In this first video of my Halloween Place Mats by JuJu series, I’m getting us started with the foot/boot block and showing you exactly how I stitch it out as a machine appliqué. If you’ve been curious about appliqué in-the-hoop style projects, this is a really fun one because you get quick results, but you still learn loads about placement, layering, and getting a neat finish. I’m doing mine a little differently, because I’m using Pellon Flex-Foam stabiliser to give the placemat a lovely padded, structured feel. I talk you through my approach to materials and why I’ve chosen foam rather than a more standard stabiliser, and I share the practical bits that make the difference—keeping your fabric choices bold and Halloween-y, watching your alignment as the block builds, and taking your time so the edges stay crisp. If you want a project that’s playful but still teaches solid appliqué habits, this boot block is a great place to begin, and you can carry the same method into the rest of the set.