Ornate Landscape Placemat Menu Recipe

Cut main pieces

Cut two rectangles from the heavyweight cotton/linen and backing fabric measuring 14" x 20" each (standard placemat size). Cut one piece of interfacing the same size. If you prefer a larger placemat, adjust proportionally.

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the top fabric following the manufacturer's instructions: heat iron, press for recommended seconds, allow to cool.

Plan the landscape

Sketch a simple landscape on paper (sky, distant hills, middle-ground trees, foreground details). Use the sketch to decide shapes and fabric choices.

Prepare appliqué pieces

Trace the shapes onto the paper side of the fusible web. Roughly cut out each traced shape, press the fusible web to the wrong side of corresponding fabric scraps according to the product instructions, then cut out the fabric shapes on the drawn line. Peel away the paper backing to reveal the adhesive.

Arrange and fuse

Place the top fabric (with interfacing) on the ironing board face up. Arrange appliqué shapes on the top fabric following your sketch. When satisfied with placement, press each piece to fuse it in place, holding the iron steady for the recommended time. Allow to cool so adhesive bonds.

Secure appliqué by stitching

Using a sewing machine with a narrow zigzag or satin stitch, stitch around each appliqué shape close to the edge to secure it. Alternatively, use a small straight stitch with raw-edge appliqué and thread-fray control. For delicate edges or small pieces, stitch by hand with small running or blanket stitches.

Add embroidered details and beads

Thread embroidery floss and add details such as sun rays, tree trunks, or grass using basic stitches (backstitch, satin stitch, French knots). Sew on buttons or seed beads for accents, anchoring them securely with strong thread.

Layer placemat sandwich

Trim batting to 14" x 20". Place the backing fabric wrong side up, then the batting, then the decorated top fabric right side up to form a sandwich. Smooth layers and baste with pins, clips, or a light spray adhesive.

Quilt or topstitch

Edge-to-edge quilt or add quilting lines to stabilize the sandwich: stitch around appliqué pieces, or stitch parallel lines 2-3" apart across the placemat. Use a coordinating thread and a walking foot if available to keep layers even.

Trim and square

Trim the sandwich to a neat 14" x 20" if any stretching occurred. Ensure edges are straight and corners square.

Attach binding

Prepare bias binding or 2" strips long enough to go around the perimeter (approximately 2 x perimeter length). With right sides together, align binding to the front edge and stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance, mitering corners as you go. Fold binding to the back, hand-stitch or machine topstitch close to the folded edge to secure. Alternatively, use double-fold bias tape and stitch in the ditch from the front for a clean finish.

Final pressing and inspection

Give the placemat a final press, gently flattening seams and binding. Trim any loose threads, check beads and stitching for security, and reinforce any weak spots.

Use the ruler, rotary cutter and mat for accurate cutting. Keep scissors for appliqué trimming. Use the sewing machine for secure seams and zigzag appliqué. Hand-embroidery needles are used for decorative stitches and attaching beads.

Maintain a clean workspace and test stitches on scrap fabric to adjust tension and stitch length prior to sewing on the placemat.