Make a Self-Binding Hot Pad in Minutes!
This Self-Binding Hot Pad is a great way to start using up your fabric stash.
It’s quick to make, beginner-friendly, and super useful in the kitchen.
If you’re like me and love quilting, you probably build your fabric stash in all kinds of ways.
I found a pack of 10″ squares on Amazon—50 different prints in one bundle (plus a couple extras).
They were too pretty to pass up!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my small business.
But instead of letting the squares sit on the shelf, I decided to sew with them.
This tutorial kicks off a new series of simple projects using my 10″ fabric squares.
We’ll make hot pads, gifts, home decor and more.
Each project is easy to sew and helps use your stash with minimal waste and lots of charm.
So grab your sewing machine and follow along!
Let’s turn that beautiful stack of fabric into something you’ll love to use or give away.
Where I Learned This Technique
I first learned how to make a Self-Binding Hot Pad by watching a few helpful tutorials on YouTube. There are several great ones out there, and after trying a few methods, I found a rhythm that works for me. This tutorial is my take on it—simple, beginner-friendly, and great for using up those 10″ squares.
Note: I didn’t add a hanging loop to mine since I keep my hot pads in a basket. But if you prefer to hang yours, you could easily add a small loop into one corner when finishing the binding!
Tools and Supplies
- 10″ Fabric Squares (you can use a variety pack or your favorite fabrics)
- Cotton Batting (two 8″ squares for each hot pad)
- Neutral Thread (for quilting and topstitching)
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter
- Pins or Clips (to hold pieces together while sewing)
- Glue Stick (a plain old school glue stick works well)
- Walking Foot (optional but helpful for quilting)
- Sewing Machine (I enjoy using my Singer 15-88 treadle)
- Iron
Use Those Batting Scraps!
Don’t toss those leftover batting pieces! Projects like this Self-Binding Hot Pad are perfect for using batting scraps, and joining them is easy. Simply place two straight edges together and use a wide zigzag stitch to connect them—no overlap needed. The seam will lay flat and won’t be noticeable in your finished hot pad.
If you’re working with a straight-stitch-only machine (like my treadle), you can slightly overlap the batting pieces and stitch them together with a straight stitch. Then you’ll want to trim off any excess. Trust me—once you’ve quilted and finished the hot pad, you won’t notice the seam at all!
This is a great way to reduce waste, stretch your supplies, and keep your sewing budget friendly. Plus, it feels good to use up what you have!
Let’s Cut the Fabric
Now that we’ve talked about using batting scraps, let’s get started with the pieces for the hot pad. You don’t need much—just a few fabric squares and some batting. Here’s what I’m using for this project:
I’m using a 10″ square for the backing, which will also form the self-binding edges. For the batting, I’ve layered two 8″ squares to give the hot pad extra thickness and protection. Finally, the top/front piece is also cut to 8″. You can adjust slightly if needed, but keeping the top and batting the same size makes the binding turn over evenly.
You can definitely use scissors to cut your pieces for this project, especially if that’s what you have on hand. That said, I’ve found that using a rotary cutter and quilting ruler makes the cutting process quicker and helps keep everything nice and square. It’s a great investment if you plan to do more sewing or quilting projects!
If you’re thinking about trying rotary cutting, I highly recommend starting with three basic tools: a self-healing cutting mat, a rotary cutter, and a quilting ruler. These tools work together to give you clean, accurate cuts and can really speed up your projects. I’ve linked the ones I use and love below if you’d like to check them out:
Once you have these on hand, you’ll wonder how you ever cut fabric without them!
These tools can get a little pricey, especially if you’re just getting started. The ones I’ve linked are high-quality and what I personally use, but you can absolutely find more budget-friendly options—especially at craft stores with coupons, or in starter sets online. Look for beginner kits that include a rotary cutter, small mat, and ruler at a lower price point. These can give you a great start without a big investment.
The key is to find what works for your budget and comfort level—you can always upgrade as you go!
Layering Your Pieces
Now that you have your pieces cut, start by placing your backing square wrong side up on your work surface. Next, layer your batting pieces on top of the backing, centering them as best you can. Finally, place your top fabric piece right side up on top of the batting. You should have about 1″ of backing showing beyond your batting and top piece. This extra backing will become your self-binding edge, so try to keep everything centered and smooth.
Place several pins to hold your layers together. An alternative to pinning would be to use a basting spray between the layers.
Sewing the Layers Together
With your layers stacked—backing wrong side up, then batting, then the top piece centered—it’s time to stitch them in place. Using a walking foot helps feed the layers evenly.
Now we are going to stitch a large X from corner to corner across the top square. This keeps everything from shifting during use and adds a bit of structure to your finished hot pad. Don’t worry about perfection—this part is more about function than looks.
Creating the Self-Binding Edge
This is where the magic happens! The backing fabric becomes the binding — no extra pieces needed.
Fold the Raw Edges In and Press
Start with one side. Fold the raw edge of the backing fabric in to meet the edge of the top layer (it will go in about ½”). Use an iron to press. This helps to set the fold.
Secure with a Glue Stick
To keep everything in place while you work, apply a small amount of glue stick to the inside edge of the binding. This will help hold the fabric steady when you fold and topstitch. It’s a quick trick that saves a lot of fuss!
Clip in Place
After securing the first edge with glue, fold it over and clip it in place. Then move to the opposite side and do the same—glue, fold, and clip. You’ll notice it starts to take shape nicely. Once those two sides are done, you’re ready to move on to the remaining sides and start sewing!
Two Opposite Sides Sewn (Not Perfect—And That’s Okay!)
Here are two opposite sides stitched down. Sewing these sides first keeps everything secure and makes finishing the other edges much easier. Just stitch close to the edge and remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure. It doesn’t have to be perfect—the charm is in the handmade look! Enjoy the process. Remember, you’re still learning how to do this.
Stitch Top and Bottom Edges
Now it’s time to sew the remaining two sides—top and bottom—in the same way. Just fold, clip, and stitch close to the edge. When you get to the corners, simply overlap your stitching on the sides, going all the way from corner to corner for a clean finish. This keeps it simple and still looks great!
View from the Back
Here’s a look at the back with the “X” quilting through the center and the edges sewn down. This simple quilting method holds all the layers in place without being too fussy—perfect for beginners or a quick project.
Enjoy Your Finished Hot Pad!
With two layers of cotton batting inside, these hot pads offer a nice amount of heat protection, making them especially useful when serving hot dishes or even setting down a warm cast iron skillet. I hope this inspires you to try making your own set—be sure to pin this tutorial or share it with a friend who loves simple, practical sewing projects!
