OK - I'll try. Someone showed me, so I'm better at that. Just let me know what doesn't make sense, OK?
I made a cardboard circle template 8" in diameter. Used it to cut a circle for the back, one from batting,felt, ect., and one from muslin for the top. Actually, I ended up making so many that the shortcut is to use a half circle on folded fabric, draw around it and cut several at a time.
Again, I cut a LOT of squares at a time, but for one hotpad you need four
5"squares of one color/pattern, 8 of another and 8 of a third. Fold each square in half, give it a shot of spray starch and press. fold the edge(folded edge) down on each corner to make a triangle, starch, press. This is very forgiving so don't worry about having to be terribly exact.Take the muslin circle and fold in half and half again to find the center....kinda pinch it so it will remember. Put the 4 triangles of one color points together in the center and make a couple of stitches in the points to hold them down. Now take 8 triangles of another pattern and layer them on top of the first one - about 1/2 inch out.... stitch at point to hold. Add the last triangles the same way. (I have found it easier to keep everything together if I use some quilting safety pins scattered around). Stack the top, then the batting, then the bottom together. I use extra wide double fold bias tape around the edge - sewing one side with the SM and handstitching the other. I'm not good with machines of any kind. You may be able to sew it whole thing front and back at one time. I add a curtain ring so it can hang. that's it.
does it make sense???? I could make some more pics at different stages if that would help.
BJ - Georgia