How to Sew Sunflower Placemats and Coasters: Free Quilt Pattern & Tutorial

A coordinated tableware set is a wonderful way to bring warmth and seasonal energy to your dining space, and the Sunflower Placemats and Coasters Set designed by Jennifer Bosworth of Shabby Fabrics is an exceptional project for doing just that.

Created as part of the popular August Table Glitz series, this project combines traditional patchwork piecing with simple fusible web appliqué to create vibrant sunflower placemats and matching drink coasters.

What makes this tutorial particularly enticing is its quick assembly method: using heat-activated fusible adhesive allows you to shape, position, and topstitch sunflower petals with precision without tedious needle-turn applique.

Below, you’ll find an overview of the project, fabric selection strategies, step-by-step assembly guidance, common mistakes to avoid, practical sewing tips, and direct links to Jennifer Bosworth’s free pattern and video walkthrough.

Sunflower Table Set at a Glance

Project Name	Sunflower Placemats and Coasters (August Table Glitz)
Designer / Author	Jennifer Bosworth / Shabby Fabrics
Main Techniques	Patchwork piecing, Fusible web appliqué, Topstitching
Main Fabrics	Golden yellows, rusts, ambers, browns, and neutral backgrounds
Key Notions	Fusible web (e.g., Heat 'n Bond Lite), Open-toe presser foot
Scrap Friendly	Yes — excellent for scrap stash busting
Skill Level	Confident Beginner and up
Source Format	Free Printable PDF Pattern & Video Tutorial

What Is the Sunflower Table Glitz Project?

The Sunflower Table Glitz set is a functional tableware project that features a large sunflower focal motif stitched onto pieced fabric placemats and miniature versions scaled down for drink coasters.

Sunflowers represent joy and hospitality in home decor, making this set ideal for summer patio dining, late summer gatherings, or autumn dinner tables.

Because the petal shapes are applied using raw-edge fusible appliqué, the project stays flat and crisp, ensuring dishes and drink glasses sit stably on top.

Why This Project Is Great for Fabric Scraps

Sunflower motifs rely heavily on color variation across individual petals to achieve depth. Rather than cutting every petal from the exact same yellow fabric, using a mix of yellow and gold cotton scraps gives the project much more life.

You can easily utilize small leftover pieces from your scrap bin for the petal templates, sunflower centers, and accent borders.

Recommended Sunflower Fabrics

• Golden yellow tone-on-tone prints
• Warm amber and rust orange floral scraps
• Bright yellow polka dots and geometric prints
• Deep brown or textured black fabrics for the sunflower center

Recommended Background Fabrics

• Light beige or cream low-volume prints
• Subtle green grass-like textures
• Neutral linen-look cotton scraps

Why Value Contrast Matters

Because fusible appliqué sits directly on top of the pieced background, strong value contrast is essential to ensure the sunflower motif pops.

If your background fabric is too bright or close in shade to your golden yellow petals, the flower outline will blend into the background.

A helpful tip before pressing your appliqué pieces in place is to step back or take a quick black-and-white picture with your smartphone. If the flower shape remains clearly defined in grayscale, your contrast is spot on.

How the Fusible Web Appliqué Technique Works

Fusible web adhesive (such as Heat 'n Bond Lite) makes detailed shape raw-edge appliqué remarkably simple:

1. Trace the petal and center templates onto the smooth paper side of the fusible web.
2. Roughly cut out around the shapes, leaving a small margin.
3. Fuse the adhesive web to the wrong side of your selected fabrics using a dry iron.
4. Cut out the shapes precisely along the traced lines.
5. Peel off the paper backing and arrange the petals symmetrically on your pieced placemat or coaster top.
6. Press thoroughly with steam to lock the pieces onto the background.
7. Stitch around the raw edges using a straight stitch, zig-zag, or blanket stitch to secure the shapes permanently.

🌻 Use Jennifer Bosworth’s Original Tutorial While Sewing

The original Shabby Fabrics tutorial includes exact template printouts, cutting dimensions, fabric requirements, and video demonstrations. This Quilting Time guide provides technique advice, layout ideas, and troubleshooting to complement Jennifer's complete original instructions.

