Placemats are a practical and decorative addition to your dining table, and sewing your own allows you to customize them to your style and needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, placemats are an easy sewing project that can be completed in a short amount of time. Plus, they make wonderful gifts for the holidays or other special occasions.
Here’s a guide to easy placemats to sew, with step-by-step instructions and creative ideas to make your dining experience more delightful.
1. Basic Fabric Placemats
This simple project is perfect for beginners and can be done in under an hour.
Materials Needed
- Cotton or linen fabric (½ yard per placemat)
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Measuring tape
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Iron
How to Make It
- Cut the Fabric: Cut two rectangles of fabric, each measuring 14×20 inches, for one placemat.
- Layer the Fabric: Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together.
- Sew Around the Edges: Sew along the edges, leaving a 3-inch opening for turning. Use a ½-inch seam allowance.
- Turn Right Side Out: Turn the placemat right side out and press with an iron.
- Topstitch: Sew a decorative topstitch around the edges to close the opening and secure the fabric layers.
2. Reversible Placemats
Make your placemats versatile by using two coordinating fabrics for a reversible design.
Materials Needed
- Two different cotton fabrics (½ yard each per placemat)
- Batting or fusible interfacing (optional for added thickness)
- Sewing machine
How to Make It
- Cut Fabric: Cut one rectangle of each fabric and one rectangle of batting, each measuring 14×20 inches.
- Layer and Sew: Stack the layers (batting in the middle) and sew them together, leaving a small gap.
- Turn and Press: Turn the placemat right side out and press with an iron.
- Topstitch: Sew around the edges to secure and add a finished look.
Tip: Use contrasting fabrics for each side to give your table two looks in one.
3. Quilted Placemats
Quilted placemats are durable and add a cozy, handmade touch to your table.
Materials Needed
- Cotton fabric (front and back)
- Batting or fusible fleece
- Sewing machine
- Quilting pins or clips
How to Make It
- Cut the Layers: Cut one rectangle of fabric for the front, one for the back, and one batting piece, all measuring 14×20 inches.
- Layer the Pieces: Place the front and back fabrics right sides out, with the batting in between.
- Quilt the Layers: Use a sewing machine to sew straight lines or decorative patterns through all layers.
- Bind the Edges: Finish the edges with bias tape or a folded fabric binding.
Tip: Experiment with different quilting patterns, like diagonal lines, crosshatches, or free-motion designs.
4. Patchwork Placemats
Use fabric scraps to create unique, colorful placemats with a patchwork design.
Materials Needed
- Assorted fabric scraps
- Backing fabric
- Sewing machine
How to Make It
- Cut Squares or Strips: Cut your fabric scraps into squares or strips.
- Sew the Pieces Together: Sew the fabric pieces together to form a 14×20-inch rectangle. Press the seams flat.
- Add Backing: Sew the patchwork top to a backing fabric, right sides together, leaving a gap for turning.
- Topstitch: Turn the placemat right side out and topstitch around the edges.
Tip: Use fabrics in a similar color scheme for a cohesive look or mix patterns for a bold statement.
5. No-Sew Placemats
If you don’t have a sewing machine or are short on time, you can make placemats without stitching.
Materials Needed
- Felt or sturdy fabric
- Fabric glue or fusible webbing
- Scissors
How to Make It
- Cut the Fabric: Cut the fabric into rectangles measuring 14×20 inches.
- Seal the Edges: Use pinking shears to create a decorative edge or apply fabric glue to prevent fraying.
- Decorate: Add embellishments like ribbon, trim, or appliqué using glue.
Tip: Use waterproof or wipeable fabric for easy cleaning.
6. Holiday-Themed Placemats
Create placemats for special occasions using holiday-themed fabrics and embellishments.
Materials Needed
- Holiday fabric (Christmas, Thanksgiving, or other seasonal prints)
- Fusible interfacing (optional)
- Sewing machine
How to Make It
- Follow the steps for basic or reversible placemats.
- Add decorative touches like embroidery, appliqué, or trim.
Idea: For Christmas, sew placemats with plaid or snowflake prints, and add a lace trim for a festive touch.
7. Round Placemats
Round placemats are stylish and work well with circular tables.
Materials Needed
- Cotton or linen fabric
- Circular template (e.g., a large bowl or plate)
- Sewing machine
How to Make It
- Cut the Fabric: Use a template to cut two circles of fabric (16 inches in diameter).
- Layer and Sew: Place the circles right sides together and sew around the edge, leaving a small opening.
- Turn and Finish: Turn the placemat right side out and topstitch the edge to close the gap.
Tip: Add batting between the layers for thickness.
8. Laminated Placemats
Laminated or wipeable placemats are great for kids or everyday use.
Materials Needed
- Cotton fabric
- Iron-on vinyl or laminate
- Sewing machine
How to Make It
- Cut the Fabric: Cut your fabric into 14×20-inch rectangles.
- Apply Laminate: Follow the instructions to iron the laminate onto the fabric.
- Finish the Edges: Use bias tape or fold and sew the edges to create a clean finish.
Tip: Choose bright, playful patterns for a kid-friendly look.
9. Fringed Placemats
Fringed placemats are stylish and don’t require hemming.
Materials Needed
- Linen or burlap fabric
- Ruler and scissors
How to Make It
- Cut the Fabric: Cut the fabric into 14×20-inch rectangles.
- Create the Fringe: Pull a few threads from each edge to create a fringe.
- Secure the Fringe: Stitch a straight line close to the fringe to prevent further fraying.
Tip: Use contrasting thread for a decorative touch.
10. Personalized Placemats
Add a special touch by personalizing your placemats with monograms or custom designs.
Materials Needed
- Plain fabric placemats
- Fabric paint or embroidery thread
- Stencils (optional)
How to Make It
- Sew or purchase plain fabric placemats.
- Use fabric paint and stencils to add designs, initials, or holiday-themed images.
- Let the paint dry completely before use.
Tip: For a sophisticated look, embroider the monogram instead of painting it.
FAQs
1. What size should a placemat be?
The standard size for a rectangular placemat is 12×18 or 14×20 inches. Round placemats are typically 15–16 inches in diameter.
2. What type of fabric is best for placemats?
Cotton, linen, and canvas are durable and easy to sew. For a fancier look, try satin or velvet.
3. Can I make placemats without batting?
Yes! Batting is optional, but it adds thickness and durability.
4. How do I keep placemats from fraying?
Use pinking shears or finish the edges with a hem or bias tape to prevent fraying.
5. Can I use fabric scraps for placemats?
Absolutely! Patchwork placemats are a great way to use up fabric scraps.
6. Are placemats suitable for beginners?
Yes! Placemats are simple to sew and a great project for learning basic sewing techniques.
7. How do I clean fabric placemats?
Most fabric placemats are machine washable, but check the care instructions for specific fabrics.
8. How long does it take to sew a placemat?
A basic placemat takes about 20–30 minutes to sew, while more detailed designs may take longer.
9. Can I sell handmade placemats?
Yes! Handmade placemats are popular at craft fairs and online shops.
10. How do I store placemats?
Lay placemats flat or roll them to avoid creases.