Since this months magazine issue was all about boys, I had to include a play mat. Both my boys have loved these— and really they are so super simple to whip up and use a bit of your own imagination when adding the applique shapes.
There are two here that I am sharing the free pattern and tutorial and templates for —the outer space play mat and the treasure island play mat.
First things first— you need a ‘perfect’ background for these. I found a wonderful outer space fabric that couldn’t be any better! For the Treasure Island Play mat i found some water fabric. Take a look around and find something that will make your play mat sewing easier. Some more ideas: sky fabric, glow in the dark, brown variagated for dirt hills, green batik for forests– etc. get the idea? We all love a good challenge and this will most definitly make the fabric hunt exciting! lol
The Outer Space one shows off a couple of planets and a Star Trek style of space ship.
The treasure Island is all about a few islands, how about some shark fins and a sinking ship.
The idea of play mats is to keep them simple. Don’t over accessorize them. The kiddos need a bit of space for their own ‘dudes’, ships, and anything else that jumps into their minds.
To keep it a bit more interesting make the larger islands and planets go off of the edge of the play mat.
The templates for both mats are included in the download {not the large islands though}
To make your planets– find something round and use that as a template
To make the islands– cut it round and then make the edges bumpy.

Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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Cute idea!
Thought you might want to know that the “download” link give a 404 error – page not found.
Darlene
thanks! fixing it now–