Scrappy Patchwork Trivet – A Scrapbusting Project

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?

• The Haphazard Quilt
• Scrap Fabric Twine
• Hexi Hot Pad
• Hexagon Table Runner

Let’s make a Patchwork Hot Pad

Finished size: 9″x6″ (23x15cm)

You will need:

• 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.

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

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

Here is the finished top.

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).

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.

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).

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!

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