Quilted Trivet
Make Your Own Trivet to Match Your Decor

This quilted trivet is made using upholstery sample book pages in two coordinated patterns so it can be used with either side up to give a different look to your table.
It can be made to match a fabric bread basket which is also reversible and made from upholstery sample swatches. See a fabric bread basket here.
The one pictured is 11 ¼ by 7 ¼ inches to fit my casserole dishes; but you can easily adjust the pattern to fit yours. If you've never quilted, this is a great beginner's project.
Quilted Trivet Materials
- 2 coordinated pieces of upholstery fabric 12 ¾ by 9 inches
- High-loft (about 1 inch thick) bonded polyester batting 11 ½ by 8 inches*
- Contrasting thread
How to Assemble the Trivet
With right sides facing, sew ½-inch seams around three sides to form a tall pocket. Trim the two sewn corners to reduce bulk (i.e. cut off a triangle from each corner fairly close to the seam line).
Turn pocket right side out and insert the sheet of batting.
If you have a walking foot for your sewing machine, it will help move the bulk through and keep your quilt lines straight. However it's not necessary. I didn't use one in the trivet pictured.
To close the open end, fold one end over the batting and tuck it in. Then fold the other end in on itself and match up the edges. Pin.
The outermost seam of the quilted trivet will be ¼ inch in from the edge. The rest of the quilting will be ½ inch in from each previous row.
Starting on the edge you just pinned, sew a hem ¼ inch in starting with a few back stitches to lock the end. At the next three corners, stop when you get ¼ inch from the edge and the needle is in the down position piercing the project.
Having the needle through the fabric when you turn corners, assures nice sharp corners.
Lift the presser foot and rotate the project 90 degrees to continue stitching the next leg.
On the fourth leg - when you are approaching the point you started from - stop when you are ½ inch from the starting point.
This establishes the proper distance for the rest of the quilt pattern.
Continue in the same fashion, making 90 degrees turns when you are ½ inch from the fourth corner of each block until you reach the center. Backstitch a few stitches to secure.
* Polyester provides more loft than cotton. The bonding will help your project stand up to use and frequent washing.
For more articles about quilting and quilting design, please click here.
Recommended Reading
These books are excellent resources for quilters, no matter the level of experience.

Quiltmaking by Hand: Simple Stitches, Exquisite Quilts
By: Jinny Beyer

Machine Quilting Made Easy
By:Maurine Noble

Quilter's Complete Guide
By: Marianne Fons

