Project 5 Table Hot Mat or Potholder
The difference between the Table Hot Mat and the Potholder is the size. The directions are the same.
This project is based on the Monkey Wrench (Hole in the Barn Door) Pattern. This is a real favorite of mine as it is so versatile.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Fabric Scraps
Center choice*
10" square of Insulbright (insulating batting) or 2 10" squares of all cotton
batting such as Warm and Natural or several squares of flannel.
Optional - small magnet if you want for your potholder.
Optional - pine needles, dried rose petals or other potpourri type ingredients if
desired for Hot Mat
PREPARATION
Cut 9 1/2 Square for backing
Ideas for center square:
3 1/2 inch square of machine embroidery
3 1/2 inch square of fussy cut fabric
3 1/2 inch square of photo printed on fabric
3/ 1/2 inch square if favorite fabric
3 1/2 inch square of fabric that matches the outer fabric
| Hot Mat | Potholder |
|
Cut 9 1/2 Square for backing
Cut 2 1/2 X 3 1/2" strips for Section 1 (4 of Color A and 4 of Color B
|
Cut 6 1/2 Square for backing
Cut 11/2 X 2 1/2" strips for Section 1 (4 of Color A and 4 of Color B
|
|
Cut 4" squares for Section 2 (4 of color A and 4 of color B)
|
Cut 3" squares for Section 2 (4 of color A and 4 of color B)
|
CONSTRUCTION
Section 1
Sew 1/4" seam connecting Color A and Color B strips
to make 4 squares
Section 2
Put Square Fabric A and Square Fabric B right sides together. On the back of the lightest color square use a ruler to draw a diagonal line from one corner to another. Sew on this diagonal line. Press one side of Color A back so that your square looks like the picture above.
Trim to 3 1/2 inch square for hot mat and to 2 1/2 inch square for potholder

(to trim, line up 45 degree line parallel with seam of square then trim to correct measurement).
Sew sections together as follows;
Top Row
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Sew 3 rows together.
Sew 1 " strips on sides of block square
Sew 1" strips on top and bottom of block square
MAKING THE HOT MAT OR POT HOLDER
Put backing square face up.
Place your block square face down on top of this.
Place lining (Insulbright, cotton or flannel) on top of this
Stitch 1/4" seam all around except 1 1/2 " section in the middle of one side.
Cut corners of square on the diagonal removing about 1/2 of the fabric.
Turn the assembly through the opening you left.
Press. Turn seam allowance in opening area in using either Wonder Tape or pins.
Sew this area shut stitching close to edge of turned seam, or hand stitch this area closed.
For the hot mat, you can slip some pine needles or other aromatic substance in through the slit before you close it. As warm pots sit on the mat a slight fragrance will result. This will effect the washability of the mat.
