Things You'll Need
Measuring tape
Scissors
1/4 yard cotton fabric
Iron
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Desired spices
Newspaper and hammer, optional
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
Rice
Small bowl and spoon
Funnel
Spice scented trivets emit their soothing smell when you set a hot pot or dish on them, as well as protecting your table from burns. These trivets are quick and easy to make and are a great beginner sewing project for someone learning to sew. Create several for family and friends, choosing novelty cotton fabrics that match the recipients' home decor or personal style.
Step 1
Measure and cut two pieces of cotton fabric 8 1/2 inches square. Place one square wrong side up on your ironing surface. Fold over one edge of the square 1/4 inch and press. Repeat with the other square. These pressed edges will be the top opening of the scented fabric trivet. Place the two squares together with the right sides facing and the pressed edges matching. Pin the squares together and sew a 1/4-inch seam allowance along the two side edges and the bottom edge. Leave the pressed top edges unsewn.
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Step 2
Clip the corners. Fold open the seams and press. Turn the trivet casing right side out. Press the casing, making sure all the edges and seams are straight and the casing is square. Fold the casing in half, matching the sides and forming a rectangle. The top opening and bottom edge of the casing will be on each short end of the rectangle. Press the rectangle to create a crease on the fold. Unfold the rectangle. Topstitch the down the center of the trivet, using the creased fold line as a stitch guide. Fold one side to the center crease line and press. Open the fold and top stitch along the crease line. Repeat with the other side. You will have four narrow, rectangular pockets sewn into the trivet casing and open at the top.
Step 3
Mix your spices to scent your trivet. If using whole spices, roll them in a piece of newspaper. Use a hammer to gently beat the paper. You want to break the spices, not pulverize the newspaper. Pour no more than three teaspoons of the spices into a small bowl. If using dried and ground spices, measure out a total of three teaspoons of your desired spices. Pour 1/2 cup of rice into the bowl and mix.
Step 4
Insert a funnel into the top opening of one of the narrow pockets. Pour two tablespoons of the spiced rice mixture into the pocket through the funnel. Repeat for the remaining pockets. If the pockets do not seem full enough, slowly add a small amount of leftover mixture or additional rice. Shake the scented mixture to the bottom of the trivet casing and pin the folded top edges together. Topstitch the pinned top as close to the edge as possible. Lay the trivet out flat, shaking the scented mixture to even out the shape and thickness.
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