How to make hot pads out of a mattress pad

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By Sharon Neth
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This is a how-to that my Mother taught me when I was a young teenager. My parents always lived frugally most of their entire lives so that they could have the things that they wanted. They passed that skill on to me, so that I am able to take care of my family with minimal effort with the tips and tricks to make my house a home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cotton mattress pad
Basic sewing supplies
Rick rack or other edging material
Imagination

Step 1

At the thrift store I am always on the lookout for cotton mattress pads that are not heavily soiled (bloodstains and such) and most of the time you can get a really good deal on them on the sales days that the most thrift stores have on a weekly basis. As soon as I get the mattress pad home I first sterilize it in hot water and bleach to get all of the bacteria out of the item. Sometimes I do it twice to just be sure to kill all the items in the cotton pad.
Step 2

Then I examine the pad to see where the wear spots are in the piece and then I cut them out or around them so that I don't sew them into my hot pad.
Step 3

Next I determine the size of the hot pad that I want to make from a pattern that I already have around the house. If you don't have a pattern you can draw out a pattern from a hot pad that you already have that you like. Make a paper template for the item.
Step 4

Cut out all the pieces of the pot holder that includes: the top, mattress pad, and bottom piece.
Step 5

Take the bottom layer and then place the precut mattress pad on top of the bottom layer. Then place the "top layer" under the bottom layer but before sewing the pieces together place the ric-rac in between the bottom and top layers of the fabric and secure with pins.
Step 6

Sew items together and leave an opening to turn inside out.
Step 7

Once turned inside out use a bodkin to sure up the points of the pot holder and then press the potholder with an iron. Whip stitch the opening closed and then you have a potholder to use anytime that you need it.

Comments

CCrock said

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on 7/11/2008 What a great idea!

Happycrafter said

on 7/9/2008 Great idea. Sometimes I make them without turning them as the thickness makes it a challenge. To do this I baste all three pieces with ric rac in between and then sew and take out basting threads. Takes more time but this guarentees all edges even. I love the idea!!