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It's a new twist on an old classic! Maker Team member Lucy of @moseycreative has taken the hot pad - a kitchen staple for most of us - from stale and outdated to bright and fresh. Her iconic style and felt color choices would be welcome in any modern kitchen! Keep reading to get Lucy's recipe for an updated hot pad.
Add a little charm to your kitchen with this vintage-inspired hot pad. Made from wool felt, this hot pad (or trivet) protects your counters while offering a subtle reminder — don’t forget the salt and pepper! Inspired by the ones my great-grandmother stitched in the ’90s, it brings a touch of nostalgia to every simmer and sizzle.
Skill Level: Intermediate or Ambitious Beginner
Time: 3-4 Hours + drying time
Additional Supplies:
Hot Pad Cut Template (click to download)
Directions:
1. Immerse felt in hot water and mild soap, separating lights from darks in case of bleed. Gently squeeze felt into a ball a few times, then rinse until water runs clear. Press with hot iron and lay flat to dry.
Pre-washing helps anticipate kitchen use and will allow you to wash your Hot Pad without shrinkage. If using for decor only, however, feel free to skip!
2. Print or trace Cut Template onto dull side of freezer paper, then iron shiny side to felt. Cut all pieces.
3. Center Background inside Scallop Base. Clip in place. Use coordinating thread to whip stitch around perimeter, followed by the shaker cut-outs. As you stitch, periodically place shaker pieces inside cut-outs to ensure nothing is pulled out of alignment.
4. Use coordinating floss to whip stitch each shaker and lid to Scallop Base. Align stitches with background stitching for a clean look.
5. Use Placement Diagram (included above) and darker floss to stitch linework on shakers and lids. Use one strand of Eco Vita for more texture or two strands of Sulky thread for a sheen.
For each shaker, use a running stitch to greate a narrow arch in the center. Each side of arch should fan out slightly, paralleling the outer side of shaker. At top of the arch, add a curve on either side.
For each lid, backstitch a curved line that follows bottom edge as well as three French knots near top.
6. Use Wonder Clips to center work on top of Circle Base. Using thread coordinating with Circle Base, backstitch against Background’s circular edge, which will conceal front stitching, and look like stem stitch on the back.
To keep back looking neat, bring needle through Circle Base on the same side of each previous stitch. Conceal thread ends by knotting/tying off in between layers.
“Cooking is not a science but an art – mistakes are okay, messes are fine – the pleasure is in the making.” (Julie & Julia)
There’s something satisfying about making something by hand, whether it’s a meal or a
beautifully stitched detail that adds character to your space. Now that you’ve finished, put your hot pad to work under a tea kettle, casserole or gift for a housewarming or Mother’s Day. However you use it, may it bring some extra warmth to the everyday moments in your kitchen!
Thanks to Lucy for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @moseycreative and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
