Friday, March 25, 2016

Easy Quilted Heating Pad Cover Tutorial




Quilted Heating Pad Cover Tutorial


This is Easter week. Schools are out, and many of us have been busy with family obligations. While the blog has been very quiet, my real life has been quite busy. I've missed you!
I have to admit to getting my quilting fix over on Instagram with Amy's Creative Side, @amyscreativeside #IGquiltfest, and Leanne's, @devotedquilter #springintocolourphotochallenge. Check them both out for some colorful eye candy before you hide your baskets.

One prompt with the Instagram Quilt Fest was, "What's your Fast Finish?", and mine was my quilted heating pad cover. I have several requests waiting for theirs to magically appear, but dear husband's birthday is fast approaching. In order to get mine back, which he swiftly commandeered, I'm giving him his own. When I joked about this on Instagram, Gayle, who blogs at Pedal Sew Lightly asked if I would write a quick tutorial so she could make one for her husband. I'm happy to oblige.



This particular heating pad is my pick because it's 12" x 24", and comes with a microfiber removable cover. Rite Aid carries this brand, and ours has held up well for years now.


I chose these Lotta Jansdotter prints and a FQ bundle to mix a few solids in, but after I'd cut it out I'd already found a more suitable fabric for him. 


Without giving you a recipe, I cut several strips in various widths. The golden fabric has a directional print, and I cut some in both directions. I chose 2 grey solids, but later found I needed to add 1 more. It takes less fabric than you might think, and scraps would be perfect.

Measure Your Heating Pad


Measure the length, and double it. Add 2"-3". 
Measure the width. Add 2"-3".

Create Your Backing

This heating pad is 12" x 24" so my cover will start at 15" x 51". I pieced together a solid colored fabric to this measurement as my backing so I had a template to begin making my top.


Trim all the strips to 14" in length.


Save the scraps, and create a pieced section for variety.


Using your backing as your template, lay out your strips. Be aware both ends of the strip will be at the top of your finished cover. Try to use a wider strip where you will fold the slab in half.




Proceed just as you would any quilt. 
Layer with batting, and machine quilt. 
Trim batting and backing even with pieced edges.



Take the time to physically check that the heating pad 
will fit inside before sewing the side seams. 



Serge or sew side seams with right sides together.



Bind the top edge in the same way you apply any binding to your own quilts. I use a 2.25" piece of straight cut piece of fabric, fold in half lengthwise, and sew to the inside of the cover first. Then turn outward, and sew close to the close on the right side of the cover.

Add 2 small pieces of velcro as a closure. I use Velcro One Wrap for all my sewing projects, and love it.


Ta-dah! Easy peasy!
Enjoy, and let me know if you have any questions.

Come on, Doxie girls.
Let's cross it off the list.



7 comments:

Pedal Sew Lightly said...

Thanks a bunch Julie. I'm putting one on my short list. It will be perfect for Father's Day. I am a big Lotta fan but the blueprint fabric was worth the switch. I hope you get yours back now.

Stitchin At Home said...

Of course my heating pad is naked, so I better add this to my to 'make list'. It may be number 45, but hey who's counting not me.

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

This is a great project. I've been using a magic bag recently, but I think it's time to dig out my heating pad. Thanks for linking up with TGIFF hosted @ Anja Quilts.

Sandra Walker said...

I like that you oriented the directional fabric in different ways, and what a great use for scraps. I've been meaning to make ahot water bottle cover so, like Cindy, going to add this to "the list" and we won't go there as to what number mine will be. What is the planes fabric? PERFECT for your DH, but I have a nephew who would love it too.

Kate said...

Great gift idea!

nora said...

Thanks for sharing

Farber @ Heating Pads said...

Wow. Instead of hiding my heating pad, it can actually be an attractive part of my home deco. Thanks for this step by step tutorial. Simply use charm squares and yardage to create this pretty and practical cover for electric heating pad. These covers would make great gift.