ITH Placemat Embroidery Design – Andalusian, 11 Sizes

This digital ITH placemat embroidery design creates one finished round Andalusian table mat in 11 exact sizes. The download includes the embroidery files, the RPE-3266 Madeira color chart and illustrated PDF instructions; the front, backing and scalloped embroidered edge are assembled entirely in the hoop.

Exact sizes, stitches and file formats

Size: 178.3x178.3mm (7.02x7.02"), Stitches: 38939

Size: 198.3x198.4mm (7.81x7.81"), Stitches: 43198

Size: 217.9x217.9mm (8.58x8.58"), Stitches: 47225

Size: 237.8x237.9mm (9.36x9.37"), Stitches: 51354

Size: 257.9x257.9mm (10.15x10.15"), Stitches: 55626

Size: 278.0x278.0 mm (10.94x10.94 "), Stitches: 59767

Formats for the six sizes above: .dst, .pec, .vip, .hus, .pes, .exp, dat, jef, vp3, .sew, xxx

Size: 298.0x298.0 mm (11.73x11.73 "), Stitches: 64047

Size: 318.0x318.0 mm (12.52x12.52 "), Stitches: 68272

Size: 347.9x347.9 mm (13.70x13.70 "), Stitches: 74552

Size: 368.4x368.4mm (14.50x14.50"), Stitches: 80491

Size: 398.4x398.4mm (15.69x15.69"), Stitches: 86179

Format for the five sizes above: .dst

An embroidered placemat for Hermès tableware

The red-and-cream version was developed for a table where the textile needs to echo expressive porcelain without competing with it. Its circular arabesque and scalloped edge coordinate naturally with Hermès Balcon du Guadalquivir: Brick Red continues the porcelain's red rhythm, Cream White softens the contrast and the exposed linen keeps the setting visually open.

Both collections draw on Andalusian decorative culture—radial symmetry, scrollwork and the geometry of wrought-iron balconies—but this stitch composition is an original Royal Present Embroidery artwork. It is designed to complement Hermès tableware; it is not a copy of the porcelain decoration, an official collaboration or a licensed Hermès product.

Red and cream create the clearest connection with Balcon du Guadalquivir. Burgundy with ecru gives a quieter formal result; navy with silver-gray works for evening dining; terracotta with warm white suits natural flax linen. Leave a pale area visible around the plate—the open ground is what prevents the dense ornament from looking heavy.

Complete the Andalusian embroidery collection

Andalusian ITH Coaster – 7 Sizes Andalusian ITH Placemat – 9 Sizes Andalusian Ornament Applique – 8 Sizes

The program contains five color blocks in this order: 1039 → 1003 → 1248 → 1003 → 1039. The green block marks a construction stage; it is not a visible green detail in the finished red-and-white placemat.

Do not merge repeated colors with automatic color sorting. The second 1003 and 1039 blocks finish different construction stages after the backing has been attached and both fabric layers have been trimmed. Changing their order breaks the ITH assembly sequence.

Linen and stabilizer for a flat placemat

A reliable starting point is prewashed table linen or a stable linen-cotton blend around 180–240 g/m² (5.3–7.1 oz/yd²). A close, even weave supports 38,939–86,179 stitches and lets you trim both layers close to the securing line. Loose rustic linen tends to fray beneath the satin edge, while heavy upholstery fabric makes the cut edge bulky.

Use front and backing fabrics with similar weight and shrinkage, and preshrink both before cutting. A much lighter backing can pull a large mat into a shallow bowl after the stabilizer is removed; a much heavier backing produces a stiff, uneven rim.

The illustrated instructions use two layers of tear-away stabilizer with the front fabric. Madeira Cotton Soft or another firm household tear-away works well with stable woven linen. On the larger versions, keep the outer portion of the hoop level with the machine bed so the frame's weight does not pull against long circular outlines.

Illustrated in-the-hoop assembly

The official guide shows the backing-placement stage, trimming on both sides and completion of the scalloped embroidered edge.

Download the step-by-step PDF instructions

1. Fuse or baste two layers of tear-away stabilizer to the wrong side of the pressed front fabric, then hoop the layers without distorting the grain.
2. Stitch the decorative sequence up to the green construction outline and stop the machine before that stage.
3. Mist the wrong side of the backing with temporary embroidery adhesive and place it beneath the hoop, right side facing outward.
4. Stitch the securing outline with thread matching the fabric. Remove the hoop from the machine without opening it.
5. Trim the front and backing close to the outline on both sides. Leave roughly 1 mm (about 1/32 inch) at first, then remove stray fibers with small curved applique scissors.
6. Return the hoop to the machine, complete the scalloped edge and carefully tear away the remaining stabilizer.

Clean-back tip: the bobbin thread used for the final outlines is visible on the reverse. Wind a bobbin with the same thread as the top—or the closest practical shade—especially for the final Madeira 1039 Brick Red block.

Choosing a size for the plate

Choose by the diameter of the dinnerware and by the amount of arabesque you want to remain visible. The 178.3–217.9 mm (7.02–8.58 inch) sizes work as mats for cups, stemware, bread plates and dessert plates. The 237.8–278.0 mm (9.36–10.94 inch) versions suit tea settings and smaller plates. The 298.0–347.9 mm (11.73–13.70 inch) sizes provide a useful frame for many dinner plates, while 368.4–398.4 mm (14.50–15.69 inch) create a broader formal place setting.

For a quick visual check, cut a paper circle to the selected size and place the actual plate on it. The mockup immediately shows how much embroidery and scalloped edge will remain visible. Before making a full set, stitch one placemat, wash and press it, then use that finished piece as the production standard for the rest.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a sewing machine after the embroidery is finished?

No. The front, backing and embroidered scalloped edge are joined in the hoop according to the supplied sequence. After stitching, only stabilizer removal and final thread cleanup remain.

Why does the color chart list green for a red-and-white placemat?

Madeira 1248 Margarita Lime marks the construction stop used to position and secure the backing. The PDF instructs you to stitch this outline with thread matching the fabric, so bright green does not remain on the finished placemat.

How do I choose a placemat size for a specific plate?

Measure the plate's outside diameter and place it on a paper template cut to one of the exact design sizes. Select the version that leaves the preferred amount of arabesque and scalloped edge exposed.

Does the design coordinate with Hermès Balcon du Guadalquivir?

Yes. The Brick Red and Cream White palette, radial arabesque and Andalusian character were chosen to complement this tableware. The embroidery is an independent Royal Present design and does not reproduce the porcelain decoration.

How should the finished placemat be washed?

Wash on a delicate cycle at up to 30 °C / 86 °F without chlorine bleach. Reshape immediately, dry flat and press slightly damp linen from the reverse through a cotton cloth.