Poka poka is a Japanese term that describes the sound of being warm and cozy, which is exactly what this hot pad is by design. Microwave it for a minute, and it will stay warm for a half hour. Fill it with red beans, rice, or lavender for a soothing gift.

Finished Size: About 6" long × 9" wide (15 × 23 cm) 

Fabric Requirements:

 —½ yd (46 cm) of 45" (114.5 cm) wide flannel for hot pad cover base (shown: white)

— 12 different cotton print scraps, each at least 1½" × 3" (3.8 × 7.5 cm), for the cover bottom (shown: various brown prints)

— ½ yd (46 cm) of 45" (114.5 cm) wide cotton for interior bag (shown: white)

— 1⁄8 yd (11.5 cm) of brown felt for chipmunk bodies (shown: brown)

— Assorted felt scraps for fire and logs; at least 3 scraps 1" × 1½" (2.5 × 3.8 cm; shown: red, orange, and tan)

— 2 different fabric scraps, each at least 1½" × 1½" (3.8 × 3.8 cm), for chipmunk scarves

— 2" × 9½" (5 × 24 cm) piece of cotton print for binding tape (shown: red and white print)

See project for complete supply list and notions.

Originally Published: Stitch, Spring 2011