Hot Pad Backing
 

Hello! I'm a fairly new quilter (have only done small stuff) and have a question about quilting the hot pads I'm making. I didn't think about this before I started, but since I'm not doing an overall FMQ pattern, the backing doesn't look very nice. Any suggestions to what I should do differently? I just finished the quilting part, and will be doing a self-binding. Here are pics of the front and back. Thanks.

I usually try to do minimum quilting on hot pads since each tiny hole will allow heat to come thru. Just my opinion.

Looks fine to me.

Great job!!! Since hotpads are so small, you could cut the backing even with the front and just put another piece of fabric on the back. The binding edge should be enough to keep it in place. Personally, I don't think it looks bad as it is. You could stitch around the edges of the wine glasses and you will have a mirror image of them on the back.

Thanks, PaperPrincess! I love the mirror image idea! I have two more to make, so I'll give it a try!

Very nice. I have practiced my FMQ on hot pads and they don't look to nice either. Oh well, they don't burn your fingers.

Was thinking same

I like your hot pads & your FM quilting is great. Everyone has to start somewhere & you are wise to start with small projects. I like the mirror suggestion that PaperPrincess suggested. I don't do enough FM quilting but I love the way it looks. I understand that practice is the key to getting good. I need more practice. ;)

Personally I think that you have produced a lovely Hotpad. Once you have finished the binding that will tidy it up and you are bound to be pleased with the end result.

Please show us the completed set when finished.

Thanks everyone for your comments! Here is the completed hot pad. It's not perfect, but I had fun making it!

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Congrats on the great finish!

I think its to beautiful to use!!!

Great hot pad! What I do is quilt the front, add the metallic hot pad stuff, then place a coordinating back onto the back. I don't quilt thru the hot pad fabric. They are so small, the binding prevents the backing from sliding around.

I look at it this way.....I will not be looking at the back so much as the front so I do not worry about it. I think it came out great. The wine glasses and grapes are CUTE.

Great job. Looks good as is but if you wanted to hide the stitches, maybe a busy print would help cover up the stitching.

Great job on the hot pads! They look very nice & make me want to finish some myself. When I get the sewing room put back together. ;)

It turned out great!

Oh, that's a good point! I'll have to remember that!

Good idea!

I like your pad as is, but, if you do not want stitching to show on the back...Quilt only the top and batting together.
Add backing and stitch around the edge I/8 inch from the edge. Proceed with your binding. I have done this on Runners when I do not want the stitching to show.

Small projects are the best. I love the quick results and can practice skills. Unless you want a reversible hot pad, table runner, placemats, etc. don't fret about the back. How many people come over and look at the back? If they are having a free dinner, most don't complaint about the quilting!

I love it! Such a cute pattern!!! Don't worry about the quilting, it really is an adorable practice piece that you will enjoy using. A win win!