.com/2011/10/tutorial-fabric-coasters.html and it should help with the directions! 

Have fun sewing!