Instructions

Step One

NOTE:

This project uses ½” seam allowances, except where noted.
Use a pressing cloth if necessary and test all fabrics before pressing.

Download the pattern for the lily pad and the flower. Print the pattern twice – once for the flower and one for the lily pad. Cut the patterns separately.

Please read the instructions below before beginning. Gather the materials and supplies.

Step Two

Cut the fabric as follows:

Cut 2 pieces of Shield Liner Fabric measuring 65” by 29”
*Cut the top main fabric to measure 65” by 29”
*Cut 4 flowers
*Cut 5 lily pads (1 is for the lining of the pocket or you can use a coordinating fabric.) If you are alternating the pattern as shown in the picture, turn the pattern over for 2 of the pads and the pocket lining.
From the nylon webbing cut the following.
- 2 pieces 10”
- 4 pieces 19”
From the Velcro cut:
- 4 pieces 3”
- 6 pieces 1”

*NOTE: If you are using a fabric with a nap, make sure that it is all going in the same direction.

Determine Nap Before Cutting or Sewing

Step Three

Apply a stop-fraying glue to the ends of the nylon webbing.

Use Stop-Fraying on Edges of Webbing

Step Four

Spray the back of one piece of Shield Liner fabric with a temporary spray adhesive. Stick the back of the Shield Liner fabric to the back of the main fabric with wrong sides together. The main fabric will now be considered as one piece of fabric and will be referred to as the main fabric.

Step Five

Applique the flowers to the right side of the lily pad fabric. Centering the flowers on the lily pads.

Applique the Flowers to the Lily Pad

NOTE: Temporary spray adhesive should be used to keep the flowers in place while appliqueing.

Use a Box to Spray Temporary Adhesive

Step Six

LILY PAD POCKET: Make the lily pad pocket by sewing two pieces of the lily pad fabric together with the right sides together and leaving a 1 1/2” opening on the bottom. Turn the fabric right side out, clip corners and the point. Press. Topstitch. Note: You do not need to sew the pocket closed as it will be closed when it is topstiched.

Step Seven

Determine the placement of the lily pads by laying the fabric out flat and placing the bumper pads on top. The lily pads should be placed in the center of the bumper pads. See placement in finished picture. Decide where the pocket should be placed.

Use Pads to Determine Placement of Lily Pads

TIP: If using a nap fabric, trace around the pattern with a blunt object; otherwise, a Frixion Erasable pen.

Trace the Pattern on the Nap of the Main Fabric

NOTE: Temporary spray adhesive should be used to keep the lily pads in place while appliqueing, but do not use it for the pocket.

Step Eight

Applique the lily pads on to the main fabric top.

Applique the Lily Pad the Main Fabric

Sew the pocket in place by starting at point A and ending at point B using and 1/8” topstitch.

Sew the Pocket to the Main Fabric, but not within the Clips

Step Nine

Place the main fabric wrong side up. Turn the left side of the fabric under ½” and stitch down.

Hem Stitch the Main Fabric

Do the same for the Shield Liner fabric. Note: If you are using a fabric that frays, turn it under ¼” and then ¼” again, then topstitch.

Hem Stitch the Shield

Step Ten

HANDLES: Fold the nylon webbing in half and topstitch 1/8” from each side edge starting 2” from the top and ending 2” from the bottom.

Fold the Handle in Half Leaving 2″ Each End

Topstitch the Handles on Both Sides

Center the handles along the edge of the top and bottom of the main fabric allowing for a 3 ½” opening.

Center the Handles and Space 4″ Apart

Pin the handles facing towards the center and stitch in place.

Stitch Straps to Edge of Main fabric

Step Eleven

Take two pieces of nylon webbing measuring 19” and place on the top edge of the main fabric 6” from the side. Pin in place and stitch.

Pin Straps 61/2″ from the Edge

Step Twelve

Tape the handles and straps in place so that they do not get sewn into the seams or into the bumper seams.

Secure Handle & Straps with Painter’s Tape

Step Thirteen

If the main fabric is not white, place a white bobbin in and use the thread to match the main fabric, or vice versa.

Bobbin Thread and Top Thread Should Match the Fabrics on Top and Bottom

Place the main fabric and the Shield Liner fabric with right sides together. Stitch along 3 sides, leaving the side that was stitched under open. Turn right side out, clip inside corners only, and press. NOTE: Do not topstitch.

Sew the Shield to the Main Fabric

Step Fourteen

Fold the straps up and tape them in place so that they also do not caught into the seam for the NuFoam pads.

Step Fifteen

Place the mat with the Shield Liner fabric facing up. Place the 6 bumper pads on top to determine seam allowance placement. Mark the top and the bottom of the center of each bumper pad where they meet with a Frixion erasable pen. There will be 5 lines running horizontally across the pads. Pin along these lines.

Mark the Seams for the Panels with an Erasable Frixion Pen

Remove the pads. Double check that the measurement between the marks is a minimum of 10 ½”. Adjust if necessary. Using a long yardstick draw a line between the marks with the Frixion pen.

Step Sixteen

Stitch along the 5 lines with a straight stitch. Remove the pen marks by pressing with the iron.

Sew the Seams on the Marked Lines for the the Panels

Step Seventeen

Add Velcro to the Inside of Each Panel Opening

Add the 1” Velcro strips to the inside center of each bumper pad opening with the adhesive facing towards the inside fabric. Add the hook part to one side and the loop part to the other.

Step Eighteen

Add the 3” Velcro strips to the straps with one facing up and one facing down.

Sew Velcro Strips to the Strap Ends

Stitch the Velcro in place for extra strength. Insert NuFoam Pads into each panel and secure closed with Velcro.

Step Nineteen

You can make Freddie the Frog to hide in the pocket. See the Link below.

Back to School Lily Pad Nap Mat

The mat can be folded in multiple ways to create different effects and it can be closed in either direction depending if you would like the Shield Liner fabric for protection on the outside.