Turn Fabric Scraps Into a Beautiful and Useful Kitchen Essential
One of the best aspects of sewing is discovering ways to transform leftover fabric into something beautiful and practical. A fabric trivet — also known as a hot pad — is the perfect DIY project for beginners, intermediate sewists, and anyone who wants to utilize their scrap stash wisely.
Trivets protect your countertops from heat, add color and charm to your kitchen, and make excellent handmade gifts. Best of all, they’re incredibly satisfying to sew because they come together quickly and use materials you already have on hand.
Let’s make one!
✂️ Materials You’ll Need
Two 8" × 8" squares of cotton fabric
One 8" × 8" square of cotton batting OR scrap quilt batting
One 8" × 8" square of insulated batting (optional for extra heat protection)
Thread to match your fabric
Pins or clips
Scissors or rotary cutter
This size works well, but you can make your trivet any size you prefer.
🪡 Step 1: Cut Your Fabric & Layer the Pieces
Cut two squares of fabric for the front and back.
If using insulated batting, layer like this:
Fabric (right side down)
Insulated batting
Cotton batting
Fabric (right side up)
Clip or pin around all four edges.
🧵 Step 2: Quilt the Layers
Quilting helps the fabric and batting stay together.
Try one of these simple designs:
Straight lines
Crosshatch
Diagonal lines
Random organic waves
Stitch slowly and evenly for a clean result.
✂️ Step 3: Sew the Edges
Use a ¼" or ⅜" seam allowance.
Sew all around the trivet, leaving a 2" opening for turning.
Trim the corners to reduce bulk.
Turn right side out, press the edges flat, and stitch the opening closed.
🌸 Step 4: Add Optional Binding
If you prefer a more polished finish, add bias binding around the edges instead of turning the trivet right side out. This gives it a classic quilted look.
☕ Why This DIY Project Is Worth Making
Uses up scraps you’d normally toss
Quick to sew (20–30 minutes!)
Practical gift for holidays and housewarming
Perfect for beginners
Great for RV or small-space sewing
Teaches basic quilting techniques
Simple projects like this remind us why sewing is such a rewarding craft.
🧵 Looking for More Inspiring Sewing Ideas?
Browse my sewing patterns and upcoming handmade items on theneedlemarket.com or theneedlemarket.shop for more creative sewing inspiration. Whether you love garments, doll clothes, home projects, or scrap sewing, you’ll find ideas that spark your imagination. I am having a 15% off sale through November 30th on both sites, so click on over and enjoy the savings!
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