Scrappy Patchwork Trivet – A Scrapbusting Project

Patchwork trivet patchwork hot pad - scrapbusting project mypoppet.com.au

I’m scrapbusting again! This time I’ve created a patchwork trivet that can be easily and quickly whipped together from the tiniest fabric scraps, and other leftover supplies from quilt making.

If you have been wanting to try a bit of freestyle patchwork or are just looking for ways to use up fabric scraps, this is the perfect project to experiment with.

Trivets and hot pads are so handy around the kitchen, you can really never have too many. Make your patchwork hot pad whatever size suits you. I found that 9″x6″ is perfect for a teapot and can double as a potholder too.

Don’t like the scrappy patchwork look? Just skip the pieced section and make the top with a single piece of fabric.

This patchwork trivet makes a great gift, so why not make a few for friends this year? Trim a tea towel in co-coordinating fabric or binding for a lovely house warming present or hostess gift. Maybe add this crochet dishcloth in a co-coordinating colour.

Looking for more craft projects to use up leftover fabric scraps?

Let’s make a Patchwork Hot Pad

Patchwork and orange kettle Patchwork trivet - scrapbusting project mypoppet.com .au

Finished size: 9″x6″ (23x15cm)

You will need:

material requirements for patchwrk trivet

  • Fabric scraps (cotton recommended)
  • Backing fabric (cotton or wool recommended) minimum size 9×6″ (23x15cm)
  • Quilt batting scraps (cotton or wool recommended) minimum size 9×6″ (23x15cm)
  • Bias binding 1″ single fold width minimum length 35″ (90cm) Tip: Join a few bias binding lengths together if required
  • Sewing machine
  • General sewing supplies

How to:

Freestyle Patchwork Top

1. Sort through and choose your scraps.

2. Press and cut them into squarish shapes.

3. Join small scraps randomly. Press and trim as you go.

4. Keep adding larger pieces. There is no right or wrong way to do this, just have fun.

freestyle patchwork trivet

5. Create a few small freestyle blocks then join those together.

freestyle patchwork joining mypoppet.com.au

Here is the order I’ve joined my scraps together so you can get the idea.

freestyle patchwork joining order

Here is the finished top.

finished patchwork top trivet

Quilting the Hot Pad

6. Layer your top (facing up), one or two layers of batting (two is better), and the backing fabric (facing down) to make a mini quilt sandwich.

7. Sew quilting lines closely together (1/2″ or about width of presser foot is fine).

patchwork trivet steps 1 Patchwork hot pad - scrapbusting project mypoppet.com .au

8. Trim to a rectangular shape.

9. Mark 3 of the corners with a curve (I’ve used my lens cap) and trim.

Binding & Finishing the Patchwork Trivet

Time to practice sewing binding to curves.

attach bias binding Patchwork trivet - scrapbusting project mypoppet.com .au

10. Open the binding and on the back of the trivet match the edge of the binding with the edge of the trivet (in the one non-curved corner).

11. Sew a seam on the folded mark of the binding.

12. When you get to the curve just stretch the binding around and pin (or hold with your fingers like I do).

13. Keeps sewing and when you get towards the end, flip the start of the binding over (the bit where you started sewing) and sew over the binding. Stop at the edge of the trivet.

14. Leave a binding tail of about 4″ (10cm).

how to attach bias binding around a curve Patchwork trivet - scrapbusting project mypoppet.com .au

15. Flip over and fold binding over the edge. Pin start of binding as shown (brown gingham).

16. With front facing up, sew the binding in half starting at the tail.

17. Continue sewing around over the pinned corner (brown gingham) and around curves.

18. When you are close to the end, fold the binding tail under to make a hanging loop and reinforce with some extra stitching.

Attaching the binding can seem a little complicated at first but it’s self explanatory when you get going.

All done!

patchwork trivet back and front

Now put on the kettle, make a cup of tea, and enjoy your handiwork.

patchwork trivet mypoppet.com.au

attach bias binding Patchwork trivet - scrapbusting project mypoppet.com .au

15 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.