Leftovers Done Right: Quilted Casserole Hot Pad

Turning Fabric Scraps and Batting Leftovers into a Quick Holiday Finish

I recently shared one of my favorite quilt reveals so far in this year’s 52 Quilts Challenge – a Mini Quilt Swap finish.  For my swap partner, I made a sweet Christmas table runner using primarily fabrics from Tiny Christmas by Lizzy House for Moda, with a few additional prints to round out the palette.

My swap partner loves Christmas trees, so I chose the Under the Pines pattern by Heather Peterson of Anka’s Treasures.  The project challenged my precision cutting, quarter-inch seams, and machine quilting skills—but it turned out absolutely darling.  I loved it so much that I briefly considered making one for myself… before remembering that this challenge is about finishing UFOs, not creating new ones.

So instead, I admired what remained. The leftovers… the GLORIOUS scrappy leftovers.

From Mini Quilt Swap Scraps to a New UFO

The teal, green, and white strips were far too pretty to be tucked away.  They practically begged to become something useful.  Something finished.

And honestly? I needed a quick win.

After completing several larger quilts, I wanted a project that would move fast, feel satisfying, and not require a lot of mental bandwidth.  I also had a growing stash of scrap batting from those recent finishes, and I knew this was my chance to put it to good use.

I’d been seeing a simple, log-cabin-style quilted casserole hot pads popping up on Instagram a lot lately.  Many makers were using strips and a stitch-and-flip construction method. I already had the fabric. I already had the batting. And I already had the pattern saved for “someday.”

Surely that counts as a UFO. (Go with me here. It’s easier for both of us.)

Why This Quilted Casserole Hot Pad Counts as a UFO Finish

While I couldn’t justify starting an entirely new quilt during this challenge, using scraps from an already-finished project and a pattern I had earmarked felt like fair game.

More importantly, I couldn’t bear to hide those gorgeous leftovers away for “one day.” This was the kind of project that wanted to be made now.

How I Made the Casserole Hot Pad Using Batting Scraps

Using the Stitch-and-Flip Quilt-As-You-Go Method

I joined batting scraps of similar loft and material using this method and trimmed the piece to size.  Since I didn’t have any Insul-Bright on hand, I doubled the batting to provide extra thermal protection.

Using a stitch-and-flip quilt-as-you-go method, I pieced the hot pad top in about an hour.

Because the initial stitch-and-flip only secured one layer of batting, I added simple top-stitching in the ditch to catch the second batting layer and backing.  Another hour or so later, it was quilted and ready for binding. 

The piecing and quilting part I enjoyed.

The binding, however… not so much.

Binding Choices. And Why I’m Still a Traditionalist

I’m usually a binding traditionalist—machine-sewn to the front, hand-stitched to the back.  But in the spirit of a true quick win (and wanting another holiday finish), I opted for machine-stitched binding all the way around.

Let’s just say I’m glad this one is staying in our home.

I never quite manage to catch the binding evenly on the back, and the stitching always looks too crooked for my taste.  This method works beautifully for many quilters, but I’ll be returning to my old ways next time.

Still, it was finished. And that mattered more in this moment.

Why This Is a Perfect Quick Quilting Project

If you have scraps—and really, what quilter doesn’t—this is a fantastic project for a fast, satisfying finish. It’s perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or using up beautiful leftovers that deserve more than a scrap bin. Happy baking!

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🧵🪡✂ Maker’s Notes: 

Pattern:  “Casserole Hot Pad” by Bre T Quilt Designs
Fabric:   “Tiny Christmas” by Lizzy House for Moda, plus additional coordinating fabrics
Finished Size:  9″ x 13″ (after washing)
Batting:   Thrifted batting scraps joined to size, using this method
Thread:   Aurifil 50wt 
Quilting:  Machine quilted by me (stitch-and-flip QAYG and topstitch)

(Note: I enjoy supporting my local quilt shops but I do also buy online as well. I’ve included links to online options but highly recommend checking out your local quilt shop – there’s nothing quite like building community locally when possible.  Some links on this page may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

💡 Tips for Making “Casserole Hot Pad”

• Use Insul-Bright if you have it:  I doubled batting instead, which works well for warm dishes, but I would be cautious with fresh-from-the-oven type of heat. Chefs in our house have been duly warned.
• Make more than one:  This is a great scrap-busting project that comes together quickly. Skip extra top-stitching and it’s even faster.
• Beginner-friendly:  Minimal cutting, forgiving construction, and a very satisfying finish.

🌟 Final Thoughts on this Quilted Casserole Hot Pad

I loved having a quick win after finishing several larger projects. Every small finish counts in the 52 Quilts Challenge, and this one felt especially satisfying.

I’m continuing to get more practice on the machine quilting – a skill that I want to continue to improve.  And who knows, I may even begin to enjoy it one day! 

I do love the finished product of machine quilting, imperfections and all.  The snuggling with a finished quilt can’t be beat.  Although I doubt I’ll be snuggling with this week’s casserole hot pad!  😊 

I’d love to hear what you think. What is your go-to project when you have scraps from a big project left over??

That’s all for this week. If you’d like to peek at a few recent finishes, you can click their images below.

I’m documenting this process as part of my ongoing 52 Quilts Challenge, where I’m slowly working through unfinished projects.  You can find all of the quilts from the challenge collected in one place here (index). If you’re new here and curious what the challenge is about, I’d start here (explanation post).

I also share updates on Instagram and Pinterest.

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Thanks for being here — and may your bobbin ever last the row.
~Angel

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