I haven't used it for hotpads but the "Helpful Tips" on Nancy's site have some very important information before you begin.
I hope another Cutie can help you.

nice gift

Using 100% cotton fabric, you can make a pretty side and a silver side. Either quilt through following the existing lines, or leave plain, and make a bias binding to finish the edge. Or you can cover both sides of the silver if you don't want it to show! The silver keeps the heat from your hands, so it showing isn't necessary, I like to to show on one side just because I know it is in there, I have made pot holders without this, using thermabond inside, just batting, even old wash cloths! Linda

You can make anything for hot or cold items. Some use it as an insulator for lunch bags, beach totes, casserole carriers, drink holders, hotpads...
Use fabric glue on both sides of the fabric as well as both the inside and outside of the future cut line to prevent the quilted stitiches from coming apart. Use long stitches on the fabric. Don't use pins on the parts that will show as the holes don't go away. I like to cover both sides, but you don't have to cover it at all.

I hope this helps but if you need more help, this post will send it to the top. "Answer" your own post with the questions you still have.

I have never used it - but will bring this to the top - just in case another might see it and know.

That would be a lovely gift to use for pot holder ,coffee mug holders oven mitts just to name a few hugs:):)