Tips for Clean Appliqué and Flat Tableware

Use Lightweight Fusible Adhesive

Always choose a lightweight paper-backed fusible web designed for sewing (such as Heat 'n Bond Lite). Heavyweight adhesives make fabric stiff and difficult for sewing machine needles to penetrate.

Use an Open-Toe Presser Foot

When topstitching along the edges of small petals, an open-toe foot provides a clear view of your needle line, making curved stitching much cleaner.

Press Without Distortion

When fusing your flower layout, press the iron straight down vertically rather than sliding it across the fabric. Sliding can warp the shape of delicate petal tips.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting to Mirror Templates

When tracing directional templates onto fusible web paper, remember that the fused image will be reversed on the right side of the fabric.

Over-Saturating with Heavy Thread

Using standard 40wt or 50wt cotton thread for edge stitching keeps the placemats supple. Extra thick thread on small coaster petals can make the edges feel bumpy.

Skipping the Paper Backing Removal

Always ensure you peel away the paper backing before pressing your cut pieces onto your placemat, otherwise the adhesive will stick to the paper instead of the fabric.

What Can You Make with This Pattern?

• Matching Table Set: A set of 4 or 6 placemats with matching drink coasters for family dining.
• Seasonal Table Runner: Join multiple sunflower placemat blocks side-by-side to create a long table runner.
• Wall Decor: A single finished block framed or bound as a decorative seasonal mini quilt.
• Handmade Gift Set: A set of 4 coasters bundled with ribbon makes a lovely housewarming gift.

Sunflower Placemats and Coasters FAQ

Is the Sunflower Table Glitz pattern free?

Yes, Jennifer Bosworth of Shabby Fabrics offers the downloadable August Table Glitz Sunflower PDF pattern and video tutorial for free.

Who designed the pattern?

The project was created by Jennifer Bosworth of Shabby Fabrics.

What stitching is best for securing the appliqué edges?

A small straight stitch placed just inside the raw edge, a standard machine blanket stitch, or a narrow zig-zag stitch all work exceptionally well.

Is this project suitable for beginner quilters?

Yes! Fusible web appliqué is one of the easiest ways for confident beginners to tackle detailed shapes without complex curved piecing.

View the Original Free Sunflower Pattern & Video

Access Jennifer Bosworth’s complete printable PDF templates, exact cutting instructions, and full video walkthrough below:

Download Free Sunflower Table Glitz PDF Pattern →

Watch the Free Shabby Fabrics Video Tutorial →

Tutorial Source

August Table Glitz - Sunflower Placemats and Coasters is an original pattern and tutorial designed by Jennifer Bosworth of Shabby Fabrics.

The Quilting Time does not reproduce the full pattern templates or proprietary cutting guides. This article adds fabric selection tips, technique guidance, troubleshooting, and project ideas while referring readers directly to Shabby Fabrics for the original pattern downloads.

Happy quilting!

7 LeMoyne Star Quilt Block Variations to Inspire Your Next Quilt

The traditional LeMoyne Star is a striking eight-pointed quilt block made from diamond-shaped pieces. Its crisp points and balanced geometry can create a classic, elegant look, but the construction may feel challenging if you are new to precision piecing. The good news is that this star can be adapted in many creative ways, from bold, oversized designs to smaller blocks that showcase carefully chosen prints.

One inspiring example is Twilight Stars, a quilt made to showcase several variations developed for the Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool. The ideas below introduce seven different directions you can explore when planning your own star quilt.

At a Glance

Topic	Seven LeMoyne Star block variations
Best for	Quilters who enjoy geometric blocks and precise piecing
Skill level	Varies by variation; some are more challenging than a basic star
Tools	The appropriate ruler and instructions for the technique you choose
Pattern availability	This article is an idea guide, not a free downloadable quilt pattern

7 LeMoyne Star Quilt Block Variations

1. Banded LeMoyne Star

A Banded LeMoyne Star adds extra visual structure around the star points. The added bands create a layered, dramatic effect that can make a single block look like the centerpiece of a medallion quilt or wall hanging. The original showcase describes this variation in sizes from 4 to 12 inches. Because the extra bands require careful alignment, take your time with cutting and trimming.

