Download PDF

Maple Leaf Table Topper

For this Fall-themed place mat, we used the embroidery design Maple Leaves for the mega (6" x 8" ) hoop. The same design in other sizes can also be used.

The finished size of the table topper is about 23" x 24".

You will need:

embroidery threads;
medium-weight iron-on cut-away stabilizer,
light-weight stabilizer or sewing interfacing,
temporary fabric adhesive,
light-colored cotton fabric for the embroidered central part (a piece about 14" x 14"),
fabric for the leaf body (a piece of fall-colored batik about 25" x 25")
fabric for the backing,
batting,
quilting threads to match the colors of the fabrics,
graphic pencil,
scissors,
all-purpose glue or scotch tape,
fabric glue.

Embroidery

Stabilize the fabric for the central part with medium-weight iron-on cut-away stabilizer for embroidery. Print out the color card. Select embroidery threads according to the color card. Upload the design into the machine and embroider it
Set the stitch-out aside.

Sewing the Maple Leaf Shaped Table Topper

Step One: Download the file with the template. To open and print the template, which is a PDF file, you will need Adobe Reader or a similar program. The program is free to download and install.

Template Download (PDF file)

Step Two: Print out the parts of the template, cut them out and glue them together to form the template. You can use paper glue or tape for this, or you can trace the parts onto a large sheet of cardstock and cut the template out of that.

Step Three: With temporary fabric adhesive stick the fabric for the top to the iron-on cut-away stabilizer or interfacing.

Lay the piece out with the stabilizer facing up. Position your template over the stabilizer.

Trace the template with a pencil.

Step Four: With a pair of sharp scissors, cut out the central part 1/2" from the inner line.

Cut notches into the seam allowance from the edge to the inner line.

To make the edge of the frame even smoother, you can also cut away the stabilizer from the seam allowance.

Step Five: Fold the notched fabric back and press. Using fabric glue, adhere the notches to the stabilizer. Leave to dry.

Step Six: Position the batting on the table and cover with the fabric for the backing, face up.

Cover with the working piece, face down.

Pin all the layers together.

Step Six: On your sewing machine, top-stitch along the marked outer lines.

Step Eight: Cut away the excess fabric and batting along the outer line leaving about 1/4" of seam allowance.

Then cut away the batting under the seam allowance close to the stitches.
Cut notches in the seam allowance.

Step Nine: Turn the working piece right side out and lay flat.
Take your time to straighten all of the seams and corners. Press.

Step Ten: Top-stitch 1/4" from the outer edge.

Step Eleven: Lay the template over the stitch-out, centering it within the template. Trace the interior of the template, then set it aside. Cut out with 1/2" seam allowance.