*This blog post contains affiliate links*
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
Walking foot (optional but very helpful)
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.