Fabric idea: Use a strong contrast between the star, the bands, and the background so the different layers remain easy to see.

2. Blazing LeMoyne Star

The Blazing Star is a bold variation related in appearance to a Lone Star. Its star points use a sequence of diamonds, creating a radiating design that works especially well in larger blocks. Studio 180 Design lists this technique in sizes from 6 to 24 inches, making it an option for a statement block, a wall hanging, or the center of a larger quilt.

Fabric idea: Arrange colors from light to dark, or repeat a small palette around the star for a sense of movement.

3. LeMoynes as Triangles

This variation adapts LeMoyne Star units into triangular half-blocks. These pieces can help you extend a star design toward the edge of a quilt or incorporate star geometry into a larger layout without using only complete square blocks. Think about the final quilt layout before choosing the size and placement of these units.

Fabric idea: Keep the background fabric consistent if you want the partial stars to blend naturally into the quilt setting.

4. Fussy-Cut LeMoyne Stars

Fussy cutting means positioning a printed motif carefully before cutting the fabric, rather than treating the print as random yardage. With a LeMoyne Star, this can put a flower, medallion, or other motif in a star point and create a very different look from one fabric to another. The result depends on the print repeat, so plan the cuts before you begin sewing.

Fabric idea: Choose a print with clearly defined motifs and buy enough fabric to allow for pattern matching and repeat placement.

5. Liberty LeMoyne Star

The Liberty variation offers a more intricate, traditional star appearance. It is a good choice for quilters who like classic geometric designs and want to build accuracy with strip piecing and careful trimming. The original showcase notes seven sizes from 6 to 12 inches.

Fabric idea: A limited palette—such as two star colors plus a background—can make the points look crisp and keep the block from becoming visually busy.

6. Starburst LeMoyne Star

The Starburst variation creates a lively, radiating effect. It can be an eye-catching option for a sampler quilt, a feature block, or a design where you want the viewer's eye to move toward the center. Studio 180 Design lists this technique in ten finished sizes from 3 to 12 inches.

Fabric idea: Try a light center with darker points, or reverse the contrast for a more dramatic result. Test a small color sketch before cutting.

7. Strip-Pieced LeMoyne Star

Strip piecing lets you sew fabric strips together first and then cut the resulting strip sets into units. This approach can introduce extra color changes into the star points and help you use coordinated scraps. The official technique sheet covers eight finished sizes from 5 to 12 inches and includes starting-strip guidance.

Fabric idea: Combine narrow strips in related colors for a blended effect, or use high-contrast strips to make each diamond point stand out.

Choosing Fabric for a LeMoyne Star Quilt

• Start with contrast. Make sure the star points stand apart from the background. A quick phone photo converted to black and white can help you check value contrast.
• Mind the print scale. Small prints are often easier to read in small units, while large motifs can be effective for fussy cutting or bigger blocks.
• Limit the palette. Two or three main colors plus a background can keep a complex block looking intentional.
• Use scraps thoughtfully. Sort scraps by value and color before sewing, and make a small mock-up if you are unsure how the combinations will look.
• Test the layout first. Sketch the block or arrange fabric swatches on a design wall before cutting the full set of pieces.

Tools and Accuracy Tips

Several of these variations are designed to be used with Studio 180 Design's Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool and companion technique sheets. These are specialized resources rather than a single free quilt pattern. Check the requirements for the specific variation you want to make before purchasing a tool or cutting fabric.

1. Read the tool instructions first. Use the cutting chart and construction sequence supplied for your chosen technique instead of estimating dimensions.
2. Keep your seam allowance consistent. A small error can affect the alignment of several diamond points. Review our guide to sewing an accurate quarter-inch seam allowance if needed.
3. Trim only as instructed. Some ruler-based methods intentionally create oversized units that are trimmed to the required size. Do not trim early or substitute a different measurement.
4. Label units as you go. Similar-looking pieces can be easy to rotate or reverse. Keep piles organized and follow the diagrams.
5. Make a test block. If you are learning a new variation, sew one block before cutting fabric for an entire quilt.

