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How to Sew a Casserole Hot Pad (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial)

Check out the full video tutorial here: Watch the YouTube Video

You can also watch the tutorial by clicking the video at the end of this post.

If you’re looking for an easy, practical sewing project that you’ll actually use, this casserole hot pad is it. This project is perfect for beginners, makes a great handmade gift, and is a fantastic way to practice sewing with thicker layers.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through every step, share beginner-friendly tips, and explain exactly why I chose Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolam Plus for this project.

Supplies You’ll Need

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

🧵 Fabric

• Two pieces of cotton fabric, each cut to 17" x 13"
  

🧵 Fusible Fleece / Batting

• Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolam Plus (2 layers, each cut to 17" x 13")

🧵 Tools & Equipment

• Acrylic ruler

• Self-healing cutting mat

• Fabric shears or rotary cutter

• Sewing machine

• Walking foot (optional but very helpful)

• Iron & ironing board

• Pins or clips

• Corner turner or chopstick

🛍 Shop My Supplies: Most of the tools and materials I use are linked in my Amazon storefront (affiliate links included). Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Finished Size:

Approximately 16" x 12"

This size works perfectly for standard casserole dishes and baking pans.

Why I Used Pellon TP971F (And Not Insul-Bright)...

For this casserole hot pad, I used Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolam Plus instead of Insul-Bright.

Here’s why:

• Thermolam Plus adds great structure and insulation without being stiff

• It’s fusible, which helps keep layers from shifting

• I used two layers (one on each side) to add extra bulk and protection

I did not use Insul-Bright for this project. Insul-Bright contains metalized fibers and cannot be used in the microwave. While this hot pad likely won’t fit in most microwaves anyway, I prefer to keep my projects simple and avoid any chance of accidental misuse.

⚠️ Important: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fusing your fleece. Using the wrong heat or steam settings can damage the fusible or your fabric.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut Your Pieces

Cut the following:

• (2) Fabric pieces at 17" x 13"

• (2) Pellon TP971F pieces at 17" x 13"

Take your time here—accurate cutting makes everything easier later.

Step 2: Fuse the Fleece

Fuse one piece of Thermolam Plus to the wrong side of each fabric piece.

Beginner Tips:

• Use the heat setting recommended by the manufacturer

• Press straight down—don’t slide the iron

• Let the pieces cool completely before moving them

Step 3: Layer the Hot Pad

Place the two fabric pieces right sides together, with the fleece facing outward.

Pin or clip around the edges, leaving a 4–5 inch turning gap on one long side.

Step 4: Sew Around the Edges

Sew around the entire hot pad using a ¼"–½" seam allowance, backstitching at the beginning and end.

💡 Tip: If you have a walking foot, this is a great time to use it. The layers are thick, and a walking foot helps everything feed evenly.

Step 5: Clip the Corners

Before turning the hot pad right side out, clip the corners at an angle.

This removes bulk and helps you get nice, crisp corners.

Step 6: Turn Right Side Out & Press

Turn the hot pad right side out through the opening.

Use a corner turner or chopstick to gently push out the corners (don’t poke through!).

Press the hot pad flat, folding the raw edges of the opening inward so they’re flush with the seam.

Step 7: Topstitch

Topstitch around the entire hot pad, close to the edge (approximately 1/8" - 1/4" away from the edge).

This:

• Closes the turning opening

• Helps the hot pad lay flat

• Gives a clean, professional finish

Sew slowly, especially around the corners.

That’s a Wrap!

Yay—you made it to the end of our casserole hot pad tutorial! I hope you had as much fun following along as I had making it. Seeing our DIY with Ashley community grow is honestly the best part—I can’t believe we’re almost at 10,000 amazing people! Every view, comment, and share means so much to me, and I love seeing the projects you create from my tutorials.

If this tutorial inspired you, I’d love for you to share it with a friend or family member who loves sewing—it’s the biggest compliment you can give. And if you haven’t yet, subscribe to my YouTube channel—it’s free, fun, and full of beginner-friendly sewing tutorials like this one.

Think of this blog as a place to dive deeper into each project: step-by-step instructions, tips, photos, and printable resources you can use while sewing along with the videos. Together, the blog and YouTube channel are your go-to spot for sewing inspiration and guidance.

