Simple Fabric Hot Pad | Snippets with Patterns By Jen

 

Simple Fabric Hot Pad: An Easy Beginner Sewing Project

Looking for a low-stress sewing project? In this week’s Snippets with Patterns By Jen, I’m sharing a simple fabric hot pad that focuses on basic construction and clean finishing, without quilting or binding.

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click and decide you really do need that fabric, ruler, or notion, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps support Patterns By Jen and keeps my sewing room stocked with thread and rotary blades. 😉 You can read my full disclosure HERE.

Sometimes we just want to sew a little "something," not a quilt, or even a table runner, just a quick finish. While the hot pad may take a little extra fiddling, it's still a quick (and instantly usable) make. I share tips for creating less bulk and how to get a nice a finish. 

This project is:

    • Beginner friendly

    • Scrap friendly

    • Giftable

Supplies I used in the video:

    That Purple Thang: 👉 https://tidd.ly/3ZTN4Qs (affiliate link)

    Insul-Bright®: 👉 https://tidd.ly/3M7ikIM (affiliate link)

Watch the full tutorial:

 

Remember to use all 100% cotton supplies for this project. From fabric to thread, 100% cotton should be used when making something that will be used for hot things 

This project is made easier with a walking foot. If you’re a new quilter, that’s one of my top recommendations for an early investment. It isn’t required, but it does make stitching layers like these much easier, and you’ll use it a lot in your quilting.

Snippets by Patterns By Jen are short, sweet tutorials designed to spark creativity, encourage new ideas, and bring joy to your quilting journey.

Share your finished hot pads with me in the Facebook group:

👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/259684534541789

I can't wait to see the unique fabrics and color fill my feed. 

Go make something you love,

New to Patterns By Jen?

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Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

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February 2026 Monthly Color Challenge - Free Quilt Block of the Month

 

We’re kicking off the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge, and I’m so glad you’re here. This block of the month has become a favorite for so many quilters, and it’s always exciting to see a new year begin.

2026 Monthly Color Challenge: A Free Quilt Block of the Month

For 2026, our color inspiration is coming from frogs. When I first decided on that idea, I’ll admit I hesitated, would there really be enough variety to carry us through an entire year? But, as usual, Mother Nature knew exactly what she was doing. From subtle neutrals to bold, unexpected pops of color, our frog friends have plenty to offer. We have a year of beautiful color ahead of us.

Photo by Trevor Persons, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Our color this month is green and inspired by the Northern Leopard Frog, a frog I remember trying to catch often as a child. According to Wikipedia the Northern Leopard Frog is a larger species of frog and can reach 4.3 inches in length. These frogs tend to be mostly green or brown, with black spots, but there are some that do not have spots and there are even some blue ones. It's amazing what you learn when you go looking for frog inspired color.

The fabrics I am using this year are Whisper Weave and Whisper Weave Too. They are basics from Benartex and have a wonderful texture to give these blocks some movement. February's colors are peppermint and evergreen.

Each month comes with its own How To video. I walk you through how to cut, stitch, and trim every part of the block, so no matter your skill level, you can make each block with us. You can find the link to the How To video each month at the bottom of the PDF instructions.

This month we are making the Ohio Star block with a slight variation to the center. This is one of my favorite blocks to make and by adding a little something to the center we can really make it our own.

Should you ever have questions throughout the year, you are more than welcome (and encouraged) to email me at jen@patternsbjen.com. You can also join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns by Jen Facebook group, where you can share your finished blocks and ask questions. Follow me on Instagram and use #monthlycolorchallenge when you post your fabric choices and finished blocks.

Here’s a look at the full block for February. You can download the pattern HERE and start sewing, I can’t wait to see your blocks when they’re finished!

If you’d like the Monthly Color Challenge blocks sent straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe using the sign-up link below.

The February block is free through the end of the month and is available in my Payhip shop. If you’re finding us after February, the block will still be available there for just $1.

While it’s too late to receive the January and February instructions by email, you can still subscribe to have the March – December Monthly Color Challenge blocks (plus the final layout!) delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up HERE.

I’m so happy to be back with the Monthly Color Challenge and to have you here with me.

Go make something you LOVE.

New to Patterns By Jen?

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Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

How to Pin Seams for Straighter Sewing | 2 Minute Tips with PBJ

 

Pinning Seams – 2 Minute Tips with PBJ quilting tutorial thumbnail

2 Minute Tips with PBJ is a short video series sharing quick, beginner-friendly quilting tips to help build confidence in essential skills.

One thing I’m especially passionate about, especially for beginners, is pinning seams correctly. This simple step can be a game changer when it comes to getting your corners to meet perfectly.

Not only does proper pinning improve your stitching, it also keeps your machine safe. By following my steps on how to pin and when to pull your pins while sewing, you reduce the risk of hitting a pin with your needle. No broken needles, bent pins, or worst-case scenario: messing up your machine’s timing.

Did you miss 2 Minute Tips with PBJ last week? Don’t worry, Snippets with Patterns By Jen is waiting for you! These short, hands-on tutorials drop every other Thursday on the PBJ YouTube Channel and are perfect for keeping your quilting momentum going.

✨ Watch the latest Snippets video HERE and subscribe so you never miss a tutorial.