Where to Find the Official Technique Sheets

Studio 180 Design maintains an official collection of downloadable technique sheets for its tools. The LeMoyne Star variations described here are presented as separate technique resources, and the sheets are sold individually. Some product pages also offer free online demonstration videos, so check the details of the specific technique you are interested in.

Explore the Official Studio 180 Design Technique Sheets

Related Quilting Guides

• 4 Free Shooting Star Quilt Patterns — more star-themed quilt inspiration.
• How to Read a Quilt Pattern — understand cutting instructions, abbreviations, and diagrams.
• How to Sew an Accurate Quarter-Inch Seam Allowance — an important skill for accurate piecing.
• Half-Square Triangle Tips — helpful guidance for other geometric quilt units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a free pattern for all seven LeMoyne Star variations?

No. The inspiration quilt shows examples of different variations, but it is not itself a free pattern for making all seven blocks. Studio 180 Design sells companion technique sheets for these methods. Some related video demonstrations are available free online.

Do I need a special ruler to make these blocks?

The variations discussed here were developed for use with the Rapid Fire Lemoyne Star tool and its companion techniques. Requirements can differ from one method to another, so check the official instructions before starting.

Are LeMoyne Star blocks suitable for beginners?

A basic LeMoyne Star can be challenging because of its diamond shapes and precise points. Beginners can still learn the technique, but it is wise to start with a clear set of instructions, practice accurate seam allowances, and complete a test block before beginning a large quilt.

Can I use fabric scraps?

Yes. Coordinated scraps can create beautiful star points, especially in strip-pieced designs. For fussy-cut variations, however, you may need larger pieces of fabric to position the motifs exactly where you want them.

Final Thoughts

The LeMoyne Star is much more than one traditional block. Banded, Blazing, triangular, fussy-cut, Liberty, Starburst, and strip-pieced versions offer different ways to play with color, scale, and geometry. Choose one variation that fits your current skill level, plan the fabric contrast carefully, and work from the official instructions for that technique. A single well-made star block can be the beginning of a striking quilt.

Harlequin Charm Quilt – Free Jinny Beyer Pattern

The Harlequin Charm Quilt is a colorful patchwork project designed by Jinny Beyer and written by Elaine Kelly. Its classic geometric layout turns a carefully arranged collection of five-inch charm squares into a quilt with lively color movement, framed blocks, and coordinated borders.

The original pattern is available as a free PDF from Jinny Beyer Studio. This guide introduces the project, explains what to prepare, and shares practical tips for keeping the pieces organized before you begin.

Get the Free Harlequin Charm Quilt Pattern

Download the original full-color pattern before cutting your fabric. It includes the fabric requirements, cutting layouts, block diagrams, quilt assembly layout, and border instructions.

Download the Free Harlequin Charm Quilt Pattern (PDF)

Harlequin Charm Quilt at a Glance

Pattern	Harlequin Charm Quilt
Designer	Jinny Beyer
Pattern written by	Elaine Kelly
Pattern cost	Free PDF download
Main precut	Five-inch charm squares
Charm-square set	150 coordinated squares; the pattern uses 144 for the main blocks
Key techniques	Partial seams, framed blocks, setting triangles, and mitered borders

What Makes This Charm Quilt Special?

Rather than arranging the charm squares in a simple grid, this design combines small pieced blocks with alternate framed blocks and sets the blocks on point. The contrast between the colorful squares and the darker framing fabric helps the geometric layout stand out.

The original design was created around Jinny Beyer's Palette Collection, a coordinated range of prints arranged in a planned color sequence. You can follow the original fabric palette if you have it, or choose another coordinated charm pack and a framing fabric that gives the prints enough contrast.

Fabric and Supplies to Prepare

Use the official PDF as your cutting authority: it contains the precise quantities, fabric references, and cutting layouts for the original version. Before shopping or cutting, gather the following general supplies:

• The required set of five-inch charm squares, kept in their intended order.
• The framing fabric specified in the pattern.
• Additional fabrics for the block centers and multicolored borders.
• Backing fabric, batting, and binding fabric.
• A rotary cutter, cutting mat, quilting ruler, pins or clips, and a reliable quarter-inch seam guide.
• Small labels or numbered notes to help preserve the charm-square sequence.