Keep experimenting, keep creating, and most importantly… have fun sewing!

Optional Customizations

Once you’re comfortable with this project, you can:

• Add quilting lines for extra texture

• Use coordinating fabrics for gifts

• Adjust the size for different pans

Let’s Stay Connected

📺 Watch more tutorials on YouTube: DIY with Ashley – See every step in action and follow along with beginner-friendly sewing projects.

📖 Read more on the blog: DIY with Ashley Blog – Full tutorials, printable guides, and bonus tips you won’t get on YouTube.

📸 Follow me on Instagram & Facebook: @DIYwithAshley – Behind-the-scenes, sneak peeks, and community highlights.

💬 Share your creations: Tag me on social media if you make this hot pad—I love seeing your versions and featuring them in our community!

☕ Support & Freebies: Ko-Fi – Support the channel and blog while grabbing free downloads and resources.

🛍 Shop my favorite sewing supplies: Amazon Shop – All the tools and materials I personally use for these tutorials.
🛑 As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

🎉 Bonus: Snag 10% off Singer sewing machines using my affiliate link: Singer Discount – Use code SEW10NOW at checkout for a machine I trust for beginner-friendly projects.

How to Sew a Simple Quilted Pot Holder (Beginner-Friendly Scrap Busting Tutorial)

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How to Sew a Simple Quilted Pot Holder (Beginner-Friendly Tutorial Using Fabric Scraps!)

Looking for an easy and useful sewing project that helps you use up fabric scraps? Today I’m sharing a simple quilted pot holder tutorial perfect for beginners. These pot holders make wonderful holiday gifts, hostess gifts, or just a fun way to bring seasonal fabrics into your kitchen. You can also use them as mug rugs, hot pads, or mini table protectors.

In this tutorial, we’ll be using Pellon TP971F Thermolam Plus Fusible, a thick fusible fleece that adds softness and stability. If you want to make a pot holder designed for high heat, you can use Pellon 975 Insul-Fleece, but keep in mind that it contains metallic fibers—so it cannot go in the microwave. I personally chose Thermolam Plus for this project because it's safer for my own habits and still creates a sturdy, insulated result.

I’ve also created a step-by-step video tutorial on my YouTube channel, DIY with Ashley — I’ll insert the video below so you can sew along with me.

✂️ What You’ll Need (Makes 1 Pot Holder)

• (2) Cotton Fabric squares: 9" × 9"

• (2) Pieces of Pellon TP971F Thermolam Plus Fusible: 9" × 9"

• (1) Loop strip: 1.5" × 4.5"

• Disappearing fabric marker or chalk

• Iron & ironing board

• Sewing machine

• Coordinating thread

• Pins or clips

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Corner turner 

• Walking Foot  (optional but very helpful)

All of the supplies mentioned above are available in my Amazon storefront — some of the links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

🛍 Shop My Favorite Supplies: Amazon Shop
🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

🧵 Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1 – Fuse the Thermolam Plus

• Place the fusible fleece on the wrong side of each 9x9 fabric square.

• Lightly press around the edges to baste, then fuse the rest according to Pellon’s instructions.

Step 2 – Make the Hanging Loop

• Fold your 1.5" x 4.5" strip in half lengthwise and press.

• Open it, fold each raw edge toward the center crease, press, then fold closed again.

• Topstitch ⅛ inch from each long side.

Step 3 – Layer the Pot Holder

Insert the loop:

• Find the center of one side of a fused fabric square and mark it.

• Place the loop’s raw ends on either side of the mark with the loop pointing down toward the center.

• Pin in place.

Layer the squares:

• Place the two squares right sides together and pin all around.

Step 4 – Sew the Edges

• Sew around all four sides using a ½" inch seam allowance.

• Leave a 2- 3" inch opening on one side for turning.

• Backstitch at the beginning and end.

Step 5 – Trim the Corners

• Trim the seam allowance at each corner to reduce bulk.

• Avoid cutting into your stitches.

Step 6 – Turn Right Side Out

• Turn the pot holder through the opening.

• Use a corner turner to push the corners out neatly.

Step 7 – Press

• Press the pot holder flat so the edges are crisp and the turning gap is folded in smoothly.

