Make a Fabric Hot Pad Using Birdseed

Originally posted 2012-07-07 08:05:02.

Protect Your Countertops with These Awesome Hot Pads!

This isn’t your typical hot pad… This one has channels sewn into the fabric that are filled with birdseed! Yep, its true – birdseed! It works wonderfully to protect your countertops or table from hot pans or dishes. I made several of these hot pads a few years ago using regular cotton quilting fabric. They held up really well until one of the cats got a hold of it. Actually, I was looking for an excuse to make new ones to match my updated decor – thanks, kitties! (For the record, the hot pads lasted about 12 years!) This is a super-easy and super-cheap project… Basic sewing skills are all that is needed! These can be made in any size and they would especially make great gifts! I made a small one for a teapot or mug, also, and you could make a table runner to match!  So let me show you how to make a hot pad using birdseed…

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Materials:

  • Fabric of your choice (I used cotton duck)
  • Rotary cutter or scissors
  • Ruler
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine & thread
  • Funnel & birdseed (<– affiliate link!)

Start by cutting your fabric 1″ larger than the finished size of the hot pad (to allow for a 1/2″ seam allowance on all sides). I wanted mine to be fairly large so I cut two squares at 12″ x 12″, which will give me a hot pad measuring approximately 11″ x 11″. Place the fabric right sides together and sew around three sides. Use a relatively small stitch so the birdseed doesn’t work itself out of the seams!

Clip the corners (so they will lay flat), turn right side out, and press. Press a 1/2″ hem at the opening.

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Press a 1/4″ hem at the top of the hot pad.

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Sew approximately 1-1/4″ “channels” across the fabric.

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Using a funnel, fill each channel with birdseed. The channels do not have to be packed tight but they should be full.

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Pin each channel closed so the birdseed doesn’t fall out!

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Sew the opening with a small stitch also.

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There you go – cute hot pads to match your decor and protect your countertops! Yay! Easy and inexpensive plus they make great gifts! Have any questions about how to make a hot pad using birdseed? Leave a comment below!

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