Valentine Fabric Origami Candle Mat

This is a stunning table mat which looks complex but in reality is a very simple make.

You can gussy it up with fancy trimmings, quilting, binding, buttons and bows.

However I'm going to take you through the basic and slightly more complex options. Once you have made one the sky is the limit with extras.

This pattern is a simple design based on the 30 degree, 12 petal, dresden blade template. There is a downloadable version which you can print out the Free template or if you have your own template you can use that.

Just make sure it is the 12 blade version, not the 20 blade version otherwise your mat won't sit flat and you will need to unpick. Trust me on this. I made that mistake during the testing for this pattern and it took and age to unpick and resew!

The design and template work at any size so if you blocks end up larer or smaller you won't need to resize the template.  Simply extend the lines as needed.

Due to the number of requests (1,000s) I will be releasing a multi sized pattern for sale, which includes both an additional coaster and tree skirt size version in time for Christmas.

The Seam Allowance for this project is 1/4" throughout.

The majority of the time taken for this pattern in in the prep so lets get started already!

You Will Need

For Both Versions

• fusible interfacing - medium, 12 squares of 5.5"
• scissors
• sewing machine
• iron and pressing mat

Basic Version

• 12 squares of 6" in fabric 1
• 12 squares of 6" in fabric 2

Bordered Mat

• 12 squares of 6" in fabric 1
• 12 squares of 4.5" in fabric 2
• strips of the border fabric of 2" wide

Please Note:

This sizing allows for the seam allowance and a slight 1/4" extra to allow for correct alignment when matching with the back square.  The video has incorrect sizing however as long as the back block matches the front block you will be all set to go.

Instructions

Before we begin sewing attach the fusible interfacing to all 12 squares of fabric 1.

Check with the makers information to be sure but generally the shiny side has the adhesive and needs to be fabric side down.

Press it into place on the wrong side of the fabric. In short the wrong side of the fabric should be up against the shiny side of the interfacing.

Press on a warm setting.

Now we can start to sew!

Bordered Version

• Sew the border strips to the smaller squares of fabric
• I chain piece these one side at a time, then clip apart
• Press open towards the darker fabric, and repeat for the remaining sides

Remaining steps for both versions

• Pair up fabric 1 and 2 squares right sides together for all 12 sections
• Sew around all 4 edges leaving a 2" gap for turning
• Clip the corners diagonally to reduce bulk

• Turn the squares and press out the corners using a chopstick.. DO NOT use scissors, pins or anything which could mark or cut the fabric
• Press the squares flat and ensure the turning gap is folded under

• Top stitch around the edge, which gives a nice professional looking finish and closes the turning gap at the same time

• Using the template mark the sew lines on fabric 1

• 

Now for the fun part...

• Pair up the squares and sew along the marked stitch lines.

• This will join up all 12 petals and the mat should lay flat.
• To give the petals their delicate curves we will sew a top stitched spine through the centre of each panel.

• Now on the final stage of sewing the tips of the petals together
• Take the edges of the panel and draw them together across the centre of the base
• Pin all 12 to make sure you have them meeting correctly. This will give you a good idea of how the final mat will look

• I use the button hole stitch set with a stitch length of 0 and using step 2 to join the petals together

The Video Tutrial is below, please excuse my very sore throat in the video.

That's it for the basic versions of the Fabric Origami Candle Mat. As I mentioned before you can add embellishments, buttons, bows, ribbons, sequins and more to pretty the mat up. You can also make a quilted version using wadding and binding once you have quilted the panels together.

Please feel free to share this pattern and post your photos of any mats you make in the comments below. There is also a video walking you through the process, feel free to share that too ;)

I hope you enjoy this make!

Babs