Step 8 – Mark the Topstitch & Quilting Lines

Use a disappearing fabric marker + ruler:

1. Draw the topstitch guideline

   • Mark a line ¼" inch from the edge all the way around the pot holder.

2. Draw the quilting lines

   • Mark quilting lines spaced about 1" inch apart across the pot holder.

(You are only drawing at this stage, not sewing yet.)

Step 9 – Sew the Topstitch

• Sew directly on the ¼" inch topstitch line around the entire pot holder.

• This closes the opening and secures the edges.

• Backstitch at the start and end.

Step 10 – Quilt the Pot Holder

• Sew along each quilting line from edge to edge.

• Backstitch at the start and end of each quilting line for durability.

Step 11 – Final Press

• Give your pot holder one last press so everything lays smooth and professional.

🎉You're Done!

And that’s it! Your quilted pot holder is finished — thick, sturdy, and beautiful. You can make several from a half yard of fabric if you like, perfect for gifting or decorating your kitchen.

📺 Watch the Full Video Tutorial

💬 Let’s Stay Connected!

I’d love to see what you create! Share your quilted pot holders on social media and tag me @DIYwithAshley — I can’t wait to see your projects!

📸 Follow me on Instagram & Facebook: @DIYwithAshley
📺 Subscribe for more sewing and DIY tutorials: DIY with Ashley YouTube Channel

☕ Support My Work

If you’d like to support my tutorials and get access to freebies, check out my Ko-Fi store: https://ko-fi.com/diywithashley

Find all my links in one place, including supplies and tutorials: https://beacons.ai/diywithashley

✨ Enjoyed this tutorial? Don’t forget to bookmark this page, subscribe to my channel, and share this project with friends who love DIY and sewing!

DIY Reversible Placemats: Easy Step-by-Step Sewing Guide

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Sew Your Own Reversible Placemats 

Easy Beginner Sewing Tutorial

I can’t believe I hadn’t shared this tutorial on my blog! This tutorial is actually one of my most popular videos on YouTube, and I wanted to make sure it’s here too. In this post, you’ll learn how to sew beautiful, custom reversible placemats step by step. These easy DIY placemats are perfect for sprucing up your dining room, creating thoughtful handmade gifts, or adding a seasonal touch to your home décor.

✨ Bonus: I’ve created a printable reversible placemats sewing guide with measurements, a supply list, and step-by-step instructions to make your sewing even easier. Grab it here → Download the guide (Pay What You Want)

Why Make Reversible Placemats?

Reversible placemats are practical and stylish, allowing you to:

• Switch designs for different occasions, seasons, or holidays

• Easily hide stains or messes on the back side

• Mix and match fabrics for a unique look

• Create durable, handmade gifts that are both functional and beautiful

With endless fabric possibilities, you can create a set of reversible placemats that perfectly match your table décor and style.

Here’s what I used for this project:

Supplies

1.5 yards Main Fabric  1.5 yards Coordinating Fabric  1.5 yards Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolam Plus Fleece 45''  Fabric Scissors (or a Rotary Cutter)  Acrylic Ruler  Cutting Mat  Ironing Board  Iron  Sewing Pins  Coordinating Thread  Sewing Machine  Point Turner (or Chopstick)  Press Cloth (optional)

🛍 Shop My Favorite Supplies: Amazon Shop https://www.amazon.com/shop/diywithashley

🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pattern Pieces (6 Placemats)

Piece	Qty	Size
Main Fabric	6	14" x 20"
Coordinating Fabric	6	14" x 20"
Fusible Fleece	6	14" x 20"

Instructions

1. Cut Your Fabrics and Fusible Fleece
Cut six 14" × 20" inch pieces from the main fabric, six from the coordinating fabric, and six from the fusible fleece.  

2. Fuse the Fleece
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the fleece to the wrong side of each coordinating fabric piece. Tip: Lightly press along the top edge first to tack it in place, then work your way down. Repeat for all six pieces.  

3. Assemble Your Placemat
With the fleece fused to all coordinating fabric pieces, place each main fabric piece right sides together with a coordinating piece. Pin in place.  

4. Sew Around the Edges
Sew around the placemat edges with a ½″ seam allowance. Stop sewing 2" – 3″ inches before you reach your starting point to leave an opening for turning.  

