Fabric covered trivets- Scrap-buster tutorial

I was at Ikea when I visited my sister last week, and found this 3-pack of cork trivets for $2.99. I grabbed them because I immediately thought how cute they would be if doctored up a bit! I have two projects in mind for them- this is the first.

FABRIC COVERED TRIVET TUTORIAL

Materials needed-
cork trivet (mine is 7" diameter)
scrap measuring 12x12 or a fat quarter (be sure this fabric can withstand heat! I would use 100% cotton)
12" of 1/4" elastic
sewing machine and thread

Step One-
Iron your fabric to get any wrinkles out, and make a 12" diameter circle. There are a couple ways to do this. One is to fold it in half, then half again and measure out 6" from the corner all the way around. When you cut it and unfold you will have a 12" circle. Or, pin your measuring tape in the center, then use it like a compass to mark 6" all the way around.

Step Two-
Cut out your circle.

Step Three-
Serge or zig-zag all the way around. If you want to applique anything decorative on, do it now! Remember though- it has to be 100% cotton or other fabric that can withstand heat. I really wanted some ric-rac, but that would maybe melt!

Step Four-
Fold over the edge about 1/2" and sew the edges down, leaving about 2" open for inserting elastic. Because it is a circle, you will need to fold it over here and there to get it flat. This is fine- it will be all gathered up with elastic and you won't see it.

Step Five-
Thread your 12" piece of elastic through the casing, then sew elastic together. Overlap it about 1/2".

Step Six-
Sew the opening shut, being careful not to sew over the elastic itself.

Step Seven-
Stretch it over your trivet and use! The best part is, you can wash it and change it out with your seasonal decor or whatever you want!

The fabric above is an older Robert Kaufman print ("Chopsticks Please"). Below is one I made using some vintage fabric from my stash- so cute!

The next tutorial will be another project using the trivet...but it won't be used as a trivet!

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