6. Lady Bug Hot Pad

The ladybug has button spots, while the other hot pad holds crushed cinnamon sticks and cloves for an aromatic bonus.


MATERIALS

Two 8-inch circles of checked fabric
8-inch circle of extra-loft fleece
Straight pins
1/4 yard of jumbo black rickrack
Needle and thread
4 x 7-inch piece of black fabric
Scissors
1 yard of extra-wide double-fold black bias tape
Eight 5/8-inch black buttons (Optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Layer and pin the back checked circle, fleece, and front checked circle. Topstitch rickrack through the center of the fabrics.
2. Fold the black fabric in half lengthwise and pin to layered fabrics using the photograph as a guide. Trim the raw edges even with the circle. Remove the straight pins.
3. Bind the outside edge with bias tape, adding a loop for hanging. 
4. (Optional) Stitch buttons on each side of the rickrack to make the dots on the ladybug. (personally, I'd forgo the buttons. They're cute and all, but make the hot pad a bit less functional—because buttons are generally plastic and heat+plastic=no bueno)

from Better Homes & Gardens

[Edit 12/16]—It looks like this project has been removed from the BHG website. (sadness.) But that's okay, there's no real pattern & the instructions are fairly simple. So simple, in fact, that you can easily make it up as you go.

Here are some other cute lady bug hot pads (for inspiration):

I found these over at VernieLeeDesigns Etsy store. A very nice, more abstract design.

Also found on Etsy, but no longer available. Each wing is a pocket for your hand to slide into. (I'd leave off the pipe cleaner antennae though.)

Cute use of lady bug fabric. I found this one at the Ladybug Gift Store.