5. Turn and Press
Trim the fabric at each corner to reduce bulk, being careful not to cut through the stitching.   

Then, turn the placemat right side out through the 2" – 3″ inch opening. Use a point turner to gently shape the corners (or a chopstick if you don’t have a point turner).  

After turning the placemat right side out, press along the edges for a crisp finish. Tuck the seam allowance of the opening to the inside so it’s even with the edge.   

6. Topstitch
Pin the opening closed, then add a few pins around the entire placemat to hold it in place. 

Topstitch around the placemat about ¼" inch from the edge for a polished, professional finish that keeps your reversible placemat flat.

Tips for Perfect Reversible Placemats

• Use fusible fleece for structure without adding bulk

• Press at every stage for crisp, clean edges

• Experiment with fun fabrics to create seasonal, holiday, or themed sets

• Topstitch carefully to keep both sides neat. A walking foot might be helpful if your placemats end up being thick and bulky.

Share Your Placemat Creations!

I’d love to see your reversible placemats! Tag me on social media: @DIYwithAshley on Instagram and Facebook. 

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DIY Fabric Keyfob Tutorial: Easy Beginner Sewing Project

Looking for a quick, beginner-friendly sewing project that’s perfect for using up scrap fabric? This fabric keyfob tutorial is exactly that! It’s easy, functional, and makes a cute little gift—or a stylish accessory for your own keys.

We’re using medium-weight cotton twill for this project, which gives the keyfob nice structure, so we don’t need interfacing. If you’re using lightweight quilting cotton or another thin fabric, you can add a strip of Pellon SF101 Fusible Woven Interfacing (lightweight) to the wrong side of your fabric.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Cotton twill or another medium-weight fabric (at least 3.75" wide x 12" long)

• Scissors or rotary cutter

• Acrylic ruler and self-healing cutting mat

• Sewing clips or pins

• Iron and ironing board

• Matching thread

• Sewing machine

• Lobster clasp with D-ring

👉 I’ve linked all of these supplies and the hardware for this project in my Amazon Storefront so you can grab everything easily.

🛍 Shop My Favorite Supplies: Amazon Shop https://www.amazon.com/shop/diywithashley
🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Pattern Dimensions

• Medium-weight Fabric: 3.75 inches wide x 12 inches long

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fold and Press the Fabric

Lay your fabric strip flat, wrong side up. Fold the strip in half, long ways so that the wrong sides are touching. Iron the strip in half. Open up the strip and fold the outer long edge in to the center crease and press with an iron. Finally, fold the whole strip in half along the center so all the raw edges are tucked inside, and press it flat. This creates a neat, bias-tape-style strip.

Step 2: Slide on the Hardware 

Slide your lobster clasp onto the strip and position it roughly in the middle.

Step 3: Clip or Pin

Use sewing clips or pins to hold the open edge closed. Leave about 1" inch to 1.5" inches open at each end. Leaving the ends open makes it easier to sew the short ends together.

Step 4: Sew the Short Ends

Line up the short ends of the strip, right sides together, and sew across with a half-inch seam allowance. This joins the ends and forms a basic loop.

Step 5: Refold and Press

Finger press the seam open, then refold the strip using the creases you previously ironed. This creates a seamless loop.

Step 6: Topstitch the Long Edges

Topstitch along both long sides about an eighth of an inch (1/8" inch) from the edge.

Step 7: Finish the Wristlet

Slide the hardware down to the section where you sewed the ends together, slightly align the seam to the back of the keyfob, and sew a line close to the hardware to secure it and create your wristlet.

And that’s it! Your fabric keyfob is finished. This project is perfect for using up scraps, makes a fun gift, and once you make one, you’ll probably want to make a few more in different fabrics.

Watch the Tutorial on YouTube

I’ve shared this step-by-step in a video on my YouTube channel, DIY with Ashley. You can see every fold, press, and stitch in action.

Watch the Fabric Keyfob Tutorial on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TeS5YtvXpFk

Support My Channel

If you found this tutorial helpful, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe to my channel, and turn on the notification bell so you don’t miss future DIY projects.

You can also support my channel through my Ko-fi store, where I share extra resources and goodies for supporters.

