Fresh Salsa Table Topper
Finished Size: 42 1/2" x 42 1/2"
Bring spice to your table with this red-hot topper, garnished with zesty appliqués. We used quick-and-easy methods for both piecing and appliqué, so you can cook up your own version in no time flat. Add a basket of chips, your homemade salsa, and a cool beverage of your choice- the results are “instant fiesta!”
Cutting Instructions
Read all instructions before beginning and use 1/4"-wide seam allowances throughout. Read Cutting Strips and Pieces prior to cutting fabrics.
Getting Started
This table topper features a center block surrounded by a series of borders in varying fabrics and widths. Refer to Accurate Seam Allowance. Whenever possible, use the Assembly Line Method. Press seams in direction of arrows.
The appliqués are added with fusible web and finished with decorative machine stitching.
The backing is sewn right sides together with the top and turned; there is no batting or binding. We stitched-in-the-ditch in a few key seams to hold the two layers together.
Assembly
- Sew one 5" Fabric B square between two 5" Fabric A squares as shown. Press.
Make two.
- Refer to Quick Corner Triangles. Sew two 2 3/4" Fabric C squares to opposite corners of 5" Fabric D square as shown. Press. Sew two 2 3/4" Fabric C squares to remaining corners. Press.
- Sew unit from step 2 between two 5" Fabric B squares as shown. Press.
- Sew together two 5" x 14" Fabric C strips, two units from step 1, and unit from step 3 as shown. Press.
- Sew 2 3/4" Fabric D squares and 2 3/4" Fabric E squares together in pairs as shown. Press. Make eight. Sew two units together. Press. Make four.
- Making quick corner triangle units, sew two 2 3/4" Fabric C squares to opposite corners of each unit from step 5 as shown. Press. Sew two 2 3/4" Fabric C squares to remaining corners. Press. Make four.
- Sew one 5" x 14" Fabric C strip between two units from step 6 as shown, noting color placement. Press. Make two.
- Sew unit from step 4 between two units from step 7 as shown. Press.
- Refer to Adding the Borders. Measure quilt through center from side to side. Cut two 1 1/2" x 42" Second Border strips to that measurement. Sew to top and bottom of quilt. Press seams toward Second Border.
- Measure quilt through center from top to bottom, including borders just added. Cut two 1 1/2"-wide Second Border strips to that measurement. Sew to sides of quilt. Press.
- Refer to steps 9 and 10 to measure, trim, and sew 3 1/2"-wide Third Border strip and 1 1/2"-wide Fourth Border strips to top, bottom, and sides of quilt. Press seams toward last border added.
- Sew 5 1/2" x 42" Outside Border strips end-to-end to make one continuous 5 1/2"-wide strip. Repeat steps 9 and 10 to measure, trim, and sew Outside Border strips to top, bottom, and sides of quilt. Press.
Adding the Appliqués
Refer to Appliqué Instructions. Our instructions are for Quick-Fuse Appliqué, but if you prefer hand appliqué, add 1/4"-wide seam allowances.
- Trace Tomato and Chili Patterns. Cut four tomatoes and four chilies from red scraps. Cut four tomato stems and four chili stems from green scraps. (see patterns download below).
- Referring to photo and layout, position and fuse appliqués. Finish edges with machine satin stitch or other decorative stitching as desired.
Layering and Finishing
- Layer top and backing right sides together. Using 1/4" seam, sew around edges leaving 6" opening for turning. Clip corners, turn, and press. Hand stitch opening closed.
- Stitch-in-the-ditch around and through nine-patch center and along side of second and fourth borders to anchor top to backing, if desired.
Finished Size: 42 1/2" x 42 1/2"
Website visitors have permission to print this project for personal use only. This project may not be copied or otherwise reproduced without the express written permission of Debbie Mumm®.
