Introduction: MAXI Leaf Mat

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About: Hello, my name is Auroris. Every day we have the opportunity to learn new things, to rethink tired processes, and to improve the way we work.

Hi friends! I've come across a very cool and trendy idea, so I want to share with you how to sew this cozy MAXI Leaf Mat.

This leaf shape mat can be used as room decor, maybe your pet will also appreciate it. It's practical in kid's rooms, can be used as a playmat, crawling mat for baby, floor carpet, etc.

Use lighter filling and this leaf will serve as blanket or comforter.

Also, great for a gift. I will put in a gift basket for my friend's baby shower <3

Let's start!

Supplies

  • Fabric: Cotton or Linen 1x2 meters(I use 100% Cotton Patchwork Fabric)
  • Batting: Cotton or Polyester 1x1 meter, but depends on the thickness of the batting
  • Sewing machine
  • Sewing tools: Shear, Pins, Ruler, Pencil, Chalk, Iron
  • Pattern Paper (Tip: You can use Baking paper or Wrapping paper)

Step 1: Let's Make a Sewing Pattern

  • Fold your fabric in half, you will get 1 sq. meter.
  • Take a large piece of pattern paper or glue a couple of paper strips together to fit the size of the fabric.
  • Fold the paper in half.
  • Draw a leaf silhouette (half of a leaf), it can be Monstera leaf, Ginkgo leaf, Maple leaf, or a simple one.
  • Cut it out.

Step 2: Cutting Out Fabric

In fact, you don't need to leave seam allowances, just be sure that the working area is maximal.

Tip: Wash your fabric before you begin. Fabrics like cotton always shrink, so the first wash will avoid shrinkage later.

Step 3: Leaf Lines/Veins

Probably to sew the leaf structure will be the most complicated part of this project. If you don't have any quilting skills, no problems. Keep drawing the leaf lines more simple, straight, and sparse. Otherwise don't limit yourself :)

Cut along the lines, leave about 2cm / 1inch uncut from the edges.

Step 4: Sew on the Edges.

Align and pin two pieces of fabric with the wrong sides together. Sew on the edges and leave an opening at the bottom side to insert the batting.

Step 5: Batting

  • Turn the fabric right side, and press.
  • Place the leaf on batting and trace with a pencil, but cut 1 cm/0.5 inch smaller.
  • Make a roll (or 2 rolls like cinnamon stick, it's easier to unroll) and insert inside.
  • Using 2 pins fix in place the tip, and unroll the batting.

Step 6: Sew the Opening With Hidden Stitch by Hand or by Sewing Machine

Step 7: First, Sew a Middle Line to Secure the Filling

Step 8: Use Chalk and Transfer the Lines to the Leaf,

Step 9: Quilting

Now it's time for a lot of pins. Every line should be pinned and set. If you think that you need extra stability and it can't be achieved by pins alone, Hand Basting is an alternative solution.

Every line should be sewed from the center to each side. Don't try on the contrary because probable you will get wrinkles to the center.

Backstitch by sewing backward and forward at the beginning and end of a seam. There’s no need to tie anything in knots now and your seams will not unravel. Yay!

I hope this trendy summer idea will also inspire you!