Wonky Tree Placemat Tutorial

Here's another last-minute Christmas tutorial, originally shared on the Benartex blog. Small projects feel so much more do-able in December!

The placemat features larger pieces of two focal prints from Cherry Guidry's Mulberry Lane collection (an older collection, FYI), plus a paper pieced wonky Christmas tree. Enjoy the tutorial! 

Materials:

(to make 4 placemats)

1/2 yard aqua tonal

1/3 yard lime print

1/3 yard green print

5/8 yard red dot

1/2 yard street stripe*

5/8 yard circle print*

7/8 yard backing fabric*

(4) 2" squares of fusible web

(4) 14" x 20" batting pieces

*directional fabric; refer to project photos while cutting

Cutting:

From the aqua tonal:

(2) 4-1/2" x 42" strips (for paper piecing)

(2) 1-1/2" x 42" strips; cut into (4) 1-1/2" x 6-1/2" pieces and (8) 1-1/2" x 3" pieces

From the lime print:

(2) 4-1/2" x 42" strips (for paper piecing)

From the green print:

(2) 4-1/2" x 42" strips (for paper piecing)

From the red dot:

(6) 2-1/4" x 42" strips (for binding)

(1) 1-1/2" x 42" strips; cut into (4) 1-1/2" squares

(3) 1-1/4" x 42" strips; cut into (8) 1-1/4" x 12-1/2" lengths (for flange)

Reserve remainder for applique

From the street stripe:

(1) 12-1/2" x 42" strip; cut into (4) 4-1/2" x 12-1/2" pieces so stripe runs horizontally

From the circle print:

(2) 8-1/2" x 42" strips; cut into (4) 8-1/2" x 12-1/2" pieces so circles run horizontally

From the backing fabric:

(2) 14" x 42" strips; cut into (4) 14" x 20" pieces

Make the Placemats:

Note: Click here to download the paper piecing and applique patterns. This tutorial assumes basic knowledge of paper piecing. Use the strips listed in the cutting directions for paper piecing.

1. Cut apart the paper piecing patterns into four separate pieces: A, B, C, and D. Note: When you're paper piecing, make sure the fabric extends at least 1/4" beyond each paper pattern on all sides. You'll need 1/4" on each side for the seam allowance as you assemble the tree unit. 

2. Paper piece the A section, using the lime print for piece #1 and aqua for the #2 and #3 pieces.  Trim sides of section A to 1/4" past the edge of the paper (for seam allowance). 

3. Repeat with sections B, C and D. Sew the units together in alphabetical order, matching raw edges. Remove the paper. 

Here's what your tree should look like: 

4. Sew 1-1/2" x 3" aqua tonal pieces to opposite sides of a 1-1/4" red dot square to make the tree base. Sew the base to the bottom of the tree and sew a 1-1/2" x 6-1/2" aqua tonal piece to the top. Your tree unit should measure 6-1/2" x 12-1/2". 

5. Press (2) 1-1/4" x 12-1/2" red dot strip wrong sides together lengthwise to create (2) flange pieces. Lay a folded strip on a circle print piece as shown, matching raw edges. Pin to secure. 

6. Sew a 4-1/2" x 12-1/2" street stripe piece to the bottom edge of the circle print piece, securing the flange at the same time. Press flange up.

7. Position the second flange along the left edge of the pieced unit with raw edges matching and pin in place. 

8. Sew the tree unit to the left side and press the flange away from the tree. 

9. Layer a backing piece right side down, batting piece, and placemat right side up. Quilt as desired. 

10. Trace the star shape onto the paper side of fusible web. Fuse onto red dot fabric and cut out along the drawn line. Fuse the star to the top of the tree. Blanket stitch to secure. 

11. Trim the quilted piece even with the placemat top. Your placemat should measure approximately 18-1/2" across by 12-1/2" tall. 

12. Repeat steps 1-11 to make a total of (4) placemats.

13. Sew the 2-1/4" x 42" red dot strips short ends together into one long strip. Bind the placemats with these strips and enjoy! 

If you like what you've seen here, you can also find me:

To find all of my quilt patterns, visit my Etsy shop. 

Find me on IG here.

Find me on Facebook here.

Sign up for my newsletter in the right-hand sidebar.