Create a table mat

1. Choose a simple floral embroidery motif and transfer it onto a plain piece of fabric, leaving a suitable border so that the material fits into an embroidery hoop. Sew the outline shapes in split stitch for thinner lines and stem stitch for thicker ones, using three strands of embroidery thread. Fill in the rest of the design using satin and long and short stitch.

2. Remove the embroidered fabric from the hoop and press lightly. Trim to a 12cm square, making sure that the embroidery is positioned centrally. Cut eight 12cm squares of printed fabric. Cut eight 12cm squares of different printed fabric. Place right sides facing and use a 1cm seam allowance throughout. Join the shapes together to create three strips, each made up of three squares (one to include the embroidered piece at the centre of the strip).

3. Take a 35cm square of lightweight wadding and pin to the wrong side of the backing fabric. Position the patchwork piece on top of the wadding with the right side facing out. Trim the blue backing fabric and wadding to same size as the patchwork and round off each corner. To finish, pin, tack and then stitch a length of bias binding all the way around the mat to conceal the raw edges.

Transfer a motif

You can transfer embroidery motifs using one of the following methods:

Print, then trace your chosen motif on to thin layout paper or typing paper (not tracing paper). Turn the paper over and go over the design with a transfer pen. Position th