Do not assume that a different charm pack will have the same colors or order as the original. If you substitute fabrics, make a layout plan first and use the official pattern to confirm all measurements.

Helpful Tips Before You Start

1. Keep the charm squares organized

The original pattern uses the fabrics in a planned sequence. Number the squares or place them in labeled stacks before cutting. This simple step helps prevent color-placement mistakes once you begin sewing the blocks.

2. Read about partial seams first

Some blocks begin with a partial seam, which is left open temporarily while the other patches are added around the center. The remaining part of that first seam is completed near the end. Practicing the technique on scrap fabric can make the first block much less intimidating.

For an illustrated explanation, see Jinny Beyer Studio’s sewing tips.

3. Check your quarter-inch seam allowance

Small differences in seam width can affect how the blocks fit together, especially when several units meet in the same row. Test your seam allowance with scraps before starting the quilt blocks. Our guide may help: How to Sew an Accurate 1/4-Inch Seam Allowance for Quilting.

4. Follow the layout diagram carefully

Lay out and label the blocks before joining them. The pattern notes that blocks in alternating columns are rotated, so use the assembly diagram rather than relying on memory. Take a photograph of the complete layout before moving the pieces to the sewing machine.

5. Take your time with the borders

The multicolored borders are an important part of the finished design. Measure and mark carefully, keep the fabric order consistent, and follow the pattern’s method for the mitered corners. Avoid stretching the quilt top while attaching the borders.

How to Approach the Quilt Assembly

1. Study the PDF: review the fabric list, cutting diagrams, block construction, assembly layout, and border method before beginning.
2. Prepare and label the pieces: keep the charm squares and cut units organized in the sequence shown in the pattern.
3. Make a test block: check the partial-seam technique and confirm that the unit matches the pattern measurements before making the remaining blocks.
4. Arrange the blocks: place the blocks according to the layout diagram and check the orientation of each column.
5. Join the rows and add the borders: work steadily, checking alignment as you go.
6. Quilt and bind: layer the quilt top, batting, and backing, quilt as desired, then finish the edges with binding.

This is a project guide, not a replacement for the designer’s instructions. Use the original PDF for exact cutting dimensions, fabric quantities, and the complete construction sequence.

Is the Harlequin Charm Quilt Beginner-Friendly?

The pattern describes the project as suitable for a wide range of quilters, but beginners may want to be comfortable with accurate piecing before starting. Partial seams and mitered borders are manageable techniques when followed carefully, yet they require more attention than a basic square-grid quilt. If this is your first project using either technique, practice on scraps first and take the quilt one stage at a time.

More Quilting Guides

• How to Read a Quilt Pattern: A Beginner’s Guide
• Should You Press Quilt Seams Open or to the Side?
• Quilt Binding for Beginners: Easy Mitered Corners

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Harlequin Charm Quilt pattern free?

Yes. Jinny Beyer Studio provides the original Harlequin Charm pattern as a free PDF download. Use the official link near the beginning of this article.

What size charm squares does the pattern use?

The pattern is designed for five-inch charm squares. Check the PDF for the full fabric requirements and cutting directions before substituting other precuts.

Do I need to keep the charm squares in order?

Yes, if you want to follow the original color sequence. Label the squares or keep them in numbered stacks so they do not get mixed up while cutting and sewing.

What is a partial seam?

A partial seam is a seam that is intentionally left unfinished at first so other pieces can be added around a center unit. It is completed after those pieces are attached. Jinny Beyer’s sewing tips explain the technique visually.

Can I use a different charm pack?

You can choose different fabrics, but the color placement will change from the original. Keep the pieces organized, plan the colors before sewing, and use the official PDF for construction and measurements.

Final Thoughts

The Harlequin Charm Quilt is a rewarding way to explore the possibilities of coordinated five-inch squares. Its carefully arranged colors, framed blocks, and multicolored borders create a classic geometric look, while the partial seams offer a useful technique to add to your quilting skills.

Download the original free pattern, organize your fabrics before cutting, and follow the diagrams step by step. With accurate seams and patient border work, you can enjoy making your own version of this distinctive charm quilt.