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How to Make an Oversized XL Scrunchie | Easy DIY Sewing Tutorial

How to Make an Oversized XL Scrunchie

Looking for a fun and easy sewing project? In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make an oversized or XL scrunchie—perfect for adding a touch of style to your hair! I copied the pattern of my favorite scrunchie and used some leftover silky fabric scraps, but you can use almost any light to medium-weight fabric for this project. This tutorial is beginner-friendly and packed with tips to get your scrunchie looking professional and voluminous.

🎥 Watch the full YouTube tutorial here: https://youtu.be/5Fiq0WCEXaY

Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

• Fabric shears or a rotary cutter

• Acrylic ruler and self-healing cutting mat

• Standard thread (match it to your fabric for a clean finish)

• Hem guide

• Sewing clips or pins

• Sewing machine

• 8–8.5 inches of 1/4-inch wide elastic (adjust based on hair thickness or measure your favorite scrunchie and add an inch)

• Fabric strip 7 inches wide by 22 inches long (or longer for extra volume)

• Bodkin or safety pin to insert the elastic

Optional: tube turner (or your preferred method for turning the scrunchie right-side out).

Pro tip: For a super fluffy scrunchie, cut the fabric strip along the width of your fabric instead of a fixed 22 inches. The longer the strip, the puffier your scrunchie will be!

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🛑 Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Fabric

Cut your fabric strip 7 inches wide by 22 inches long (or longer for extra volume), making sure the edges are straight.

2. Fold and Pin

Fold the fabric strip lengthwise, right sides together, so the short ends match. Pin or clip along the long edge, leaving 1–1.5 inches unpinned at each short end for finishing later. 

3. Sew the Long Edge

Sew along the pinned long edge using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This will create a fabric tube while leaving the short ends open.

4. Turn the Tube Right-Side Out

Use a tube turner, safety pin, or your preferred method to turn the fabric right-side out. 

5. Optional: Press the Fabric

If you’re using a fabric like cotton that wrinkles easily, press the tube with an iron for crisp edges (after you've turned it right side out). For silky fabrics, this step isn’t necessary.

6. Sew the Short Ends

Line up the unsewn short ends, right sides together. Using your sewing pins or clips, pin everything into place. Sew the ends together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. This part can be a little tricky so guide the fabric as you sew slowly.

7. Insert the Elastic

After the ends are sewn, you'll have your scrunchie tube with an opening left to insert your elastic. Attach a safety pin or bodkin to one end of the elastic and thread it through the fabric tube. Ensure the elastic is not twisted inside. Adjust the length to suit your hair—anywhere from 8 to 8.5 inches works well for average thickness. (You can also determine the length of your elastic by measuring your favorite scrunchie and adding an inch.)

8. Sew the Elastic Ends Together

Overlap the ends of your elastic by about 1/2 inch and sew them securely with a few back-and-forth stitches. You can use a zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch.

9. Close the Fabric Tube

After the elastic is sewn, you can close up the opening. Fold the raw edges of the short ends in by 1/4 inch and topstitch the seam closed about 1/8 inch from the edge (or as close as possible for a neat finish). Always use matching thread so the stitches blend seamlessly.

10. Final Touches

Even out the gathers and your XL scrunchie is ready to wear!

💡 See this step in action in my YouTube video: https://youtu.be/5Fiq0WCEXaY

Tips for Customizing Your Scrunchie

• Fabric Choice: Light to medium-weight fabrics work best. Silky, satin, or cotton fabrics each give a different look and feel.

• Elastic Length: Adjust the elastic to your preference. Measure your favorite scrunchie and add an inch for a similar fit.

• Volume: The longer the fabric strip, the puffier the scrunchie. Experiment with different lengths for a dramatic look.

Share Your Scrunchie Creation

I’d love to see what you make! If you post your scrunchie on social media, tag me @diywithashley. 

If you enjoyed this tutorial, you can support my work by checking out my Ko-fi store for extra goodies or browsing my Amazon storefront, where I’ve listed my favorite sewing products, including some of the ones used in this tutorial. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

For more fun sewing and craft ideas, check out my other tutorials and playlists on DIY with Ashley. From scrunchies to reversible placemats, there are plenty of beginner-friendly projects to try.

📺 Watch more scrap busting tutorials: Fabric Scrap Buster Playlist

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