Step 1
For this project I cut my front and backing fabric to 12.5″x16.5″ rectangles.
Materials
To add a bit of volume and weight to the placemats I used this fantastic Warm & Natural cotton batting. I cut the batting a 1/4″ smaller around than the top and backing fabric for a 16″x12″ rectangle.
Step 2
After cutting, lay the three layers out and iron flat.
Step 3
I used a free form amoeba like pattern when quilting the layers together. It’s important to make sure that the layers stay flat together while quilting, to make sure that the placemat will lay flat after quilting.
After Ironing
Once the layers are quilted together iron the placemat flat again.
Step 4
After having been quilted and ironed flat, your placemats are ready for binding.
Step 5
I used a pre-folded double fold bias tape to create the bound edge on these placemats. There are several ways to attache the binding, I pinned mine in place and sewed straight down, making sure that the thread was correctly sewing on both the front and back of the placemat.
Step 5 – Cont.
I used a pre-folded double fold bias tape to create the bound edge on these placemats. There are several ways to attache the binding, I pinned mine in place and sewed straight down, making sure that the thread was correctly sewing on both the front and back of the placemat.
Mitered Corners
I created a (admittedly inexact) mitered corner by folding the bias tape in on itself. One hint for the process is to fold it in place and then continue sewing straight to the corner. When you get there, leave the needle down in the fabric, raise your presser foot, and rotate the placemat 90º then lower the presser foot and continue sewing.
The Finished Product
Placemats make great presents for birthdays, christmas, and especially housewarmings. Enjoy!