Step 1: Gather your materials.

Step 2: Print the provided templates. The template includes the pumpkin-shaped placemat and three jack-o’-lantern face options. Print all 6 pages on Letter-size paper at 100% scale (or Actual Size). 

Step 3: Cut out the placemat template. Cut around the outer line of each (6) template with paper scissors. 

Step 4: Tape the template pages together. Using clear or washi tape, assemble the pages in the following order: A1 → A2 → A3 and B1 → B2 → B3. Then join the A row to the B row. Use the glue tabs and alignment markers to guide you.

Step 5: Trace the placemat shape. Place the placemat template on the right side of the orange fabric and trace around the entire template using the water-soluble fabric marker or chalk pencil. 

Step 6: Trace the facial features. Choose two eyes and one mouth from the three facial feature options provided. Cut out your selected templates using paper scissors. Place each template on the appropriate fabric and trace around the shape. Carefully cut out each facial feature along the traced line. 

Step 7: Place the facial features. Place the orange fabric on your work surface and arrange the facial features inside the traced pumpkin shape. Experiment with their placement until you are happy with your jack-o’-lantern’s expression. Use a small amount of Liquid Stitch to secure each piece in place. 

Step 8: Appliqué the facial features. Using black thread, sew around each facial feature with a zigzag or appliqué stitch. Work slowly and carefully, keeping the stitching close to the raw edge of each piece. 💡 Keeping your stitches close to the edge helps prevent the appliqué fabric from fraying and gives the facial features a clean, finished look. 

Step 9: Stitch the placemat shape. Sew around the pumpkin shape ¼" outside the traced line.

Step 10: Assemble the quilt sandwich. On your cutting mat, layer the pieces in the following order: foam/batting → backing fabric, right side up → orange fabric, wrong side up.

Step 11: Sew around the placemat. Align the layers and pin them securely together. Using a straight stitch, sew ¼" outside the traced line, leaving a 4" opening along one side of the pumpkin. You will use this opening to turn the placemat right side out. 

Step 12: Trim the seam allowance. Trim around the sewn pumpkin shape, staying just outside the original line of stitching. 

Step 13: Clip the curves. Clip or notch the seam allowance around the curved edges as needed, approximately ¼" apart. At the stem, trim the top corners at a 45° angle to reduce bulk.

💡 Clipping and notching the seam allowance helps the curves lie smoothly once the placemat is turned right side out. 

Step 14: Turn the placemat right side out. Carefully pull the placemat through the 4" opening.

Step 15: Push out the curves. Use a turning tool or the end of a pencil to gently shape the curves and stem. Work carefully so you do not puncture the fabric or rip any stitches. Press the placemat. Gently press the placemat flat. Follow the heat recommendations for your batting or foam. 

Step 16: Prepare the opening. Fold the seam allowance at the opening toward the inside of the placemat, following the finished edge. Press if needed, then pin the opening closed. 

👉 Your pumpkin-shaped placemat base is ready! Let’s add some details.

QUILT THE PLACEMAT 

Step 17: Mark the quilting lines. Use a water-soluble fabric marker to mark quilting lines that mimic the natural grooves of a pumpkin. 

💡 Not happy with your quilting lines? Simply spray a little water over the markings and allow the ink to disappear. Press it with a hot iron to dry and redraw your lines.

Step 18: Quilt the placemat. Using a straight stitch or decorative stitch, quilt along the marked lines from edge to edge. Work consistently in the same direction, from top to bottom. Start with the innermost lines and work your way toward the outer edges.

💡 This is a great opportunity to experiment with the decorative stitches on your sewing machine and add extra detail to your placemat. Try matching thread for a subtle look or contrasting thread to make the quilting stand out.

Step 19: Finish the edge. Using a straight stitch, sew around the entire placemat ⅛" from the edge. This final topstitching closes the opening and creates a clean, finished edge around the placemat.

👉 Your placemat is ready! Make as many as you need for a spooky Halloween meal!

GET CREATIVE: You can easily alter this pattern to create a completely different look. Mix and match the facial features included with the template to give each pumpkin its own personality. For an extra patchwork look, piece together several orange fabrics until you have a 20" × 22" rectangle. Go scrappy or subtle, mix prints and solids, add decorative or embroidery stitches. Have fun making it your own.