Go make something you LOVE,

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

Easy Child-Size Minky Blanket + Doll Blanket | Snippets with Patterns By Jen

A child-size Minky blanket hanging on a crib rail with a matching doll blanket wrapped around a doll, both made from the same strawberry print fabric.

Easy Child-Size Minky Blanket + Doll Blanket Tutorial

This week’s Snippets with Patterns By Jen tutorial is all about cozy sewing. I’m sharing how to make a child-size Minky blanket with a matching doll blanket using just 1½ yards of Minky fabric.

A child-size Minky blanket hanging on a crib rail, made from strawberry print fabric.

This is a simple, beginner-friendly project that comes together quickly and makes a wonderful handmade gift for kids — especially when paired with a favorite doll or stuffed animal.

In the video, I mention a helpful link to my 2-Minute Tips with PBJ video on changing your rotary cutter blade, which you’ll find in the description below the video. It’s especially helpful when working with Minky fabric.

A doll wrapped in a matching Minky doll blanket made from strawberry print fabric, shown alongside the coordinating child-size blanket.

Make something you LOVE, 

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

How to Rip Seams the Right Way | 2 Minute Tips with PBJ

 

Ripping Seams - 2 Minute Tips with PBJ quilting tutorial thumbnail

2 Minute Tips with PBJ is a short video series sharing quick, beginner-friendly quilting tips to help build confidence in essential quilting skills.

This week I'm sharing my best tip for ripping out straight seams. We all, at some point, have to rip out a seam that decided to go rogue.

This doesn't have to ruin the sewing vibe. Once you have mastered this skill, grabbing that seam ripper won't make you want to run from the room crying. 

In today's Bites of PBJ weekly newsletter I shared my favorite seam ripper. Yes, I have a favorite. 💜 Make sure to check your inbox so you don't miss it. If you haven't signed up for Bites of PBJ you can do so HERE.

A new 2 Minute Tips with PBJ drops in two weeks!

Make something you LOVE, 

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.

Smarter Pincushion Tip for Quilters | Snippets with Patterns By Jen

 

Close-up of a handmade fabric pincushion with a pink button used to separate sewing needles.

Clever Pincushion Tutorial: Keep Your Needles Organized

Looking for a simple pincushion tutorial with a fun and practical twist? In this week’s Snippets with Patterns By Jen, I’m sharing an easy pincushion project plus a clever tip to keep your needles separated using a button. 

P.S. Huron, SD guild members, if you're the one who shared this tip with me, I'd love to hear from you so I can share credit, because it's a game changer. 💜

Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you click and decide you really do need that fabric, ruler, or notion, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps support Patterns By Jen and keeps my sewing room stocked with thread and rotary blades. 😉 You can read my full disclosure HERE.

It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference—especially if you like having different needles ready while sewing or quilting.

Why this project is perfect for you:

• Beginner-friendly

• Scrap-friendly

• Ideal for quilters, sewists, and handmade gift-givers

Supplies I used:

• Emery sand: 👉 https://amzn.to/45wLUh6 (affiliate link)
  
  

Want to see exactly how I make it? Check out the full video tutorial on YouTube:

This pincushion tutorial is quick, fun, and a great way to add a handmade touch to your sewing space. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy project or an experienced quilter wanting a clever storage trick, this project is perfect for you.

Snippets by Patterns By Jen are short, sweet tutorials designed to spark creativity, encourage new ideas, and bring joy to your quilting journey.

Ready to try it? Grab a few scraps, a button, and some emery sand, and make your sewing space both cute and organized.

Make something you LOVE, 

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

How to Change a Rotary Cutter Blade | 2 Minute Tips with PBJ

Change Your Rotary Blade – 2 Minute Tips with PBJ quilting tutorial thumbnail

2 Minute Tips with PBJ is back! 🎉

This video series is all about quick, foundational quilting tips to help make your quilting experience more enjoyable, and build confidence one small skill at a time.

2 Minute Tips drop every other week on the PBJ YouTube channel, and each video is short, practical, and beginner-friendly.

Rotary Cutter with pieces laid out in order on wool pressing mat.

This week we’re starting with one of the most important first steps in quilting: a sharp rotary cutter blade.
(Please use caution when changing your rotary cutter blades.)

This short and sweet video walks you through changing your blade, perfect if you’re new to quilting or, if you're like me, sometimes get those tiny pieces mixed up. Tuck this one into your back pocket for the next time your cutter starts skipping or feeling dull.

👉 Watch the video:

In today’s Bites of PBJ newsletter, I also shared my favorite rotary cutter blades. If you’re not signed up for my weekly quilting newsletter yet, you can join us HERE.

I’ll see you back here in two weeks for the next 2 Minute Tips with PBJ.

Go make something you LOVE,

New to Patterns By Jen?

Newsletter sign up

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and updates.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Snippets with PBJ and 2 Minute Tips.

Join the Quilt and Learn with Patterns By Jen Facebook page.

Inspire, By PBJ is my monthly digital subscription that delivers a wall hanging sized design, color inspiration and more right in your inbox.

Join the 2026 Monthly Color Challenge.

Find paper and digital patterns, gifts and more in my Etsy shop.

Find fun PBJ merchandise at Teespring.