Step 1: Look for fabric scraps with stripes to use as the base for a flag. A contrasting background fabric that is not too busy will help the flag stand out. The striped fabric can be cut into a rectangle about 3” wide x 4” long. A zig zag stitch can then be used around the rectangle twice, stitching it onto the middle of the main fabric square.

Step 2: Cut a 1 ½” square for the blue section of a flag desgin.

TIP: For making tight turns around corners, it is helpful to stop at the end of the seam with the needle down through the fabric so the maker can pivot without causing a jump in the seam.

Step 3: Trace stars from a simple star pattern or draw stars with disappearing ink marker.

Step 4: Cut the fabric stars, then pin them or use a glue stick to hold them still for the sewing machine.

Step 5: Stitch around the stars twice with a straight stitch.

Step 6: It is time to layer the batting and backing. The top decorated square should be the smallest. Everything will be squared up together once it has been quilted. A simple grid stitched through the layers works for this.

Step 7: Next, the edges can be trimmed and squared up. The maker can stop here and bind, or, if the process is especially enjoyable, set this piece aside to bind later and start another one.

TIP: Another fun technique is reverse applique. Instead of cutting out shapes to place on top of the main fabric, the maker traces the desired shape on the main fabric, pins the applique fabric to the back, sews around the shape, and cuts away the main fabric on top to reveal the applique fabric beneath it.

APPLIQUE Step 8: Start with the main square and draw out the desired decorative shapes. The accent fabric should be placed behind the main fabric, with its right side facing up as well.

APPLIQUE Step 9: The fabric should be pinned in place and sewn around the shape outline.

APPLIQUE Step 10: The main fabric should be cut away very carefully, so the accent fabric is not cut. Pinch both fabrics and separate them. When only the main fabric is between the fingers, a small hole can be carefully snipped into the main fabric. The scissors can then be slowly slid in to cut around the shape and reveal the reverse applique decoration. Cut access lines to help reach any tight areas, and then the maker can cut as close to the seam as possible, laying the scissors slightly on their side.

TIP: One more trivet can be made before moving on to binding.

After trying two fun applique techniques on solid main fabrics, the maker can explore a quilted base.

QUILTED BASE Step 11: Four 5” squares can be sewn together for the base of the last trivet.

QUILTED BASE Step 12: This version allows the maker to play with layering. Instead of sewing the pieces down one at a time, they can all be pinned at once, with the stitching echoing the overlaps, or however it is preferred.

Binding Step 13: Cut the binding to 2 ½ or 2 ¼ inches wide, then fold and iron in half. On one end, open the fold and turn one corner in, meeting it with the opposite edge to make a pocket. If the binding will be hand stitched to the back with an invisible stitch, it should be sewn to the front first. If the binding will be machine stitched all the way through for a quicker finish, it should be sewn to the back of the trivets. Start with the pocket open, securing it down before folding the binding back in half. The pocket should not be sewn shut; the seam should begin a bit further below the pocket, so it stays open for securing the end of the binding.

Step 14: At each corner, stop about one quarter inch away from the edge and backstitch. The binding should then be folded up, parallel to the edge of the trivet.

Step 15: Fold the binding back down so it follows the next edge of the trivet. Continue sewing and backstitch for added security.

Step 16: Trim any excess binding so the tail fits easily.

Step 17: Tuck the tail into the pocket before the side is finished. Then, the binding can be folded out and popped over the corners. Press with an iron. 

Step 18: To sew around the corners, fold the binding over the side and continue the fold straight out. The other side should be folded in to meet in the middle. Take care not to push out the fabric from the first fold.

Step 19: Stitch the binding, sewing as close to the edge as possible. The needle should stay down when turning the corners. If the machine has decorative stitches, they can be featured here on the binding finish.

The trivets are now complete and ready to make the table feel warm and nostalgic while keeping it cool and protected from hot pans. This project offers many possibilities for incorporating applique into future sewing projects.

And you’re done! Congratulations on making the Americana Applique Trivets!