Quick & Easy Fabric Scrap Leaves: Autumn Table Topper Tutorial

Updated at: 13/05/2025

Autumn's vibrant hues are a beautiful inspiration for crafting, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a charming table topper? This tutorial guides you through creating quick and easy fabric scrap leaves, perfect for adding a touch of autumnal warmth to your home décor. Forget fussy projects and complicated patterns; these leaves are surprisingly simple to make, even for beginners, utilizing leftover fabric scraps you likely already have on hand. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform those scraps into a delightful, personalized table topper that's sure to impress.

Using just a few basic supplies and some straightforward sewing techniques, you can create a stunning centerpiece in a fraction of the time you might expect. This project is ideal for crafters of all skill levels, and the customizable nature of fabric choices allows you to perfectly match your existing autumnal decorations or create a unique, one-of-a-kind piece. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to craft your beautiful fabric scrap leaf table topper.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Scrap fabrics
  • Low loft batting
  • Fabric scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp scissors or rotary cutter to prevent injury when cutting fabric. Keep fingers away from the blade.
  • If using a sewing machine, ensure your fingers are clear of the needle at all times. Use a needle appropriate for your fabric weight.
  • Handle hot glue with care. Avoid touching the hot glue or the glue gun barrel while it's in use. Use a heat-resistant surface.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Materials

    • Prepare fabric and batting squares. Cut fabric scraps (approximately 4x4 or 5x4 inches) and low loft batting to the same size. Different colors can be used for a more varied look.
    Prepare fabric and batting squares. Cut fabric scraps (approximately 4x4 or 5x4 inches) and low loft batting to the same size. Different colors can be used for a more varied look.
    Prepare Materials

  2. Layer and Cut Leaves

    • Layer the fabrics and batting. Place one fabric square right-side up, add the batting, and top with another fabric square right-side up.
    • Cut out leaf shapes. Freehand cut leaf shapes from the layered fabric and batting. Good fabric scissors are recommended for clean cuts.
    Cut out leaf shapes. Freehand cut leaf shapes from the layered fabric and batting. Good fabric scissors are recommended for clean cuts.Cut out leaf shapes. Freehand cut leaf shapes from the layered fabric and batting. Good fabric scissors are recommended for clean cuts.
    Layer and Cut Leaves

  3. Trim and Prepare for Sewing

    • Separate and trim. Carefully separate the leaf layers, remove the batting, and trim approximately ¼ inch around the edges of the fabric leaves. This ensures the batting doesn’t show after sewing.
    Separate and trim. Carefully separate the leaf layers, remove the batting, and trim approximately ¼ inch around the edges of the fabric leaves. This ensures the batting doesn’t show after sewing.
    Trim and Prepare for Sewing

  4. Sew the Leaves

    • Sew the leaf. Reassemble the fabric layers, aligning the edges. Stitch around the perimeter of the leaf approximately ¼ inch from the edge. Use a contrasting thread color to highlight the leaf's veins and outline.
    Sew the leaf. Reassemble the fabric layers, aligning the edges. Stitch around the perimeter of the leaf approximately ¼ inch from the edge. Use a contrasting thread color to highlight the leaf's veins and outline.
    Sew the Leaves

  5. Add Veining Details

    • Create leaf veins. Stitch along the center vein of the leaf, and optionally add additional stitching to create more detailed veins.
    Create leaf veins. Stitch along the center vein of the leaf, and optionally add additional stitching to create more detailed veins.
    Add Veining Details

  6. Finish and Clean Up

    • Trim excess threads. Trim any excess threads from the front and back of the leaf, and neaten the edges of the leaf to remove any fabric shifting that occurred during sewing.
    Trim excess threads. Trim any excess threads from the front and back of the leaf, and neaten the edges of the leaf to remove any fabric shifting that occurred during sewing.
    Finish and Clean Up

Read more: DIY Picture Frame from Oat Cartons and Fabric: A Simple & Unique Craft

Tips

  • Use low-loft batting to avoid a bulky leaf.
  • Sharp scissors are essential for clean leaf shapes.
  • Perfect leaf shapes aren't necessary; natural variations add charm.
  • Backstitch at the beginning and end for secure seams.
  • A contrasting thread color makes the stitching more visible and enhances the leaf's details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Leaf Shapes

Reason: Cutting fabric scraps freehand without a template can lead to leaves that are inconsistently sized and shaped.
Solution: Use a simple leaf template or pattern to ensure consistent leaf shapes.

2. Inconsistent Stitching

Reason: Rushing the sewing process or using an improper stitch length can result in loose or uneven seams.
Solution: Use a consistent stitch length and take your time when sewing the leaves together.

FAQs

Can I use different types of fabric for the leaves?
Absolutely! Using a variety of fabrics, like cotton, flannel, or even felt, adds texture and visual interest to your table topper. Just be mindful that thicker fabrics might require a slightly adjusted seam allowance.