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 the transfer on the fabric and press with a hot dry iron for about 10 seconds, until the design has been transferred.

Trace or photocopy a design onto paper. Tape the paper to a light box or window pane. Position the fabric right side up on top of the design and tape the edges to prevent it moving, then trace the design on to the fabric using an erasable pen or pencil.

Make a cushion

1. Trace a floral embroidery motif of your choice onto to a plain piece of pink fabric, leaving a suitable border so that the material fits into an embroidery hoop. Sew any outline shapes in split stitch for thinner lines and stem stitch for thicker ones, using three strands of cotton and then fill in desired elements of the design in satin 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 different printed fabric. Join the fabric shapes together as before to create three strips, each made up of three squares, taking a 1cm seam allowance, and press.

3. Stitch the three square strips together to form a nine patch square with the embroidered shape in the centre and press. Cut a 32cm square of backing fabric. Pin the patchwork and backing fabrics right sides together and stitch around three sides with a 1cm seam allowance. Clip the corners and turn through. To finish insert the cushion pad and slip stitch the opening closed.

Top sewing tip

When using an embroidery hoop, make sure the fabric is pulled taut but not stretched too tightly, as this can distort the design. Place the fabric between the inner and outer hoop, then tighten the screw to hold it securely in place. Check the fabric tension by gently tapping it—if it makes a sound, it’s properly taut.

Meet the designer

Susie Johns is a versatile crafter, with a flair for knitting and embroidery. She contributes regularly to several craft magazines and is the author of a range of books on subjects, such as collage, painting, papier-mâché and more.